Lifestyle
“My friends keep reminding me that I should be proud of myself and lately, I really have been feeling that way.” – Emmie’s story
A few months into traveling, I had another checkup. The results: deep remission. All the hard work, taking multiple daily meds and supplements and working on my diet was all worth it! I cried happy tears in recovery, it had been such a long road back to feeling like myself.
“I still live a good life working and doing things I love doing” – Ronald’s story
At 58 years old I still have trouble with restrictions but with determination I still live a good life working and doing things I love doing.
“I’m reminded that my life isn’t completely ‘normal’ – but that’s okay – it’s my normal.” – Christian’s story
Since starting infliximab I’ve also packed up my life and moved to London for six months. I’ve taken part in a placement program in rural India. I’ve travelled to Bali, Singapore, the UK, Hungary, Greece, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain… I’ve attended the AusGP. I’ve graduated from a Bachelor of Pharmacy. I’ve worked full-time. I’ve studied for and sat multiple exams. I’ve learnt how to cook (or at least am trying to). I’ve made new friends and reconnected with old. I’ve been to concerts and festivals and beaches and parties galore.
“I’m not the only one with more than one diagnosis” – Allannah’s story
When I ran into people I hadn't seen in a while, they commented on how thin I was. When they asked for an explanation I had nothing to tell them. My GP, who was also impressed with my weight loss, and told me frankly that she had no idea what was wrong. She sent me to a gastroenterologist who was convinced it was Coeliac disease and performed an endoscopy. When it came back negative for Coeliac, he told me there was nothing wrong with me and that I should start drinking alcohol again.
“I have learnt so much about myself” – Bridie’s story
My experience with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) began long before I had a name for it
“You deserve a medical team that listens and investigates” – Elle’s story
While life is not completely the same as it was before diagnosis, it’s a new normal I can count on. I’m stronger, supported, and finally in control.
“Together we can break the silence surrounding IBD” – Natasha’s story.
This is something I feel so truly passionate about, due to the personal impact this disease has had on my life since age 11. I felt I needed to spread awareness in my own way
” You are more resilient than you know” – Amelia’s story
Today, I’m in remission. I still face challenges, but I’ve learned to listen to my body, advocate for myself, and celebrate every small victory.
“Because Crohn’s is a permanent part of our lives and we’re not going anywhere” – Taylor’s story
I have been able to get back into my passions of live music and creating art - something my body wouldn't let me do for a long time. I have recently started looking into IBD support, and it's sad the lack of support for us.
“I still face challenges and anxiety around my disease, but I don’t let it take over my life” – Ellah’s story
It was super difficult trying to navigate life being diagnosed at only 17 years old. Even though I had so much support from doctors, my family and my friends, it was mentally and physically exhausting. Shedding light on this terrible disease is so important so people can realise how much of a struggle having IBD really is. At the same time, you can’t let it control your life.
“Despite everything I’ve kept pushing” – Jaiah’s story
Crohn’s is invisible. From the outside, I look fine. But this disease is exhausting, painful, and relentless. And worst of all, many people think we’re “faking it.”
“You can push and challenge yourself to achieve everything that you want to” – Tara’s story
The hardest time for me was when my medications stopped working in 2021. I was in pain from the moment I woke up, which was both physically and emotionally crippling, as I am normally so active and positive. I wanted to keep up the strong mindset and continue to move my body, but I felt so weak at the time. With the success of Stelara, I now know how much of a privilege it is to feel well and to be able to move my body without limitation. It is for this reason that I have decided to set myself a goal to run 10km in the Nike Melbourne Marathon, where I will be fundraising for Crohn's and Colitis Australia.