Support
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“The people who love and support you will listen” – Hamish’s story
At first, I tried to ignore my symptoms, desperate to feel “normal” like everyone else. But deep down, I felt weak and powerless. I turned to alcohol and self-destructive habits, using them as an escape, a way to momentarily forget the reality of my condition. But after years of battling stress, frustration, and anger, I finally accepted the truth. This disease wasn’t going anywhere—but how I chose to live with it was up to me.
“I will always advocate for the safety and protection of us all” – Diya’s story
I know that the surgery may still happen down the road, but for now, I’m enjoying the relief that remission brings and am focused on living life to the fullest.
“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.