Let’s welcome this weeks warrior, Jennifer!
Hi y’all! My name is Jennifer and folks usually call me either Jen, Jenny, or Jennifer. I was born, raised, and still live in sunny Southern California. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis shortly after I became a registered nurse in 2005. I had self-diagnosed myself with IBS during nursing school and then was quickly diagnosed with UC when I had a flare-up in 2006. My first flare-up landed me in the hospital for 2 weeks, required tons of Prednisone, and IV nutrition until my colon calmed down. From that point on, my doctors tried a variety of medications to keep my UC at bay, but nothing worked. In 2011, I had my colon removed and began figuring out life with my new J-Pouch.
I battled dehydration and nutritional absorption issues with my J-Pouch, until I finally did an anti-inflammatory diet. That was my savior and now I know exactly what foods serve and don’t serve my body. I was finally gaining weight, getting stronger and stronger, until the docs discovered a polyp in my J-Pouch last year. It took a few surgical attempts in January 2021 to remove the polyp, which had grown the size of a fist! 10 days after the polyp was removed, I suffered a bowel perforation. I had a temporary ileostomy (again) and had my ileostomy reversal surgery in May 2021. I have resumed my anti-inflammatory diet and I am feeling much better now. I battle with low iron and recently started iron transfusions in addition to oral iron tablets. Besides low iron, all my numbers look great and my body has bounced back from the health hiccups.
While I was hospitalized this year, I did suffer mild depression. I lost about 20% of my body weight and my husband had to help me with my daily activities (showers, getting dressed, etc.). I knew I had to snap out of my depression, so I began doing things that brought me joy. I began sitting outside to let the sun hit my skin, listening to music, and doing small things around the house that gave me some form of independence back. I started sharing my story on Instagram and Facebook, which led me to an amazing IBD community. I watched other IBD warriors do hardcore workouts, struggle with the same ileostomy issues I dealt with (leaks, skin breakdown), and that’s what helped me realize I am not alone. To my surprise, sharing my IBD journey has helped others, just as others had helped me.
Finding a supportive community, talking with others who are going through the same thing, and reading positive affirmations every morning has really helped my mental status. I am a strong supporter of talk therapy with a professional, so your friends and family don’t become your psychologist. Another trick is focusing on being healthy and not focusing on your illness. Changing that thought process brings a different type of energy into your life and keeps you in a positive mindset when things get hard. Lastly, get outside and move your body! That will get you out of that stagnate state and get those happy endorphins pumping through your body. Cheers warriors, we got this!!!
Thank you Jennifer for being such an amazing warrior and sharing your journey! I know it will help so many! Be sure to give her a follow if you don’t already @jenniferstar78