There's No I in IBD... Okay... Wait...

I have now been living with my Inflammatory Bowel Disease diagnosis for over 8 years. I've experienced active symptoms for even longer than that. It's crazy to think about everything I've faced since being diagnosed. From procedures to major surgeries, trying medications, failing medications... the works. I've truly been through it all with this condition.

A team effort

As I look back on my time living with my diagnosis, one word comes to mind: TEAM. Living with my condition has truly been a team effort. I don't know where I would be without the love of my family and a few friends. My family has stood behind me through everything and I can't imagine how impossible that's been for them, but they made it possible for me and I love them for that. Although I can't say they've always been understanding, one thing I can say is they've always made an effort to be present.

There's no I in IBD... okay... wait..

Of course there's an I in IBD, but we can't do it alone. We all need help at one point or another and that's okay. Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to battle conditions like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. I know a lot of us live with a lot of guilt. We feel guilty for asking for help. We feel guilty for requesting disability or requesting access to handicap parking spaces. We feel guilty for canceling plans or having to take time off of work. We live with this guilt, when truthfully there's nothing to feel guilty about. We are simply living and doing what's best for us.

Find your tribe

Thanks to my family and the team that stands behind me, I understand and accept this. My team has supported me mentally and physically through the pains and troubles of my condition. That's what it takes. IBD is a battle that takes a team to defeat. You must find your tribe. Know your people.

I understand that feeling of fear. Not wanting to be a burden or to bother people. Not wanting to request things you actually need. I know what that's like. I've struggled with that feeling for so long, but your IBD team won't blame you nor hold your condition against you. If you have the right people on your team, they will never guilt trip you for needing a little extra help. It's understandable. You're living with a chronic condition. Fighting against your own body just to live. If someone doesn't understand that, they don't deserve to be on your team in the first place.

Find your people. Let them know. Eight years post diagnosis I realize now, I should have asked for help sooner. Instead of trying to be so "independent," I should have accepted the times when I just wasn't capable of doing things on my own. I should have called on my team sooner. If you're anything like me, don't be stubborn. Ask for help. We all need it.