“Hi, I’m Keyla, I’m 38 years old and I have Crohn’s Disease, and I am a care partner to a 13-year-old with UC. I also have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Endometriosis, a permanent ostomy bag, and I am a Uterine Cancer survivor. My symptoms began as a child but was never officially diagnosed until I passed out at work as an adult and realized I needed to be seen by a doctor. I was first misdiagnosed with a food allergy and was told to change my diet. For a year I followed a strict diet but still wasn’t well, so I went for a second opinion at a larger hospital and that was when they officially diagnosed me with Ulcerative Colitis. After taking medications for two years, my UC was fairly under control until I was diagnosed with Uterine Cancer. So at 30 years old, I had a hysterectomy and that was where my health declined. Having failed every medication possible, I decided it was time to evict my colon. Four years ago; I began my surgery journey with IBD where I had a 2-phase jpouch procedure; after a year I was told it failed, which lead to the removal of my jpouch and leaving me with a permanent ileostomy bag. After a year of no symptoms, I began to experience bloody stools and was told I now have Crohn’s Disease. Now, two years later, my IBD is under control. But, looking back at my journey, my struggle, how far I’ve come, and what my future might hold. I know that I am more than capable of fighting my way thru whatever lies ahead and that this condition has a higher purpose for me.”
