Crohn's Girl

witchhazeleyes:

Just sitting here watching Ancient Aliens and thought I’d post a little something. :)

You have tummy troubles when:

-You have legitimately considered popping popcorn just to lick it.

-There is at least one place in your room that looks like an aisle at a drugstore.

-You overhear someone talking about period cramps. “That’s cute”.

-You feel bad for laughing when someone genuinely offers you Tylenol for your pain.

-You feel like there should be two pain charts: one for normal people and one for people   with chronic illnesses because that shit gets confusing.

-You have your own filing system for your medical records because, let’s face it, doctors can only be trusted so much.

-Ladies: Your purse could knock a man off a horse with one swoop. You can’t just clean it out. EVERYTHING is something you need.

:)

THIS^

1. What are you diagnosed with?

Crohn’s Disease.

2. What has this illness taken away from you?

Confidence and self esteem.

3. What are 3 positive things this illness has brought you?

Strength, positivity and appreciation for life.

4. Did you have to change any goals you had because of this illness? Are you happy with those changes?

Yes, I had to take less courses and so I won’t be graduating with the rest of my class. I’m not entirely happy with it but it isn’t the worst thing that could happen. I had to quit my part time job so I don’t really have any money to do things with my friends. This has me more dependant on my parents than I have been since I was 12. It’s hard not to be able to support yourself.

5. What is your favorite quote?

“Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” -Dr. Seuss :)

6. What things do you do when you are not feeling well to help keep your mind off of the pain?

I watch tv, read, go on tumblr or listen to music.

7. Are you in remission?

No.

8. Do you have a good support system to help you through?

Yes, my family has been soo amazing through everything I’ve been through. I am so grateful for them, without their support I don’t think I’d be here today.

9. How do others react when they hear what your diagnosis is? Do they know about your illness?

They usually don’t know what it is or they say something like “my mom’s friend’s daughter’s boyfriend has that!” When people ask me what it is I normally tell them that it’s an autoimmune disease where my body attacks my digestive tract, I leave out the bit about poop because for some reason people are so adverse to that particular bodily function.

10. Have you ever been judged by your illness?

Yes, all the time. Some people just don’t understand.

11. Have you ever been told, “But, you don’t look sick”?

Waaayy too many times to count. I don’t blame people because they don’t understand and it’s true; I don’t look sick. But I am. And it still hurts when people disregard my pain because you can’t see a wound or I don’t have crutches.

12. What is your favorite song to listen to in order to get you in a better mood?

I don’t really have one, it’s whatever is my favourite song at the moment. Like right now the song that helps me get into a better mood is Primadonna by Marina and the Diamonds.

13. Do you have something special that you carry around to help you reflect and get you through tough times?

A cross necklace that was made from my late grandfather’s gold bracelet. It helps to calm me and I feel like he’s with me helping me through whatever is happening. 

14. What is your “comfort food”?

Hmmm that’s a tough one.. because my favourite food I can’t eat anymore. So when I’m feeling sick I stick to unsalted crackers but in the perfect world I’d have chocolate ice cream!

15. Imagine there was a cure for your illness, what is the first thing you would do/say?

I probably would just break down crying with the biggest smile on my face. 

16. If you had an entire day with NO pain, what would you do?

Anything I want to! I’d go out with my friends or family and enjoy everything I can.

17. Do you think making jokes/laughing about your illness has helped cope with it at times?

Absolutely. Laughter is the best medicine and it breaks through some of the crappiness of this disease. Sometimes all you can do is laugh, or else you’d be crying.

18. What are some things you do for fun?

I like hanging out with my friends, watching movies, TUMBLR, reading, and shopping.

19. Since being diagnosed, have you done anything for the cause (walks, etc.)?

I started this blog :) and I plan on doing the CCFC’s Gutsy Walk on June 10th (donate to the cause here! https://secure.ccfcfindthecure.ca/ParticipantPage.aspx?L=2&CCID=102&PID=18152&GC=GTv2) 

20. What is a word of advice you can give others who are chronically ill?

NEVER GIVE UP!!! You are sooooo much stronger than you know and you can get through everything. Try to bring joy to your life wherever you can. Celebrate the little victories and don’t get too caught up with everything. Take it one day at a time! :) <3

(via ihaveabadtummy)

crohnsandarthritis:

I recently became aware of the fact that May 19th is World IBD Awareness Day (thanks Joelle!). 

I share A LOT about IBD on Tumblr. I mean, I basically tell you guys everything, which may not be for the best, putting it all out there on the Internet,  but hey, we should be able to talk about our problems.

And that’s going to make me sound like a hypocrite.

I want to post something about it on Facebook. Very few of my Facebook friends know I have IBD. I was diagnosed at the end of high school and only bothered to tell my very few close friends.

Is it wrong that I’m embarrassed to post about it on Facebook? Maybe it’s because it won’t be so anonymous there, unlike here on Tumblr. Sure, you guys know my story and my face, but you don’t know me in real life. You didn’t sit next to me in class or at the lunch table for years.

Tell me what you think. I’m going to post about it. I’m just not sure how to do that.