CCFA’s new television PSA begins, “You might be surprised to learn who has IBD.”
The more I get involved with this community, the more I am blown away by how true that statement is. Seven and a half years ago, when I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (which would later be re-diagnosed as Crohn’s disease), I felt totally alone. I was convinced that nobody would understand, and so I didn’t talk much about my new disease.
I can’t say that anymore.
Yesterday, I was sitting in Starbucks with a new friend I met through this blog. Her boyfriend has ulcerative colitis, and we were chattering away about everything under the sun, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, of course.
As I was spewing (maybe a little loudly) about my diagnosis, B12 deficiencies, colonoscopies, and endoscopies, I became aware that the barista mopping the floors was hovering near our table. Finally, she walked over and said, “Okay, this is totally creepy, and I’m sorry for eavesdropping, but do you have Crohn’s disease? Because I do, too!”
Cue “It’s a small world after all.”
I want to hear it! Tell me your small world stories, IBD or otherwise.
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Lauren….I just want you to know that I look at your blog everyday and I’m so excited when I see you have wrote something new. I really need to get back into blogging and writing things out! I love your post today because how true is that…Its amazing the people you end up meeting! I have to tell you I”m really excited as I have joined the Advisory Council in Sioux Falls, SD to get the word out about our diseases and I meet with them this Thursday. If you have any new awesome innovative fundraising ideas for the community to support Camp Oasis fill me in
Kristi
Aw, you are so sweet! Thanks, Kristi! I’ll see what I can think of and shoot you an e-mail.
So true…as we become more open with our conditions with others we will ultimately meet and discover those who are traveling with a similar journey.
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That’s so cool! I’ve never actually met anyone who also has ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. It’d be awesome to have someone to talk about it with in person. Someone who understands and wouldn’t get grossed out.
Hey Aaron, have you checked out your local CCFA chapter? That’s where I started making all my IBD connections. Now I seem to find them everywhere!
I know! I never used to talk about my UC. I was too scared and embarrassed to. I mean, who wants to hear about my pooping habits? But since I have opened up about it and gotten involved, I’ve met so many people in the most random of places that have IBD!
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Too true!
Whatever diagnosis you get, your doc will probably tell you that x% of all Americans have this condition, but that number doesn’t become real to you until you’re in the trenches, the Starbucks of the world, making connections.
such a surprisingly good feeling.
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Exactly. I was so thrilled I practically skipped home!
I know that feeling of being all alone with all that crap (pun intended) as well. Opening up about it helps of course. What I really would love though, is a remission. Good lord, i sooo wish it’ll happen soon. My CU is chronically active for more than a year now and I’m sick and tired of all what comes with it. Duuh.