What is IBD?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The month of May is Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month, today is also World IBD Day – 19th May.
If you are unaware of what Crohn’s & Colitis is please follow the below link.
https://www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au/about-crohns-colitis/Crohn’s & Colitis Australia is the peak national body representing more 75,000 Australians diagnosed(Many More have not been diagnosed) with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. They provide support services, fund research and create public awareness of these chronic diseases.
In 2009 I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease(IBD), this has had a huge impact on my life, I must point out that I don't suffer the symptoms as many others do or had surgery to remove large parts of my intestine or bowel, I am lucky.
Over the last couple of years I have meet Swaggers that suffer from varied forms of this chronic disease and other Swaggers who have to deal with similar life changing health issues, Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS), Stroke, brain hemorrhage aneurysm( which I suffered 01 /12/1998).
MySwag is truly is a great community of like minded people, and you don't get to see this until you sit around a fire and share your story.
I'm asking that we all take a moment to think about family, friends and others that have to deal with not just this, but all invisible diseases and struggles, yes depression is an invisible disease too.
Some days our Cross is a little heavier than others, with the support of family, friends and those that care(You don't have to understand what someone is going trough, you just have to listen and be there if needed) it does make a huge difference.
Thank You to all that have given support and understanding over the years to those that don't ask for help.