I usually
ramble on in my blogs so I have set myself a challenge – 200 words max per blog
for Crohn’s and Colitis awareness week!
It’s
difficult to explain what it’s like living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease on a
daily basis and it’s not something that anyone should have to go through alone.
Here’s your chance to give thanks to those that have stood by your side, looked
after you when you’re sick, given words of comfort when you’ve needed them,
understood your limitations when you can’t function like the other people in
their life, listened when you needed to talk (even if they don’t fully
understand) and that love you without question exactly AS YOU ARE.
My favourite
thing that people can do is ask if they don’t understand, or even get on Google
and look it up.
I’m not much
of a talker. It’s not new news. I feel like if I want someone to understand the
disease then I have to tell them my story but it’s not a place I like to
revisit, and looking back, I see a much weaker version of me that I don’t want
to look at. When I go back there in my head I feel like some of that weakness
creeps back in.
I don’t like
being looked after, I don’t like hospital visitors, I don’t like to be a drain
on anyone else whether that’s for physical or emotional support. I’m much more comfortable
alone when I’m sick.
However, a
special thanks must go to my mum who not only attempts to help when I’m poorly
(only ever accepted when I’m recovering from surgery, but still, the offer’s
there) but is also a massive advocate for IBD awareness. She tells everyone
who’ll listen – yes she really is
one of THOSE annoying gits!
And I love
her for it. That, and I have no choice.