Amy's Story

You never know what a person is going through by looking at them. 2 months after my diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis, I had lost nearly 40lbs from GI swelling and massive intestinal bleeding. I had no energy, and could barely lift my legs enough to climb a few steps. I was in crippling amounts of pain, and small tasks like leaving bed  or attempting to shower became a living nightmare. And yet, I remember receiving compliments from my doctors saying  “If it’s any consolation, you look PHENOMENAL!” I watched my hair fall out in clumps from malnutrition. I withdrew from friends and loved ones to crawl into myself. And the feedback I got most regularly from the people in my life who didn’t know how bad things were was, “Girl! What’s your diet secret?!”

Now, as the owner of a body with 4 chronic illnesses, I’ve learned to be gentle with both myself, and the expectations of others. You don’t live in a body with this many challenges without trying everything to make yourself feel better. As hard as it can be to ignore unintentionally hurtful comments from people like “I have a friend who has “tummy aches” like you and she just took magnesium and was fine!” or “I bet you’re just not drinking enough water!”, I’ve learned that I need to listen to what’s right for me, and honor my own experience.

I’ve learned from Celiac Disease that even having to give up some of your favorite foods can be worth it to feel pain free. I’ve learned from Rheumatoid Arthritis that sometimes despite how frustrating it can be, slowing down and taking time to destress can make all the difference. I’ve learned from Ulcerative Colitis that I am a freaking warrior, and that I can survive getting a colonoscopy the day after having a c-section, and bounce back enough to take care of an infant. I’ve learned from the fears of sitting in Multiple Sclerosis waiting rooms with patients on all spectrums of this disease that I will do anything and everything I can to make the most of the life I have been given.