Lifestyle
“It’s such a horrible disease – but for it to have a reason or purpose, I think is great. I think volunteering kind of gives it that purpose. ” – Adam’s story
There’s always going to be good days, there’s always going to be bad days. My personal motto is to roll with the punches. I mean, it’s not always going to be easy, it’s not always going to be one step and you’re better. Sometimes you do just have to kind of sit with that. And it can be horrible, but I think a lot of my stuff is the stuff surrounding Crohn’s — so my Crohn’s has been really bad, but since I’ve been in remission for a couple of years now, which is great, but now it’s just a lot of random stuff. Like, eczema and stuff because of the Crohn’s. And yeah, so it’s always just — you just got to roll with the punches sometimes. And if it’s a bad day, it’s a bad day. And you just go to get through that day, rest, go to bed, and then get up and start the day fresh.
“Maybe one day something might come along that works” – Rod’s story
“Maybe one day something might come along that works” – Rod’s story My Crohn’s flare ups have been out of…
“My three points for living with IBD: Own your health, tell someone, celebrate your wins.” – Daniel’s story
In 2009, I was 20, playing rugby at a high level and at peak fitness, until my body blindsided me.…
“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…
“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.
“Keep pushing until someone listens.” – Amelie’s story
Crohn’s is part of my life now. It’s not who I am, but it’s shaped me. It’s made me stronger, more aware, and way more vocal about what I deserve especially in a doctor’s office. If you’re struggling and being dismissed, don’t stop speaking up. You know your body. Keep pushing until someone listens. Because your pain is real. And you deserve to be heard.
“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 never could have imagined this would be my life again — taking risks, laughing loudly, living fully” – Jeremy’s story
When I was sick, struggling just to get out of bed, I never could have imagined this would be my life again — taking risks, laughing loudly, living fully.
“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.
“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.
“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.