Trying a CCFA support Group
Sat, July 07, 2012 4:12 PM
I was diagnosed with UC in December of 2007 as a college student. I am a young professional in a larger city (I am in the twin cities area). I was wondering if anyone has tried out any of the CCFA sponsored support groups that can be found on this website? I am hesitant to attend one because I am unsure of what they are like (i.e. how many people attend, age groups, etc) and I'm not sure what type of benefits people have seen from them. I'd like to meet more people that I can relate to with this disease. I have found it difficult as a young person to connect with other people my age since I no longer drink alcohol and I'm tired of explaining to people why. I'd like to meet other young people who can understand where I am coming from.
Joined May 25, 2008
Fri, July 27, 2012 11:04 PM
Reply posted for amginda.
You won't know what to expect until you attend one. I am in a different city. Ages ranged from 20s-60s. One meeting had about 6 people and a more recent meeting I tried at another location had about 20 people. Each group can be a little different in what to expect also since they are run by people like you and I with crohns or UC that wanted to start a group in their area. I didn't enjoy the first meeting I tried so I didn't go back for years. Everyone went around and told their story. A man in his 50s cried about how he didn't take care of himself when he was in remission and flared again and his wife left him, etc. You get the picture. I felt so awkward at the meeting. I don't like hearing so much of the personal stories and don't enjoy watching others break down crying. I went to the other meeting because they had a guest speaker. Really enjoyed the speaker and the Q&A with him. He left though and everyone started going around giving a brief story on what they had, how long, where things stood right now. I would have rather talked about what was working for people to get advice, but again some people started complaining and crying so I had to leave. Some people like hearing that, I am not one of them. I don't want to cry and feel sorry for myself and others. I want to find ways to get better and maintain to live life. So try a meeting in your area and see what they do and who comes. You won't know until you try. I stick to the seminars with information.
Joined Jun 19, 2008
Alrightalright