Let’s welcome this weeks warrior, Nikki!
My name is Nikki Love and I currently live in Baltimore MD but I am originally from New Jersey.
I have Ulcerative Colitis, a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and I was diagnosed at 8 years old. I’d been a very sick baby, though, and my pediatric GI suspects I have had UC since birth. The process of being diagnosed was strange because I didn’t know what was going on or why I was constantly pooing blood and in pain, but my mom and dad knew what it was immediately, since my dad, uncle, and grandfather all had/have it. I suffered with UC that never went into remission from 8 years old all the way up until 25, when my colon started to perforate and I needed emergency surgery to save my life. I now have an ileostomy and though it was the one thing I feared getting all my life, it has been my biggest blessing.
Before my emergency surgery, life was always up and down. Huge, drawn out flares, numerous trips a day to the bathroom, fear of certain foods, of staying over someone’s house, of not knowing where the closest bathroom was. I missed out on so many things because I stayed home in pain, and also in fear. I couldn’t keep weight on during flares, but with constant prednisone use my face was always in the dreaded “moon face” mode. Now with my bag I can do ANYTHING I want. I live life so much more now without my colon than I did with it. I have no limitations on food, where I can go, what I can do, and my confidence in myself has actually gotten STRONGER since getting an ostomy bag, if you can believe that!
I am a HUGE Tolkien fan. Anything Lord of The Rings is immediately my thing. I also really love anime. My two dogs, Eowyn and Goku, and the lil loves my life and my partner, Matt, is the greatest gift I could have ever received from this wild ride called life. I love spending my time with the three of them.
Suffering with IBD has taught me a lot about resilience. It’s also taught me a lot about grief, loss, depression, and intense sadness. I’ve learned it’s okay to not be okay, and that advocating for yourself and your health is THE most important thing. You only get one body, love it and be there for it as best as you can.
To anybody suffering with IBD or any sort of chronic illness: I hear you and I see you. I’m here for you every step of the way. You are never, ever alone. Even on the days it may feel like you are. Whatever life throws at you: you GOT this! After all, life takes guts, and it sure as all hell took mine!
Thank you Nikki for sharing your story with us! You are an incredibly strong and inspirational IBD warrior! Thank you for all you do to inform and uplift the IBD community! Be sure to give her a follow on IG @nikkimarieloveee