Support
“I was made to think it was all in my head for so long” – Simone’s story
My mental health and physical health have suffered for years now. I will soon start my journey with biologics. I have a giant fear of needles but I’ve never been so excited to hopefully experience remission.
Living Fearless with Tim
I do it for anyone else out there that is battling Crohn's and colitis. I know how hard it is, and also how hard it can be to talk about it and to feel understood
“Ulcerative colitis didn’t just change her life it changed all of ours.”
Ulcerative colitis didn’t just change her life it changed all of ours. We became closer. We became more tired, more emotional, more aware of the fragility of everything. There were arguments. Tears. Long nights of silence. But there was also love so much love. We celebrated the little victories: a full week without pain, a good doctor’s report, a laugh in the hospital room. Those moments meant more than any birthday party ever could. We learned how to fight together. How to lean on each other. How to keep hope alive, even when it was flickering.
Bag, baby and bravery – Kate’s story
Recovery was difficult, especially while navigating new motherhood at the same time. But one year on, I’m healthy, active, and grateful to be here. I used to see stoma surgery as the worst-case scenario—but it truly isn’t. I wish I’d known back then just how much life was still possible after surgery.
“Hold on to hope if you can” – Chloe’s story
While my Crohn's is not fully settled, I am happier than ever. I have almost finished my degree in Journalism, I am working in a job that I love and am surrounded by amazing friends and support. I have been able to travel overseas with complications and plan to go on three more trips this year!
“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.