A few years ago, I wrote this as a response to a prompt that I can no longer find. Maybe the prompt was on courage? I told Dan about it before I shared it with a few friends. “It’s a little smug,” I said. “It sounds inspiring,” he replied. I’ve updated it slightly since then. I have… [Read More]
Crohn's Disease Archives -- Personal Reflections and Advice on Life with an IBD
What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You About Colonoscopy Prep
In honor of World IBD Day, I want to talk about colonoscopy prep. Before I get started, let me write this huge massive disclaimer in bold font. I am not a doctor. I am not a nurse. In fact, I am not a medical professional whatsoever. However, I have had Crohn’s Disease for over 20… [Read More]
Never Trust a Fart
Having an invisible illness is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, people usually don’t treat me any differently than any other able-bodied person. On the other hand, people usually don’t treat me any differently because I “don’t look sick.” I’ve had Crohn’s Disease for over 20 years now, and I’m only 28 years old…. [Read More]
I Don’t Put My Husband’s Needs Above My Own
Recently two women, both of whom I admire, politely disagreed with each other in the comments of something I had posted to Facebook. By the time I noticed the discussion, it had been over for several hours, and I didn’t feel like starting it up again. If I had, this is what I would have… [Read More]
How to Survive School with Crohn’s Disease
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when I was only 8 years old, almost exactly 20 years ago. In some ways, my young age made it easier for me to manage school with Crohn’s Disease. Third graders (usually) haven’t yet learned how to bully their peers. In other ways, my early diagnosis made me grow up… [Read More]
World IBD Day 2015
Happy World IBD Day! If you’re new to my blog, you might not realize I have Crohn’s Disease. Crohn’s is one of two types of IBDs (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). The other is Ulcerative Colitis, which my mother-in-law has. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s when I was 8. I have yet to meet anyone diagnosed as… [Read More]