For Better or For Worse: How Has Your Life Changed After Crohn's?

It is a harsh truth to realize that you will never be the same person after hearing the words, "You have Crohn's disease." You will never return to the same person you were – handed a life sentence with a chronic illness.

You will never not have to answer a lengthy medical history questionnaire, and you will likely fall under the category of "immune-compromised" for the rest of your life. Perhaps now you will display a scar on your abdomen or be more cautious of what you eat before you travel. Your life has changed overnight, but would you consider it for better or for worse?

I would like to believe that my life changed for the better upon my Crohn's diagnosis, and here's why.

I am a Crohn's Warrior

Prior to my diagnosis, I never truly knew how strong I was and how I would react when faced with a challenge. Through living with Crohn's, I have discovered that I am actually much more strong and resilient than I had previously assumed. Knowing that if I can get through some of the curveballs this disease has thrown at me, I can handle pretty much anything.

I am more empathetic

After going through some of the hardships presented by my disease, I can confidently say that I am much more empathetic towards others who are facing health issues or other setbacks in their lives. I know what it is like to have to cancel plans last minute or ask others to make special accommodations and feel for those who are in similar situations. I also find myself having more patience with past annoyances that would ruin my day and find more gratitude in the small wins in life.

I am more persistent

Unfortunately, I am all too familiar with doctors not getting back to me promptly or providing an incorrect diagnosis. I have learned to be my own advocate and speak up when I am not getting answers from doctors or not getting the answers I think are accurate. There have been several occasions where I have demanded blood work or imaging to monitor my disease and being proactive has always benefitted me in staying on top of my health. I am also more persistent in my everyday life because I know that, despite having a setback, tomorrow is another day and another opportunity to feel better.

I am more knowledgable

Living with Crohn's since 2009 has made me feel like I know more than a gastroenterologist. I am not only aware of every little "off" feeling in my body, but I am knowledgeable of medications, types of imaging, certain foods that work best for the body, and the value of mental health when improving my physical health.

This knowledge did not appear overnight, rather it was from years of research and real-life experience, but I feel like I know so much more about the GI tract and autoimmune diseases in general that it actually makes me feel good. I appreciate the positive feedback from medical professionals that I know my health history inside and out and which medications I have tried, which were successful and which have failed. I also enjoy sharing certain knowledge with others who have been recently diagnosed so that they can avoid common mistakes that most patients make when newly diagnosed.

Choosing positivity with Crohn's

While I am not exactly thrilled to be living with Crohn's, it is my fate and I am focusing on how my life has improved since my early 2009 diagnosis. Sure, we can point out all of the negative ways we will not be the same (I haven't had gluten in more than 8 years, but I choose to not dwell on that), but if you look hard enough, you will see that your life has changed for the better in some ways, regardless of how small that may be. We cannot change our situation, so let's change our attitude about our situation and see how much better our life can be!