Crohn’s disease / Education / Flush The Stigma / Got Guts / IBD Awareness, / Lifestyle / Support / ulcerative colitis
“I can’t stress enough the importance of advocating for oneself” – Charlotte’s story
Fortunately, through relentless self-advocacy and the search for answers about my condition, I finally connected with a gastroenterologist who truly listened to my concerns. She identified 13cm of inflammation in my colon and diagnosed me with active colitis. My gastroenterologist advocated for me and – since beginning my treatment with Infliximab infusions – I am grateful to be in remission.
Charlotte
Education / Flush The Stigma / Got Guts / IBD Awareness, / ileostomy / Lifestyle / ostomy / Surgery / ulcerative colitis
“Having to learn to live life in a completely different way takes a heavy mental toll” – Emily’s story
It’s been a long journey to get to where I am today, but I’m proud to say I’m back to feeling strong and fit and pushing myself to do things I never thought possible.
Emily
“I’m reminded I am not just a Crohn’s person” – Rhiannon’s story
Life can still be beautiful and fulfilling with a chronic illness.
Rhiannon
Flush The Stigma / Got Guts / IBD Awareness, / Lifestyle / Medication / Support / ulcerative colitis
“Keeping your emotions and thoughts bottled up can hurt more than the disease itself” – Josh’s story
To anyone battling UC, or any invisible illness, I want you to know: You are not alone.
Josh
Crohn’s disease / Education / Flush The Stigma / IBD Awareness, / Lifestyle / Medication / Support / Youth
“So many people will support you through this journey” – Jennifer’s story
Throughout this process I have learnt that people care about you and are there to support you.
Jennifer
“It’s made me stronger than ever” – Teo’s story
Between 2019 and 2021, I was diagnosed with arthritis, a liver disease and HS skin disease. However, I finally entered into remission this year. It’s been one wild ride, but I wouldn’t change it because it’s made me stronger than ever. I love my Crohn’s Disease as it’s a part of me.
Teo
“It’s important to know when you’re not okay, and to seek help during these times.” – Jackie’s story
For me, it’s so important to have people that I can turn to -to know that I’m not alone. I’d advise people to lean on their support network whenever they can. I’d also suggest doing your own research to remain informed, and to advocate for yourself. It’s important to know when you’re not okay, and to seek help during these times.
Jackie
“It took a long, long time for me to learn to only take on one task at a time and start living in the slower lane” – Sue-Ellen’s story
I’m still working 2 part time jobs (hope to stop soon), have a reasonably healthy diet and regularly exercise (swim 1-2km most days, gym twice a week, walk, and go on the occasional bike ride). My health is pretty good and manageable. We are now empty-nesters and enjoy going on regular camping trips with our camper. We also enjoy bushwalks and ocean swims.
Sue-Ellen
Crohn’s disease / Flush The Stigma / Got Guts / IBD Awareness, / ileostomy / Lifestyle / Surgery / Travel
“If I can channel that frustration into something positive, that would be great” – Henry’s story
“If I can channel that frustration into something positive, that would be great” – Henry’s story My journey with Crohn’s…
Henry
“There will always be a way to achieve your dreams” – Jameson’s story
No matter what goals in life you may have, what hobbies and interests you are passionate about or what side of the globe you are on, there will always be away to achieve your dreams
Jameson
“I hope to inspire others to find their own strength in adversity” – Baylee’s story
Through this journey, I’ve come to embrace my illness as part of my story, not the entirety of it. Each challenge has shaped me into a stronger, more compassionate person. I’ve learned that resilience is not just about enduring hardships; it’s about rising above them and using those experiences to inspire others. Today, I look back with gratitude, celebrating not only my achievements but also the strength I’ve discovered within myself. My journey with ulcerative colitis has taught me that I am capable of overcoming anything life throws my way, and I hope to inspire others to find their own strength in adversity.
Baylee
“Not letting it define me was massive” – Chloe’s story
I think I got very deep into Crohn’s disease being part of my identity for a long time. Now it’s more of an unwanted friend that I live with every day. You don’t have to become your diagnosis. There’s so much more to life outside of that. You might have to adjust, but you don’t have to miss out on everything.
Chloe