The Run I Fought For: Andrea’s Story
Last March, I went to Bali expecting a relaxing holiday. Instead, I came home with a severe illness that lingered far longer than expected – and marked the beginning of something much bigger.
About a month later, I began experiencing unusual symptoms. My hair started falling out in alarming amounts, and I felt increasingly unwell. Blood tests showed my iron levels were extremely low, and further investigations began. Despite treatment, my condition continued to worsen.
By May, things had escalated significantly. I was experiencing heavy bleeding and was sent for further testing, including a calprotectin test and stool sample. The results were confronting – my calprotectin levels were extremely high, and parasites were also detected. Even after treatment, the symptoms persisted, and it was clear something more serious was happening.
In July, I was diagnosed with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.
Before this, I had been a passionate runner. Running was more than just exercise – it was my freedom, my joy, and a core part of who I was. But as my symptoms worsened, the pain became unbearable. There were moments where I would have to stop mid-run, completely overcome. Eventually, I had to give up running altogether.
The months that followed were filled with treatment, hospital visits, lifestyle changes, and uncertainty. With medication, IV treatments, surgery, and significant adjustments to my daily life, I slowly began the long road toward remission. Exercise was limited to walking, and rebuilding my strength felt like starting from scratch.
But over time, things began to improve.
By January this year, I felt ready to try running again. I started slowly and cautiously, unsure how my body would respond. Each step felt like a test – but also a victory. Gradually, I rebuilt my strength, confidence, and belief in what my body could do.
Then, in May, I reached a milestone I had held onto throughout my illness: completing a 10km run in under 50 minutes.
Crossing that finish line meant more than just achieving a personal goal. It was a powerful reminder that I had come through one of the most challenging periods of my life – and that I was stronger for it.
Living with inflammatory bowel disease hasn’t been easy. But this journey has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of listening to my body.
Today, I know this for certain: IBD no longer controls my life – I do.