A big welcome to my blog.
My name is Chris. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2016.
Since then, there have been many, many ups and downs.
Horrific experiences I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Yet also experiences of love, understanding and unconditional support which I am so grateful for.
It has been quite the ride. I have failed and fallen down more times than I can count. This illness has tested me and pushed me to the brink. There have been some dark days. But I’ve also had some successes, taken some steps forward and learned a lot about myself.
Much of what I am going to be talking about in the blog is based on my own lived experience.
However, I have a fairly extensive health and educational background as well: a Health Sciences Degree (2016) and a Master’s Degree in Public Health (2018). So I promise any information I present will always be grounded in the latest research, data and other health-related sources.
In 2020 I underwent colectomy surgery and now live with an ileostomy. It has been a massive adjustment for me, but it likely saved my life, as I was so incredibly sick prior to that.
Since my surgery though, I’ve had to deal with a number of complications and setbacks. Steroids, pain, hospital stays, endocrine/autoimmune issues…just to name a few. Surgery unfortunately wasn’t the miracle cure I was hoping for, but I guess that is life.
Needless to say, if you are struggling with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis right now…there is a good chance I have been there. Believe me, I KNOW what it is like to struggle with this illness. You are not alone.
I still have good days and crummy days. Even now, I am nowhere near where I want to be health-wise. But I’ve made progress. I am in a better state than I was a year ago. And better than I was the year before that. Healing is a continual process. But there are days when I still struggle. I’m slowly learning to be ok with that.
I’m beginning to place more focus on self-care and self-compassion, while at the same time acknowledging that I am a complex and flawed human being. It’s not easy.
So this is the lens that I write from. My wish is that this blog becomes a safe space for anyone to share their experiences if they feel compelled to. Share words of support. Words of hope. I encourage you to share whatever you like in the comment section, and I will try my best to respond.
So that is my story. My healing journey unfolds one day at a time. All I hope is to share a little hope, encouragement, and wisdom along the way.
Cheers and thank you so much for reading,
-Chris