My names Danielle, I'm 27 years old and live with Ulcerative Colitis. I was diagnosed in January 2022.
I've worked in the social housing sector since I was 17 for the same local authority. I enjoy walks with my dog, shopping, going on holidays, spending time with family & friends, visiting nice restaurants, spa day's or anything involving pampering myself!
The main symptom I had pre-diagnosis was severe stomach pains, which started very intermittently in the beginning then become more frequent over the years. I felt that my family and health professionals thought that I was over-exaggerating and that it was just a general stomach ache I was experiencing, this is what stopped me from being open and honest about how I was feeling.
A lot of how I felt was due to my own anxiety, but I also felt that at the time I wasn’t being listened to by health professionals which I believe contributed to not being diagnosed until nearly five years later.
Some of the symptoms of IBD can be thought of as ‘embarrassing’ which also contributed to how little information I shared with family and friends.
Danielle
Person Living with Ulcerative Colitis
I found that pre-diagnosis, I was very anxious and embarrassed about having the urge to go to the toilet as I was worried that my work colleagues, family would notice and judge me. Flatulence is also a very common symptom of IBD including bloating which I experience frequently, I also found this to be very embarrassing when at work or public places. I found that by changing my diet made a massive impact so I no longer get anxious or embarrassed about this symptom. I found this very difficult to share with health professionals pre-diagnosis due to how embarrassed I felt.
As I have now learnt to live with IBD, I am very comfortable with the symptoms I experience and acknowledge that I will have good and bad days.
When I was referred to a consultant in 2021, I felt liberated and like a weight had been lifted off my shoulder when I explained how I was feeling and how it was affecting my daily living. I finally felt I was being listened to, and I am very grateful for the support I’ve received from health professionals, friends and family.
I have also shared more about my symptoms with my employer, friends and family over the past year and it has really helped me become a more open person, as well as managing my anxiety better.
I would encourage them to try and be more open and honest with health professionals, family & friends as it really makes a massive difference to not only your mental health, but coming to terms with how to manage IBD that works for you.
I also urge everyone to listen to their body and if they don’t feel like something is right, please seek advice from a health professional and continue to seek this until you get the treatment/diagnosis that you need.
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