An Ode to Gratitude

The past few weeks, I have been filled with nothing but gratitude. On the Fourth of July, my favorite holiday, I got engaged to the love of my life! The love and support that we have received since then has been overflowing to say the least. Anytime a big life event happens for me, I tend to dive into reflection mode. This blog post is an ode to everything that got me here.

First off, I’m so grateful for my fiancé (wow, that’s getting so fun to say!). Dating with IBD has been such a struggle because it’s not easy to share the most vulnerable parts of myself. This past year was one of the hardest in my IBD journey in between a medication change, getting C diff, and two colonoscopies. He stayed by my side every step of the way.

Not only would he would sit with me while I did my Humira or Skyrizi injections, but he also came with me to my colonoscopy appointment, met my doctor, AND even came to my infusion appointment. Whatever struggle I was facing, he was facing it too because we operate as a team. I’ve never dated someone so involved in my health journey and that’s exactly the type of support any IBD patient wants and deserves.

I’m grateful for my family, especially my parents, for also continuing to be there for me during these various appointments and their support of my medication change. My parents have seen me go through this before and know how much of a toll it takes on me. I know it cannot be easy watching a child go through something like that.

I’m grateful for my therapist who is challenging me like no other therapist has before. According to the National Library of Medicine, up to 40% of IBD patients suffer from anxiety and/or depression, and that number increases during flares. Taking care of your mental and emotional health should not be ignored. My new therapist specializes in chronic illness and has helped me uncover thoughts, feelings, and emotions that I have suppressed for years. It is difficult, but also incredible to see what happens when you prioritize mental health.

I’m also grateful for Skyrizi getting me back on track. If I had not made this medication change, I would likely be in much worse shape. Having confirmation that I am in remission along with consistently feeling better puts my mind at ease. I’ve already been able to do so much this summer without the anticipatory anxiety that I would normally feel in a flare, and it’s such a good feeling. The summer isn’t even over yet, but it’s been one of the best so far.

I think a lot of times with IBD we tend to focus on all the negative. It’s so easy to get stuck in that cycle and wonder when things will get better, if ever. These moments of gratitude don’t come around often enough and I need to remind myself to stop and smell the roses. Thank you for all the love and support. I’m so excited for what’s to come.

What are you thankful for today? Let me know in the comments below!