“I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 19 in March of 2022 after experiencing symptoms for almost 6 months. I lived my life free of major health issues until that point, and the stark and sudden change was overwhelming and extremely isolating. I crashed and burned, getting fired from my wonderful job at my local hospital, and suffering for hours each day stuck at home with absolutely no control over anything. My wonderful husband picked me up and dusted me off and supported me for years while I fought to heal my body. I am now at a place where I feel understood, secure, and supported by everyone around me. I am not quite finished with my healing journey, but the progress I have made thus far, the things I have learned and the friendships I have gained have made it all worth it. I hope if you ever find yourself feeling lonely or isolated like I did, that you will seek out help, and others who have compassion for what you’re going through, because it really makes a world of difference.”
