ImproveCareNow Talking_about_ibd
Going with the Flow: Observations from an IBD Patient and Employee in Healthcare
On New Year’s Eve, my family has a tradition of writing our New Year’s resolutions on pieces of paper and then sharing them with each other amidst chuckles and teases. However, last year, we decided to do something a little different. “Let’s not choose a resolution,” we said. “And just go with the flow.” That concept could not have been more fitting or appropriate for 2020.
I was ready for boot camp when I got sick
My name is Madeline, and I am 18 years old. I currently attend technical community college but am transferring to a university in Virginia the fall of 2021. While in school I babysit/nanny part time. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease earlier this year and I am excited to join the PAC. One thing most people don't know about me is that I love to sing.
Top Ten LOOP posts of 2020
So far, in 2020, 50 stories have been shared #InTheLOOP. Thirty-four community members have written about IBD from their perspectives as patients, parents, researchers, clinicians, improvers and friends. They have covered topics ranging from COVID-19 and telehealth, to IBD research and innovation projects, to their struggles, triumphs and hopes for the future.
LOOP continues to make an impact in the IBD community, as a place where people can share their experiences and perspectives, to help others understand the realities of life with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis more clearly, and to keep us all #TalkingAboutIBD. Without further ado, here are the stories you read the most in 2020!
To cope with Crohn's disease, I choreograph South Asian dances.
My name is Rhea - I'm 17 years old and currently a senior in high school. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when I was 16 and will be starting Humira soon. One interesting thing about me is that I absolutely love children. I want to study pediatrics in the future!
Dealing with COVID isolation as a high risk patient
As a high-risk graduate student who's been remote since March, I'm no stranger to the COVID isolation fatigue that many of us have been experiencing. It’s been a challenge to work, attend classes, take care of my health, and balance daily life without the usual in-person interactions I’m used to. The days can feel like a blur when we do everything from home - setting boundaries and creating some semblance of ‘normalcy’ has been tricky, to say the least.
A few of the things I’ve noticed help me cope right now:
Crohn’s made it hard to participate in simple things
My name is Robbie. I’m 18 and a college student. I was 15 when diagnosed with Crohn's disease; luckily I am in remission now. An interesting fact that people don't know about me is that I captained my school's Trivia team and we went on TV for competitions!
It's OK for IBD to take up space in my life
My name is Shira and I'm currently a junior in high school. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in the fall of 2018 but I am being reevaluated for Crohn's disease at the moment. Something interesting about me is that my mom and a few other family members of mine also have IBD!
With IBD, I’ve gained a lot of empathy and perspective and learned a lot about privilege
My name is Seth. I am 17 years old and a rising high school senior. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in sixth grade. I had a relatively typical path to my diagnosis. After a few years of worsening symptoms (stomach pain, constipation, and vomiting), I went into the hospital, where I had a gastric emptying scan and upper endoscopy, and then labs, a CT Enterography, and finally a colonoscopy. After a few weeks on Prednisone, I started IV Remicade, which I have been on ever since. Outside of Crohn’s, I play trombone and tennis. I’m also very involved in politics, and I was recently an intern for two congressional candidates in Ohio.
Crohn’s swept life as I knew it out from under me
Hi! My name is Mary and I am 19 years old. I am currently in nursing school. I was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2018. One interesting thing about me is that I have 3 nephews and a niece!
I can overcome obstacles
Hi, I am a 16-year-old high school student diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I am a part of the varsity tennis team, Model UN, French Club, National French Honors Society, and High Pride. The most interesting thing people don't know about me is that I was the champion child of the year for the Children’s Miracle Network at my local hospital.