Ive been where you are.
I was fresh out of college, 21-years-old.
My world as I knew it came to a screeching halt.
Gone were the days of being medication free.
Back in 2005, nobody was posting on social media about their health issues.
Heck, Facebook hadnt even been out for one year.
I felt completely isolated and alone with a complicated diagnosis of an unpredictable and often debilitating disease.
I spent the first decade of my life with Crohns being very private about my diagnosis.
Receiving a chronic illness diagnosis is a lot to handleits complex.
Dont beat yourself up over feeling overwhelmed.
Having Crohns used to feel like it was the headline of my life story.
Now, as a happily married mom of three kids, its the footnote.
Youll have a newfound perspective thats untouchable to your peers.
Youll realize your strength and resilience is limitless.
No setback will happen without a greater comeback.
While there will be many similarities within the IBD family, our experiences are all unique.
Trust your care team.
If something doesnt sit right with you, do your research, and speak up.
You know your body better than anyone else.
Talking with someone who gets your reality is priceless.
Youll often reflect on how much youve been through and what a badass you are.
The pain scale of 0-10 really doesnt work for the IBD population.
Its not easy to wake up each morning and have no clue what your body is going to do.
Trust that you have everything and more to fight this disease tooth and nail.
Theres no rhyme or reason.
Focus on the times when you feel in control.
You are always in the drivers seat.
Sometimes steering in unchartered territories is scary and thats ok. Youll always find your way.
