Education
“If your body is telling you something’s wrong, then it’s probably right.” – Elli’s story
It has now been 6 months; I am slowly starting to feel healthy and be able to enjoy my hobbies. I thought the pain I felt was "normal," but I now know it was not. If your body is telling you something's wrong, then it's probably right. I have decided to share my story to help others who feel alone within their diagnosis.
“I hope to help inspire other teens with IBD and encourage them to share their own”- Maythem’s story
Even though the people around me kept telling me I was faking, I knew something deep inside was wrong. I…
“I am not giving up hope”- Kasey’s story
I am not giving up hope and want to share my story with others who may have similar symptoms and feeling completely lost. Please seek specialist help from a gastroenterologist who is specially trained to help people with IBD. Reach out to others in IBD groups because having someone to talk to that can relate to you is invaluable for your mental health. You are not alone, it’s just sad many do not share their story.
“There are others out there who’ve had this most of their life and are now doing okay”- Rob’s story
I just wanted to let people know that there are others out there who’ve had this most of their life and are now doing okay. I really hope this will help someone.
“I hope that if this is you, that you hold onto hope that things can get better.” – Amy story
I hope they discover why young people like me are increasingly being afflicted with this humiliating illness. And I hope that if this is you that you hold onto hope that things can get better. They have for me.
“Be proud of who you are and celebrate your achievements when you’ve faced so many odds.”- Clare’s story
I think this is the most amazing and beautiful thing about living with Crohn’s and other chronic diseases that we get to have an amazing and different perspective than others. Also, having Crohn’s has made me an incredibly hard worker in anything that I do, and has allowed me to understand that any challenges in my life that come my way I will be able to handle.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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
“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.
“It has been a whirlwind but I am hopeful” – Gracie’s story
I have decided to laugh at the hardships of my disease because I think that's the best way to manage! Even though being at work, uni, on film sets or going out with my boyfriend and friends means I always need to know where a toilet is at all times or I may cry. I can only cry so much. I miss broccoli. I miss fibre, spicy foods, salami, I miss it all! And mostly I miss not being in pain. I also miss not pooping my pants.