I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (Ibd) back in 2015. I'd never heard of this disease previously but it's taken me nearly 2 years just to get this condition under control. I've given up a lot of friends because it's embarrassing having to explain myself all the time. I also gave up my stressful job because I was having major flares and currently living with parents which isn't always ideal. To sum up, I'm so mad that I spent the first 25 yrs of my life taking my health for granted. Chronic diseases are the worst because there is no cure, you just have to manage it as best you can. On the worst days it feels like a life sentence. To top it off, whilst I've been unemployed, certain family members are very judgemental through lack of any understanding or empathy. From the outside I look fine to most people. I try not to think about this but the thought of one day having surgery to remove my bowels terrifies me so I hope it never comes to that. My mentality about life in general has really changed.. You learn to appreciate things a lot more (this is a silver lining I guess) plus there's always somebody out there who has worse problems etc.

Thankfully, after over a year of testing different drugs I seem to have found one that works. I really hope 2018 is an easier ride. To anybody out there with Crohns or Colitis please seek advice from health professionals. If left untreated it can be life threatening. Any sign of blood or severe stomach cramps please get it checked out by doctor. Thank you for reading and Happy New Year guys!