Let’s welcome this weeks warrior, Ashlyn!
Hi, I am Ashlyn from Northern California, born and raised, and still residing there now.
I have ulcerative colitis and was diagnosed in 2016. My diagnosis experience was quite drawn out. I started experiencing symptoms in 2015 and early 2016, but like so many do I ignored and thought it was “normal”. It took 4 months to formally be diagnosed once I saw a GI doctor. After many blood tests, CT scans, and scope I was finally diagnosed in September 2016.
My life has changed in many ways. I have spent so much time being aware of bathrooms and times I have had to cancel events or plans due to health-related issues. I developed joint pain, severe mouth sores, and chronic UTIs due to the colitis medications I was on. Now I have an ostomy bag due to my colon tissue dying and almost going septic a year ago. My life has once again changed quite significantly. This chronic illness can take so much from you. My ostomy has thankfully given me a life back but it hasn’t been great the entire way. I faced many complications post op and living with IBD will always be part of me. I still experience dehydration and fatigue almost daily.
My journey has taught me how resilient and adaptable I am. I have learned to love myself fully and appreciate each day I get to live. I truly encourage anyone suffering from chronic illness to open up and find an outlet for it. Whether it be social media, journaling, video making, etc. Find what method helps you and find that community that makes you feel less alone. I have found that surrounding myself with genuine family and friends, creating content online, and learning to accept myself 100% has helped me be the happiest I’ve ever been.
For fun I enjoy watching movies with my husband, playing video games or doing something low-key, and spending time with family and friends. I love to travel but haven’t done as much as I’d like to. I am a sucker for some obnoxious reality tv and I love Marvel as well. Lately, my husband and I enjoy putting a record on our record player with the fire burning and dancing around the kitchen. I am just so grateful to be alive and I make sure to do my best to enjoy each day.
Thank you so much for sharing your story Ashlyn! Be sure to give her a follow at ashlynlaskey on IG!