December 1-7 is IBD Awareness Week. At this exact time four years ago I started feeling symptoms and didn't know what it was. As I approach my four year diagnosis anniversary, I reflect on what having a chronic illness means to me, how it has changed me, and what it has taught me. If you… Continue reading IBD Awareness Week: What IBD Has Taught Me
Author: Christie Chaump
A Letter of Appreciation
I am entering a busy, but exciting time in my life. I turn 25 in a few days and I am graduating from my master's degree in less than a month. When I am busy and find myself going through the motions, I stop to take a breath and consider what I'm grateful for. It's… Continue reading A Letter of Appreciation
The Grief of IBD
No one really talks about the grief that chronic illness patients experience. Having a chronic illness is not always about dealing with the symptoms. It is largely about understanding and accepting feelings of loss, helplessness, and uncertainty. I have had a tough few weeks and I saw these posts on social media recently that helped… Continue reading The Grief of IBD
The Four Agreements
September is my favorite month of the year, yet this year it was filled with a lot of lows. I have been feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and frustrated - especially since I haven't really gotten back to 100% after having COVID. I have been tested a lot in my life, but I always find my way… Continue reading The Four Agreements
COVID and IBD
Well, COVID managed to find it's way to me after two years of avoiding it. As someone with chronic illness and a weakened immune system, this was devastating. I called my mom in tears immediately after I tested positive, not sure what to do or how to handle it. Based on the symptoms I was… Continue reading COVID and IBD
Daily Life with IBD
It's not easy to put into words what daily life is like living with a chronic, autoimmune disease like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The best way I can describe it is uncertain. I ask myself so many questions each day - questions that do not have a simple answer. "Why me?" "Are these random body… Continue reading Daily Life with IBD
3 Common Biologics for IBD
Most people do not know what biologics are, as they are a relatively new treatment for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). I'm sure you've seen the commercials, but you're probably left wondering how they actually work. Biologics are protein-based antibodies used to stop certain proteins in the body from causing inflammation. Biologics are typically… Continue reading 3 Common Biologics for IBD
3 Common Tests for IBD Patients
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients know a whole lot about getting tests done...almost too much. It isn't always the most fun, but I constantly remind myself that the tests will (hopefully!) provide answers. Since IBD is such a complicated illness, we can't always rely on how we are feeling. Sometimes how we feel on the… Continue reading 3 Common Tests for IBD Patients
Staying Strong with Chronic Illness
I've had a few friends reach out to me lately and ask how I keep going despite having a chronic illness. "How does it not bother you?" "You always have a smile on your face!" I can confirm that it does in fact bother me and yes, I do have a smile on my face… Continue reading Staying Strong with Chronic Illness
When Nothing Hurts
I haven't been writing nearly as much as I used to or want to, and I'm kicking myself for that. Writing is an outlet for me and it was the best discovery I could have ever made during my ulcerative colitis (UC) recovery journey. I am better able to express my thoughts and feelings when… Continue reading When Nothing Hurts
Turning Wellness into a Lifestyle 