I have spent the better part of my life hiding the fact that I have a disease, and my adult life hiding my ostomy. The denial started when I was diagnosed at age 9, and I've dealt with most issues by pushing them away. Not healthy. I can remember walking to school with my friend, in elementary school, and she said "My mom said you take medicine. How come?" My response- "No I don't. There's NOTHING wrong with me. I DO NOT take medicine. My parents tried to get me to join support groups for young children with IBD. I wouldn't even entertain the idea. Looking back I wish I had. Woulda shoulda coulda. There's nothing I would change about my life. I am who I am because of the events of my life.
The other day I was perusing the internet and stumbled upon an article about Secret Life Star, Kenny Bauman. He has Crohn's too! I'm not excited he has to suffer, but I love hearing about people in the limelight who have IBD. It brings attention to this very important cause.
Check it out!
Secret Life Star Battling Crohn's
Other celebs who have Crohn's:
ABC News correspondent Cynthia McFadden
American Pickers Frank Fritz
Pearl Jam's Mike McCready
Jacksonville Jaguars David Garrard
Mary Ann Mobley
Shannen Doherty
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Wrestler George "The Animal" Steele
NHL's Kevin Dineen
I have Crohn's as well. I was initially diagnosed when I was in my mid 20's as having symptoms consistent with the onset of Crohn's. I took pills and really didn't have any serious issues other than frequent bathroom visits. Then about 4 years ago my symptoms became exponentially worse. 2 years ago I had a resection and spent 2 months in the hospital. Now, I'm unable to work, require 10-14 hours of sleep a day just to be exhausted the rest of the time I'm awake, have extreme joint pain, my eyes hurt, and I'm in the bathroom so much I think I should get cable installed. I have four children and a very amazing wife. But, for all I have going well, I am nearly always depressed. I do my best to hide how badly I hurt, and how down I feel. I worry that people will think that I'm just faking to get attention because I don't look sick. Now I'm filing for disability and feel terrible about that as well, because frankly I miss working. Miss the connection of co-workers, and the satisfaction of having that check with my name on it, contributing to the household financially. I also live in Michigan, Kalamazoo to be exact.
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