“You can push and challenge yourself to achieve everything that you want to” – Tara’s story
I was first diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2017, during my year 12 studies. Getting the diagnosis was difficult and lengthy due to many of my symptoms being dismissed as stress. I trusted how well I knew my body and continued to seek medical advice elsewhere, until I was finally referred to a gastroenterologist. The results from my scope were immediate and it was very obvious that I had Crohn’s disease.
Following this, I started on medication which helped to get my symptoms under control. Taking a number of tablets at such a young age was emotionally taxing, however I was extremely glad that I was able to begin feeling healthy again. After a few years of the tablets working well, I unfortunately had another major flare up that couldn’t be controlled by my current medications. Therefore, the next option was to commence on biologic medication called Stelara. Initially the thought of doing my own injections was very scary and took a long time to come to terms with. Thankfully the Stelara has completely changed my life and helped to control my symptoms over the last few years.
The timing of my diagnosis felt extremely difficult. I was freshly 18 and while many of my friends were focussing on passing Year 12 exams and the destination for our schoolies, I was tackling a number of symptoms that had me extremely worried for my health and my future.
“I have a family history of Inflammatory Bowel Disease”
Before being diagnosed with Crohn’s, I was familiar with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. One of my aunts has Crohn’s and the other has Ulcerative Colitis, so there is a strong family history of IBD there. I had seen some of the challenges that they had faced with the condition, particularly as one of my aunt’s had undergone a major surgery to remove her large bowel in order to control the disease and ultimately save her life. Seeing how Crohn’s and Colitis has impacted both of their lives so differently was quite scary but also quite motivating, as they both have managed to live very meaningful, healthy and happy lives and have not let their conditions get in the way of this.
I have decided to focus on the things I can control. My diet, exercise and mindset. I have an extremely strong support system of family and friends around me who have always been there to encourage me to achieve my goals — but also to comfort me in times where things have been more challenging. My GP and gastroenterologist are also amazing, and I truly believe that having healthcare professionals that value you as a person, more than the disease you have, is absolutely crucial.
In recent years, I did some volunteering with YEP! Online, which was a great opportunity to help young individuals with their new diagnosis. I also got involved in the Live Fearless Challenge in 2021 to raise funds for CCA. There is so much support and information on the Crohn’s and Colitis Australia website that has really helped me. Hearing other people’s stories has created a great sense of community and shown me that I really am not alone in this.
In the last few years, I have really made a conscious effort to not let my Crohn’s hold me back.
I have travelled to many countries, studied and worked extremely hard in my career as a midwife and nurse, and I spend a large portion of my time socialising with friends and family.
I also have a major passion for sport and fitness. I have tried to push myself to achieve my best and move my body, especially now that I am able to do so without pain. I walk almost every day and often do Pilates which makes me feel extremely strong and motivated. I have also started to understand the importance of slowing down and listening to my body, and also use reading and journalling as a way to relax.
“Being on the other end of patient care really puts it into perspective”
The hardest time for me was when my medications stopped working in 2021. I was in pain from the moment I woke up, which was both physically and emotionally crippling, as I am normally so active and positive. I wanted to keep up the strong mindset and continue to move my body, but I felt so weak at the time. With the success of Stelara, I now know how much of a privilege it is to feel well and to be able to move my body without limitation. It is for this reason that I have decided to set myself a goal to run 10km in the Nike Melbourne Marathon, where I will be fundraising for Crohn’s and Colitis Australia.
My running journey started in January this year and at that time I could barely run 2km. I have been training hard and while I still have some work to do, I am so amazed and proud of my achievements so far.
As a midwife and nurse, I feel that being on the other end of patient care has really impacted the way I care for patients. I feel that it has helped me to be more empathetic and understanding. I ensure that each of my patients feel listened to, as I know how scary and frustrating it was when I was not.
When I was first diagnosed, I felt very scared and isolated as I knew this condition was something I was going to have to manage forever.
I was absolutely beside myself and I remember calling my mum thinking my life was over. I wish I knew how wrong I was.
If I had to give any advice to 18-year-old me, or anyone with a new diagnosis, it would be that Crohn’s doesn’t have to limit you or change your life. You are still the same person, and you can push and challenge yourself to achieve everything that you want to.
“You are not alone in your journey”
There is support available and, with more funding and research, we will hopefully have more treatment methods and a cure in the near future!
If you would like to donate to my run for Crohn’s and Colitis Australia, see the link below. Any donation would be so greatly appreciated.