ulcerative colitis
“You are NOT a burden – you are a gift.”- Lesa’s story
My name is Lesa, and I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2015 at the age of 37. To say it was a complete shock is an understatement. I had heard of Crohn’s disease, but I had absolutely no idea about its extremely challenging symptoms and the devastating—and constant—effects it would have on my life.
My journey is my strength – Emma’s story
Some days are harder than others. But even on the toughest days, I choose hope.
“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.
“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…
“Remember, you are not alone, and you are doing amazing” – Julia’s story
If I had been told two years ago that I would end up with an ostomy bag, I probably would have cried and not wanted it and would have worried about being “different”. Today, it’s something I’m incredibly grateful for, and for my surgeons and gastroenterologist who listened. There are plenty of support networks out there for those who are struggling and knowing who they are can be a huge help, not just for your physical health but for your mental wellbeing too. Remember, you are not alone, and you are doing amazing.
“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 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.
“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.
“It took a long, long time for me to learn to only take on one task at a time and start living in the slower lane” – Sue-Ellen’s story
I’m still working 2 part time jobs (hope to stop soon), have a reasonably healthy diet and regularly exercise (swim 1-2km most days, gym twice a week, walk, and go on the occasional bike ride). My health is pretty good and manageable. We are now empty-nesters and enjoy going on regular camping trips with our camper. We also enjoy bushwalks and ocean swims.
“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