Hey everyone – I’m Sophia.
Two years ago, at just 17, my world turned upside down when I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine. I was on the brink of starting university and had a fun girly holiday planned. So when I found out I’d have to live with this condition for the rest of my life, it felt like the end of the world.
Fast forward a few months, and I had to undergo bowel surgery, resulting in an ileostomy. Little did I know how grateful I would become for that little bag. It’s funny how life throws curveballs, but you learn to adapt and even find gratitude in the most unexpected places..
World IBD Day is incredibly special to me.
It’s a day that unites people in the fight against Crohn’s and Colitis and raises much-needed awareness. I’ve noticed that we often shy away from talking about IBD because, let’s face it, poo is a bit of a taboo subject. But hey, poo is natural, so let’s get talking!
This day gives us a platform to share our stories and challenges, fostering a sense of community that I absolutely love.
There’s so much to learn from World IBD Day, and it’s not just for those of us with IBD. It’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone to educate themselves about the condition and learn how they can support friends or family members who are affected. It’s also a chance to debunk misconceptions and understand what not to say to someone with IBD or any chronic condition. Trust me, hearing “you don’t look sick” is not helpful!
When I was first diagnosed, I knew very little about IBD—just the basic facts and figures from pamphlets. But hearing personal stories shared by those also living with an inflammatory bowel disease made me feel seen and heard, and it made this condition feel a lot less isolating.
One of the best parts of World IBD Day is seeing how others have navigated their unique challenges. Social media has become a fantastic outlet for these stories, and I’ve made so many connections because of my IBD. I’ve had opportunities I never imagined, like going on the news to raise awareness. Even though it was in Welsh, people as far away as America saw it and reached out
So, here’s to World IBD Day—a day of unity, awareness, and community. Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other every step of the way.
With love, Sophia
Follow Sophia on Instagram: @soph_haden