Posted by Sydney Ford on June 20, 2017
My name is Sydney, and I'm 17 years old. I go to St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta, Georgia. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease just this March. I am a triplet, with two triplet sisters, and I also have a younger brother.
Living life with a chronic illness is hard, especially since I'm newly diagnosed. One of the hardest challenges that I've faced so far in my battle with Crohn's is just accepting the fact that I'll have to live with this disease forever, unless a cure is discovered.
Right now, I am taking 20 milligrams of methotrexate once a week on Fridays, and I am also taking 1 milligram of Folic Acid and 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily. I am also supplementing my diet with meal replacement shakes like Boost and Ensure as part of my treatment. I keep a food journal to log the foods I eat and how I react to them. My family and friends have been instrumental in helping me cope with my diagnosis. I've learned more about my body in these past few months, and have become more in tune with it, as a result of my diagnosis.
I was attracted to the PAC because I was looking for a way to get involved in the IBD community, and I am also interested in healthcare. Joining the PAC seemed like a perfect opportunity to combine my interests in community and healthcare. I look forward to being part of a supportive group like the PAC and to partnering with ImproveCareNow. I believe it will help me get adjusted to life with Crohn's by connecting me with resources and community support, and helping me find ways to get involved so I can give back and help others.
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