Jennifer

I have had Crohn’s Disease for most of my life, 27 years to be exact. This disease has impacted my life in more ways than I ever imagined both good and bad. Throughout this journey, I have had several major and life changing surgeries to get me to where I am today. My last major surgery left me with a permanent ileostomy. This was not something I wanted to have, but in the end saved my life. It also gave me my life back and able to run and be active and do the things I love. Crohn’s has taught me that you are stronger than you think and can get through whatever life throws at you.

When I thought things would be better, the Crohn’s decided to make another appearance. Again, I thought, ‘why can’t I get this disease just to go away?…..’I always wondered why I had this disease, and I now know the answer. I could handle it and would be an advocate to help other people who are struggling with living with an Ostomy or Crohn’s. I never thought I would feel this way; you can still live your life and be a happy, productive person.

Hi, I’m Jenn, and this is my Crohn’s story…

It all started about 27 years ago; my life changed dramatically halfway through my freshman year of high school. I became very sick. Finding out I had Crohn’s disease threw me into a state of confusion, asking why Crohn’s and how could this happen. For a young woman at the age of 14, it was devastating. I didn’t want to hear anything about the disease, talk about it, or have anything to do with my friends. I was very confused and angry at the world. Being athletic and unable to play the sports I wanted made things worse.

I tried to hide from everyone, including my friends, but when you run to the bathroom 20 times a day, it is hard to keep from people. The first two years I had the disease are a blur, and I honestly just felt like giving up. Finally, with a change in medication, I started to see the light at the end of the tunnel, or so I thought.

Next was college, and again, I had a lot of high expectations, and I was determined not to let this Crohn’s get me down. Once again, the Crohn’s took over, and after multiple abscess surgeries, I started to wonder if I ever were going to have a normal life. A severe stricture in my colon prompted me to decide to have surgery. I prayed about it and finally felt at peace, hoping this would be the end of my Crohn’s. At the age of 20, I had my first major surgery for my Crohn’s. They took out seventeen inches of my colon, and because of an abscess, I had to have a temporary Ileostomy. Being 20 years of age and having a “poop bag” did not make me very happy, but I knew it was only for three months.

When I thought things would be better, the Crohn’s decided to make another appearance. Again, I felt myself becoming depressed and thought ‘why can’t I get this disease just to go away?’ The medication did not seem to be working, and I suffered from horrible abscesses again. At this point, I think I had tried every medication under the sun.

It has been 11 years since I have had my entire colon and rectum removed. I now have a permanent Ileostomy. I have felt the best I have felt in 27 years. Looking back, I wish I had made this decision long ago. It has been an adjustment, but “Stella,” whom I named my stoma, and I are doing just fine. I am no longer afraid to talk about Crohn’s Disease and am very open about my Ileostomy, or “Stella,” as I prefer to call it.

I always wondered why I had this disease, and I now know the answer. God knew that I could handle it and would be an advocate to help other people who are struggling with living with an Ostomy or Crohn’s. I never thought I would feel this way, but I am excited to share my story with others and to let them know that just because you have Crohn’s Disease or an ostomy, you can still live your life and be a happy, productive person.

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation has also played a huge part in helping not only myself but my family through all the years with information, support, and teaching us how to live with this disease. I have participated in several Team Challenge events, which has been a blessing since I love running, and running for this disease makes it even more special.

Marathon #86 – Recap