Navigating My Journey with Crohn's Disease: A Personal Story
Hey everyone,
Today, I want to open up about something very personal—my journey with Crohn's disease. This has been a significant part of my life, and I hope sharing my story can offer support and encouragement to those who may be going through something similar.
I was originally diagnosed with ulcerative colitis back in 2014 when I was 21. However, it wasn’t until I was 24 that I was correctly diagnosed with Crohn's disease. It’s not uncommon to be misdiagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and I want to shed some light on that.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are both types of IBD, which affects millions of people worldwide. According to recent statistics, around 3 million people in the U.S. are living with IBD. Unfortunately, Black individuals are disproportionately affected, with about 10-15% of Crohn’s disease patients being Black. Among women, the numbers are similarly significant, yet it’s a topic that often doesn’t receive enough attention.
Living with Crohn's has been a rollercoaster. At my worst, I felt isolated, as if my body was turning against me. It prevented me from being the athlete I wanted to be, and I experienced a lot of emotional and mental ups and downs. There were times that were incredibly challenging and embarrassing, but I’ve learned to manage it better now.
One important lesson I’ve learned is that what might seem “normal” to others isn’t necessarily normal. We often cope by thinking that if others are experiencing similar symptoms, it must be just a part of life. But it’s crucial to recognize that dealing with symptoms is not something you have to accept as normal. You deserve to feel well and to seek the right support and treatment.
Over time, I began to focus on my diet and supplements to help manage my Crohn’s. The physical limitations made everyday life feel almost impossible at times, but with the right adjustments, things have improved significantly. I’ll dive into the specific changes I made in a future post, but for now, I want to remind you that you’re not alone in this.
Taking care of your body is essential, no matter who you are. We often take our health for granted, but we only get one body. Let’s cherish and care for it as best we can.
If you’re struggling with a similar condition, know that you’re not alone, and there’s hope. Together, we can navigate these challenges and find ways to improve our health and well-being.
Stay strong and take care of yourselves!
With love and encouragement,
Tia 💖