Rasheed Clarke goes in depth on what life is like with a j-pouch.
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I first became ill 9 years ago while in college and was in denial. I thought the abdominal pain and bloating were normal. I convinced myself that they would pass. I continued to ignore my body and eventually started having more severe symptoms...
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On December 31st, 2017 for the first time in over three years, I went into a swimming pool with my daughter. My feelings were overwhelmed the moment I entered the pool. Like the lottery balls blowing in the vacuum chamber, synchronized emotions burst out as our smiles connected in the splashes.
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At times I wish I could go back in time and talk to myself early in my diagnosis and tell her that everything will be OK, that she will be OK. If I could go back and write a letter to my newly-diagnosed self, here is what it would say:
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Let’s talk bad days. Everyone has them, but when you are living with a chronic illness, sometimes a bad day equates to more than just spilling your coffee and running late for work. Pain, nausea, procedure prep, achy joints, fevers, fatigue, rashes, and other symptoms of chronic illnesses can all add up to a less-than-great day.
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As the fireworks faded on the first day of 2017, I felt excited and motivated. “This would be the year,” I remember telling my husband, “that I’ll have my strongest body yet.” As an active woman, a busy mom, and a person with Crohn’s disease, it was important to me that I do everything in my power to stay on top of my health.
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"So many happy tears from this beautiful card and bracelet I got in the mail today. I love hearing from former students and even more when I know they’re thinking of me too."
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When I was first diagnosed with severe ulcerative colitis, I never thought that my illness would amount to life lessons. How could something that caused me so much pain, frustration, and uncertainty teach me anything?
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Here we are at Christmas time. Time is intentionally spent with family and friends. Gifts are shared among many. People give of themselves now more than any other time. And let's not forget the food that is consumed. Delicious, fulfilling, and dangerous.
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I am not setting a single New Year’s resolution this year. Here’s why:
Even at a young age, we begin setting expectations on our lives. We start mapping out how we think things should go and who we will be.
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Brooke reflects on 2017's mistakes and planning for a brighter, more profound 2018.
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Living in the moment can be difficult with a chronic illness. Kristen shares some advice on how to take advantage of every moment, regardless of how you are feeling.
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Chris Walker is a fitness buff, family man, and Crohn's warrior. We wanted to know how he stays healthy and maintains a lifestyle that gives him the ability to feel as good as possible. Check out his answers to our questions.
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Life happens when we least expect it. I've always taken my health for granted. I have been anorexic. I've been bulimic. I've struggled with binge eating. I've been overweight. I've been underweight. As a 20-something, my health was something that I always thought would be there, never worrying that what I was doing to my body would have long term effects on me and my health.
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I was diagnosed with ulcerative proctitis – a form of colitis, just a year ago this month. When I first got diagnosed it was bittersweet. It felt so good to finally put a name on the illness causing me so much fatigue and pain, but I remember being terrified.
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Kristen is an incredibly strong UC warrior who has suffered more challenges than she has success. But she manages to keep a positive attitude and bright outlook on life. Read her story to learn more about how amazing she is!
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