I also just started my career as an up-and-coming fitness instructor.
The only way I knew how to deal with my emotional pain was to swallow it.
October 2015
I noticed my lower abdomen was starting to feel like it was inflamed and swollen.
Rapidly my symptoms started to increase.
February 2016
My symptoms becameunbearable.
Thankfully, my mother came to my rescue and the GI that was my saving grace.
It was extremely frightening and daunting as this was my first time ever admitted to a hospital.
After being discharged, I went through the stages of grief.
I was grieving the death of my health.
Grieving and adjusting to a new normal was extremely difficult.
I was naive and it was a battle I had to face on my own.
2017-2018
I sought out help from an integrative medicine physician and therapist.
I also sought out help from three different pain management physicians.
She completely changed my life and gave me my first stem cell treatment which led me to remission.
I dont give all the credit to stem cell infusions.
I also learned what my triggers are and how to manage them.
This monumental experience also taught me the importance of growth.
I personally believe we are all better people when we constantly keep striving for growth.
I know because I have felt that way before.
I hope thats the message others receive when they interact with me or see my posts on social media.
Navigating life with Crohns Disease can be challenging.
When I was first diagnosed, being offered unsolicited advice from friends and family was extremely frustrating.
But as I have gotten older, I have learned to reframe those perspectives.
But not everyone is going to understand or care and thats okay!
But, thats why connecting to a community that understands you and inspires you is important.
The IBD community has made me feel less alone.
My heart is full when someone reaches out just to tell me that I inspire and motivate them.
Some of them have become my lifelong friends and have taught me not to be afraid to reach out.
I often refer to the IBD Community as IBD Warriorsbecause thats what we are.
Not only do we have similar experiences, but we have learned how to adapt and be resilient.
Furthermore, we have gained a level of emotional intelligence that others dont fully understand.
Empathy comes from emotional intelligence, its a learned emotion, its not something were born with.
The resilience and strength showcased by the IBD Community is unparalleled andyouare a part of that.
