Crohns in the Public Eye

Crohns and IBD is becoming more widely known which is great, as it really is important for people to know about bowel disease. There are many misconceptions and confusions surrounding IBD and most people think it is exactly the same as IBS but they are worlds apart. Any IBD sufferer could tell you that! So when Crohns and IBD is played down to not be that big of a deal, it's really upsetting and hurtful for sufferers. Most sufferers feel that bowel disease isn't taken seriously enough and people are continually campaigning for awareness. 

So I'm sure most of you will have seen Samantha Faiers Instagram post a couple of days ago stating she was 'cured' from Crohn's disease. Whilst it's amazing that she is feeling stronger and better in herself, this is totally crushing to read. All Crohns & IBD sufferers are well aware that there is no cure for our diseases, so for someone in the public eye to voice that she has been 'cured' it almost undoes all the hard work campaigners have fought so hard for. Every day people struggle to explain Crohns & IBD and how debilitating it is and that it is so much more than frequent toilet trips. First off IBD goes hand in hand with anxiety and depression so many IBD sufferers (including myself) also suffer with depression and/or anxiety. Anxiety alone can take over your life, so imagine that on top of chronic fatigue, malnutrition, and excruciating abdominal pain just to name a few symptoms. 

I think unless you have IBD, you can't imagine what having it is like and how it changes your life. When I got diagnosed I had to mourn the life I previously had, as it would never be the same. This was a life long disease I was always going to have, and thinking to the future still scares me. Not knowing what's round the corner and being in constant fear that I'm going to flare. Then of course, the increased risk of colon cancer. All these factors make up Crohn's disease, not just the frequent need to go to the toilet. 

Even though IBD is becoming more well known, so many people still don't take it seriously. It isn't considered a disability, we have to pay for all our medication, it cannot always be controlled by diet and cannot be cured. So to have someone in the public eye state they are simply cured, is soul destroying if I'm honest!  Like I said previously,  it is great Samantha is feeling stronger and better in herself and if she claims to have been 'cured' why not share how she got there? I know that everyone is different so what works for her won't work for everyone, but people are open to suggestions! If I was in her position in the public eye, I would take full advantage to spread awareness and help others. I know how desperate sufferers can feel, I've been in that position, and any glimpse of hope is amazing to focus on. It gives you a bit of positivity in dark times and something to cling on to. 

This post is in no way written to slander Samantha Faiers and her opinions, but simply to point out that Crohns isn't as easily curable as she says. I think it's important that everyone is still aware of the severity of IBD and not to take this disease lightly.

XOXO Crohnie Girl