“If your body is telling you something’s wrong, then it’s probably right.” – Elli’s story
Hey everyone, my name is Elli. I am 19 and was diagnosed in December last year.
My journey started in 2018 when I began to have severe stomach cramping and irregular bowel movements. I was in and out of the hospital with no answers. My symptoms eventually became better with diet and learning to tolerate the pain. In February last year, I moved 8 hours from my hometown to pursue a university degree in Occupational Therapy. Shortly after, my symptoms became exacerbated, and I could not attend my university classes and struggled through workdays. I went to the ED in July only to be turned away for not being “sick enough.”
I decided the pain was not worth my career and happiness in daily life, so I sought out further medical attention. My lovely GP referred me for blood work and stool cultures.
Not long after the appointment and testing, I was rung to book a follow-up appointment due to “abnormalities.” My fecal calprotectin was well over the normal range. I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy within the next two weeks and was told it was evident that I had IBD. I was referred to a gastroenterologist, who referred me for an MRI in order to start treatment.
It has now been 6 months; I am slowly starting to feel healthy and be able to enjoy my hobbies. I thought the pain I felt was “normal,” but I now know it was not. If your body is telling you something’s wrong, then it’s probably right. I have decided to share my story to help others who feel alone within their diagnosis.