Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover

By niko86

1 min read

I don't like to talk about my health. It's not who I am. It's messy and makes people uncomfortable. But what happened to, "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all?". Easier said than done sometimes, but still, Lol. I've had Crohn's Disease for 20 years, since I was 12 years old, and now all of the sudden a few months ago I couldn't stand for more than a few minutes at a time without passing out. They've been doing a ton of tests over the last 4 months and they still want to do a ton more, but they're pretty sure its P.O.T.S. People have told me my entire life, "But you don't look sick" or "You're too young to be sick" or a multitude of other ignorant comments. Most of the time I just let it slide. Because, unless I wear a sign on my forehead that says so, how would anyone know that I got dealt a lemon, right? Right.

I like to think that most people are innately kind, but some people really make me wonder. You have no idea by glancing at someone, what they're going through, or what they HAVE been through. The person sitting in that wheelchair, or standing next to you on the elevator, or behind you in the checkout line, might be the biggest bad@ss in the room.

So be thankful. And try to appreciate what you have before its gone. You never know what tomorrow may bring.

Share Your Story

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The InflammatoryBowelDisease.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

thedancingcrohnie Moderator & Contributor
Yes, this is definitely so true. We don't know the first thing about tomorrow, and that is just a fact. Thank you for reminding us to be kind and to not forget that everyone has their struggle. I hope you are feeling well these days. Thank you for being a part of our community! Always dancing, Elizabeth (team member)
1. niko86 Member
 Thank you. I'm still not able to go back to work and even doing small chores or making dinner takes all day, but they're still running tests. (So many tests!) And I thought I felt like a Guinea pig before haha The thing I have to remember is it can always be worse, so I try to appreciate what I do have. No matter how hard it gets. Sure I can't stand for more than a few minutes, but at least I can still stand! There are many people, including a friend of mine, that are in a wheelchair for the rest of their life. I'm learning to slow down and be patient with myself. I still feel guilty for not being able to work, and I feel like a burden to those around me. But I hope that this too will be something I can learn from and will help others find the strength to keep fighting. Stay positive. Find a way to keep laughing. And just take one day at a time.
2. thedancingcrohnie Moderator & Contributor
 Ugh, I know exactly how you feel. One day at a time, just like you say. Just don't lose hope that things will get better. I was once just like you. Just standing up tired me out so badly, and forget showering. But as you point out things could be worse. I would always force myself to say out loud what was working. I had my eyes, my ears, sense of smell etc. It's amazing how hard the IBD journey is, but if you don't lose hope you are already winning half the battle. Keep us posted with how your tests go. Rooting for you. Always dancing, Elizabeth (team member)