This can make life with IBD incredibly difficult and hard to manage.
I was diagnosed when I was 9 years old.
It was not an easy path.
I learned to have severe restroom anxiety at an early age.
The doctor was not accustomed to doing colonoscopies in 9-year-old children, but we were out of options.
The colonoscopy was done with the smallest adult equipment they could find.
That was promptly followed by a hospital stay.
The doctor initially said it was ulcerative colitis, but wanted me to go see a pediatric GI.
My first experience with a pediatric GI was at Primary Childrens in Salt Lake City.
I can remember us waiting around for hours to get in for testing and to speak with the doctors.
The isolating feeling is something Ill never forget.
It wasnt as common or as well researched in children.
The medication options were limited.
Thank god my parents decided for another opinion.
My most recent flare was my senior year of college.
It came with a fierceness even the doctors didnt understand.
I spent 9 months deteriorating.
I wanted my suffering to end.
Thankfully, we finally found the right biologic and I started recovering.
I know thats a place many people get to at some point in this disease you are not alone.
When I got diagnosed, I was young and social media wasnt around.
For example: Camp Oasis, Reddit threads, Facebook, and Instagram are all great groups.
Everyone involved will be all too familiar with the shit (pun very intended) that we go through.
Be selective with these, though.
Its a dark hole too many of us have found ourselves in.
Its a crushing feeling at times, but trust me, youre not alone.
You cant give up and you have to think healing thoughts.
There are people out there that need YOUR story.
Learn to manage your stressors when it comes to your mental health.
Anxiety can be all-consuming at times.
I still struggle with bathroom anxiety and have for years.
To help with the stress, be prepared!
Have your go bag with you when youre afraid something may happen.
Put it all in a Tupperware container because the container can also be used for an emergency toilet.
Find the humor in it.
I know it can seem impossible at times but everyone poops.
We just happen to do it more often, with more drama and with less control.
If they cant (or wont) understand this, then its OK to distance yourself.
Theres plenty of people out there who will love ALL of you.
