Today, May 19th, is World IBD Day! A day to raise awareness of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and hopefully find a cure one day. There are more than 10 million people in the world suffering from IBD and many do not even know it. Patients are not typically willing to share their diagnosis with others due to embarrassment. Even I was hesitant to share about my journey in the beginning because it was so uncertain, but I figured if I share my story it may bring light to others who really need it.
As I reflect on my journey with IBD, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I know that may sound counterintuitive and let me tell you, I was devastated when I learned of my diagnosis, but it was also a blessing in disguise. I cannot imagine what my life would look like if I wasn’t diagnosed. It has shaped the way I think about the world and others, especially becoming more aware that others are fighting battles we know nothing about.
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to be the MC at our Graduate Banquet for work. This was my third time planning this event, but I have never been the MC before. My coworker who usually does this and our Dean was out of town, so my boss told me I had to do it. Anyone who knows me knows that I am always up for a challenge, so I hesitantly accepted knowing it would be a good opportunity for growth in my career.
I was nervous because last time I stood at a podium for one of our events, it was 2019 and I had been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis a few months before. I remember a week before the event I went into the worst flare I ever had and wasn’t sure I would be able to do it. I remember not being able to eat anything that night and shaken with nerves. I was running to the bathroom multiple times throughout dinner just hoping I could make it to the stage and say my five minute part.
This time, I went into it with a little different mindset. Being in remission now, I don’t quite have the fear of running to the bathroom anymore, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t have PTSD from the last time. As I stepped up to the podium that night, I couldn’t help but remember five years ago feeling the absolute sickest I ever was. I was determined to get through this and prove not only to my colleagues, but to myself, that I am capable of taking the reigns and having a little bit of fun with it. My nerves seemingly dissipated when I stepped on the stage and it was one of the best experiences I have had in my career so far.
I can’t help but tell myself, “Look how far I’ve come?” It has been an incredible and tough journey to this point, but I am living out all the things I dreamed of. It may not have been on the timeline I originally wanted, but it’s better than I imagined. I have never felt like I’ve been in the right place at the right time, but I feel that today. It is such a rewarding feeling.
Like I tell my students, growth comes from doing things that make you a bit uncomfortable. If you never try, you will never know if it is something you will be good at and ultimately really enjoy. When a challenge comes your way, face it head on and you will succeed. I am living proof of that.
Check out this link to see how you can get involved on World IBD Day!
Turning Wellness into a Lifestyle 