relaxing, such as swimming. Make sure you are explaining to close family members and
friends about what you are going through.
Even if you find it embarrassing, it is important for the people that you are around the
most to understand so that they can help you if necessary. Some patients even find that
family and friends become the most valuable support systems.
“My best friend has been the best support system in my journey with IBD. She makes me
happy when I’m feeling hopeless,” says Janet T.
Another patient feels that her family has been a great support with her diagnosis. “My
family has been my best support system, who has also had much experience with UC,
and my IBD nurse has been excellent,” says Laura, a UC patient.
Regardless of the severity or kind of diagnosis, researching is the best thing you can
do for yourself. There are countless blogs out there full of amazing, positive advice
from people that you can truly relate to. Try to steer clear from all of the negativity and
people who have let their disease bring them down. It is understandable to have anger
about becoming sick, but there is nothing better that you can do for yourself than finding
someone that has been through a similar situation. This will make you feel less lonely
and scared.
Keep dancing!
Social media provides a great outlet for those who are newly diagnosed and confused.
Twitter lets you search keywords such as, “crohn’s, colitis, ostomy, or jpouch, even IBD.”
There you can find people who write short synopsis of their everyday lives. Twitter is also
a great source for finding quick answers to your most dire or personal questions.
The most important piece of advice that you can consider when being diagnosed is to
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