“I was so scared and I thought that my life was over, but nine months later I am learning how to manage it and how to not let it define me!”- Kayleigh’s Story
I was so scared and I thought that my life was over, but nine months later I am learning how to manage it and how to not let it define me! My advice for others with IBD is to join support groups and talk with others who are struggling. You may be able to help each other and also learn new things!
“Having my large bowel removed was one of the best things that has ever happened to me” – Rhiannon’s story
I know the idea of having a stoma is daunting and can seem like the end of the world particularly if you’re younger like me, but I promise you, it’s not. As tough as everything has been, it has all been worth it in the long run. I’m forever grateful to my doctors and my stoma, for giving me my life back, and I wear it with pride.
“Your health journey is unique, and you deserve to be heard and supported” – Fiona’s story
After navigating through waves of emotions and grieving for the lost years, I began planning how to improve my health and embrace my new life with Crohn’s disease.
“Sometimes it feels like I’m the only one with this, but I’m really not” – Kaitlyn’s story
From an interview with Kaitlyn and her mum, Belinda that’s been edited. Hi, my name is Kaitlyn, in November of…
“I’m one of many young kids being diagnosed with this disease every year” – Tyce’s story
I’m happy my disease is currently under control; however, my hope is that one day soon there will be a cure, so I don’t have to keep taking medication for the rest of my life. I also hope that other young kids won’t have to go through what I’ve gone through either.
Living with UC in my 20s – Lucy’s story
Being on this journey has taught me to be more self-aware, and to never judge a book by its cover. I want to spread awareness and help people who are going through this.
I had to relearn how to walk, think and live – Elie’s story
It’s been three years since this occurred. I have a business, a wife and two dogs, and I am forever grateful that our paths crossed. My family has been a source of hope and strength. My advice is not to let anything get in your way, no matter how helpless or hard it seems.
“The worst thing that has happened to me turned out to be one of the best things” – Chad’s story
p. Dad said, “ if you can work through this, once you’re fully healed every day will be easy thereafter”. From that moment my mentality changed, I looked at this as a challenge and tried to find every way I could to succeed.
Pregnancy flare and the possibility of a third trimester colectomy – Chloe’s story
I didn’t want to share the story to scaremonger but tell a story of UC flares and pregnancy because I’ve never heard or read about one.
“Never let your disease define who you are” – Ellisha’s story
Reflecting on my journey, I offer this piece of advice: In life, you will encounter dark times, but there is always a solution and people wanting to help. BUT it’s crucial to speak up and not be embarrassed about your experiences, whether they involve rectovaginal issues like me through to mental health struggles.
“I want people to know that they should speak up, and often, if something is wrong” – Paige’s story
I think my key message is that there are more people out there who want to support you than you might realise. No one is judging you. After posting my story on Instagram, I had so many people reach out to me to say I was strong for being so open. I was so scared to post it because of the fear of what people might say, but I’m grateful to have shared my story – as I want more people to know about Crohn’s disease and IBD, and to let them know what we might be going through. It’s not as simple as a tummy ache.
“Surgery isn’t the end of your life. For me, it was the beginning.” – Merrilee’s Story
My biggest takeaway from this experience is to find a specialist that you trust, and one that doesn’t see you as a number, or just another patient. Also, surgery isn’t the end of your life. If anything, for me, it was the beginning.