My name is Caitlin and for the past few years my body has been ravaged by ulcerative colitis. At 22 years old, I went through the gamut of medications and was bedridden. Near death, I was told that my best bet would be surgery (colectomy and ileostomy).
I had my surgery on July 17th and could not imagine feeling better. I am still trying regain my strength as well (as a couple more pounds), but in comparison to where I was, I feel like superwoman.
I have always been very open about my disease and struggles, but not everyone is. Because of this silence, not many people are aware of IBD, what it is, or how to help. I am not fit to work or go to school, so I have decided to spend my time raising awareness for IBD sufferers.
I urge you to share this campaign in the hopes that we can all "Get Gutsy" and speak openly about this.
http://www.tfund.com/getgutsy
Please share via e-mail, Facebook and any other way you can to spread awareness far and wide.
Reply posted for c8linpluem.
I would like to help raise awareness about everyday living - that is, the lack thereof.
I am a shell of a human being. I can't do anything. My colon is fine. But I cannot get ANY treatment for my (secondary) symptoms. I am not suicidal, for many reasons. But there is certainly no reason at for me to be alive. Narcotics enabled me to work, and function, until 3 years ago. Now, I cannot get any doctor to talk to me about narcotics or any treatment or therapy at all. I can't walk. I live alone. I just heard that there is no treatment for ALS. So maybe they can relate. I'm 45, and all I can do is lie in bed and wait to die.
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