Companion Magazine for IBD Volume 1 | Page 31

would be to stay calm. You’ve lived with it before diagnosis, you’ll live with it after and probably get better with treatment,” says Michael M., an indeterminate colitis patient. Don’t let pamphlets and brochures define your personal disease. Everyone is different and even though there is no known cure for IBD, there are countless options that you can consider to make your diagnosis seem less daunting. “This is a low point, it does get better,” says Sarah R., an IBD patient. The very first strategy that you should take into consideration is concreting your diagnosis. Many patients’ suffering is prolonged because they have been misdiagnosed. Second opinions are a must in the diagnosis process. Knowing and understanding as much as Tom H. (@foreveryibd) didn't let IBD bring him down! possible about your specific situation is the most important step you can take for yourself.