Let's be honest: Having Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (also known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD) is not easy. Often called "the invisible disease," it can be an isolating experience, especially at the beginning of your journey. But whether you've already been diagnosed with IBD or are concerned about possible symptoms, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is here to help you every step of the way. They have the resources and expertise to help you feel empowered, supported, *and* less alone!
If you're early in your journey with IBD, one important step to take is to educate yourself on symptoms, treatmentoptions, side effects, diet and nutrition, clinical trials, and more. It seems like a lot but the Foundation makes learning easier by providing guidance and trusted information. With their help, you get on the right path so that you can have the best outcomes possible.
Have some more specific questions? Ask an Information Specialist at the IBD Help Center via phone, email, or live chat. They're available five days a week to help guide you when you need them.
The Foundation also has a special community just for kids: Camp Oasis, where children living with IBD can play and heal together! It gives kids the chance to meet each other, have fun, share experiences, and gain confidence and independence, just like all kids deserve. What's better than that?
During your journey, you'll also need to find a medical team that not only helps you but also makes you feel heard. You can start by checking out the Foundation's database of IBD doctors and medical experts to find the specialist that's right for you. Learn how to partner with your doctor to make the best decisions about your care.
Embarrassed to talk to your doctor about symptoms? Don't worry, that's completely understandable. One thing you can try doing is learning more about the disease. Feeling well informed can give you the confidence you need to take that first step, and that's important because getting the right diagnosis and treatment early on and all along the way can improve your health outcomes in the long term.
Start your journey today by visiting spillyourguts.org to learn about diagnosing, testing, and so much more! And know that even when you feel alone with this disease, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is here to support you.
