Our mission is to improve the quality of life for BIPOC who are affected by IBD, Digestive Disorders and associated Chronic Illnesses; through Community, Research, Education, and Advocacy.
It is hard for me to remember how burned out I was when I received an emergency, temporary ileostomy 11 years ago at 24 years old. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Colitis when I was 12 and the years of bouncing from provider to provider while not fully accepting what my body needed had finally taken its toll. I remember coming home and wishing I could disappear. I could not accept yet another change to my body. This was so unfair! My “invisible” illness was having very visible effects on my mind, body, and spirit.
I would over commit myself at work and to mask my limitations to avoid dealing with it. I would avoid events because I was not confident to go out with my ostomy and I didn’t want to be vulnerable with my friends. I eventually burned myself out to the point my body shutdown on me. I had to learn that the more I pushed to mask my illness, the more isolated and burned out I would be. I knew I had to figure out how to accept my reality.
It took me 5 years to accept my new normal with an ileostomy and achieve medical remission for Crohn’s Disease and Hidradenitis Supperativa. In 2020, I made the decision to make the ileostomy permanent and have my colon removed. I still have good and bad days, but overall, my health has improved. Being honest about what my body needs is a major key in my self-care journey. I started being honest with myself, my family and my providers.
I went to a healing coach to learn how to prioritize myself and set healthy boundaries. Before this process I thought self-care was pedicures and facials. I learned that real self-care is work.
Here are some tips that work for me:
Give yourself grace in this journey,
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