Let’s welcome this weeks warrior, Stacey!
Hi, I am Stacey. I’m originally from Houston, TX!
I have moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis. (diagnosed in 2012 when I was 21 in my 3rd year of college). My diagnosis was quick once my symptoms escalated to 20-30x/day, but before that, I had been to the doctor for GI distress and never received a diagnosis or any testing. I suspect I had active disease in high school or earlier.
Currently, I’m healing from my 3rd surgery this year, so my day-to-day is a little unpredictable. Since my diagnosis, I’ve met friends with IBD that I wouldn’t have known otherwise; I’ve raced in several half marathons fundraising for research for IBD cures, and I became an IBD dietitian! In those regards, my diagnosis has actually given me a sense of purpose! But my quality of life has been one that I’ve had to fight for intentionally by finding a supportive GI and surgical team; an IBD dietitian and a therapist. I’ve had to learn to prioritize my health at a young age, and at times, that has been a difficult adjustment, but I’m lucky to have supportive friends and family.
-My journey has taught me that crude humor is my favorite coping mechanism and that I’m actually pretty damn strong!
-Words of wisdom: protect your peace and save your energy for the people who are going to see you through to the finish line. No one gets to tell you how to navigate your disease or your life except for you! And don’t forget to tell your people how they matter to you. 🙂
-For fun I like travel, hike, or run- being outdoors is my favorite!
– Jaxon is in two of the attached pictures- he’s my deaf rescue dog.
                       
          
Thank you so much for sharing your story Stacey! Be sure to give her a follow at staceynellc on IG!Â