The CCFA ask me for a letter…

Hello All,

My name is Josh Robinson, I have Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease is one of two conditions known as inflammatory bowel disease, the other being ulcerative colitis. On December 24, 2008 inflammatory bowel disease change my life, I thought I was getting the flu and many months later, after nearly dying I received my diagnosis. Five plus years into my illness I still have not achieved remission, but I have come close. The fact that this disease is still such an unknown and incredibly difficult is why I am helping with the fight to find a cure for future people.

IBD has symptoms that are unpredictable on an hour to hour basis including diarrhea, frequent nausea, skin problems, eye pain and joint pain. My life and my family have been affected greatly by my illness. Other than work I rarely leave home due to this disease being so painful and unpredictable. Inflammatory bowel disease affects 1.5 million Americans and over 5 million people worldwide, this is far too many folks to live this way.

However, you can help with this cause! The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (lmccann) to help with this very important mission.

Thank You

Josh Robinson

joshuaerobinson

In Your Darkest Moment Always Remember There is Still Hope!!! 🙂

Newly Diagnosed with Crohns Disease or Ulcerative Colitis

I want to share some things I wish I knew with any of you who may be newly diagnosed with Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis or know someone who is:

1) There is no right or wrong way to treat Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis. Do what you feel is best for you, your body, your mind and your life. Things can always be adjusted.

2) Inflammatory bowel disease always plays with your emotions, always right in your face. The ups and downs are really challenging which is why a great support system is key and reaching out for help when you feel like you need is crucial. It is okay and healthy to ask for help. Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis are VERY difficult illnesses to live with.

3) Make friends with other people who have IBD…. Even if it just browsing through support pages on Facebook or Twitter, it allows you to see that you aren’t alone and that, for me personally, has been one of the greatest things for me to know with this incredibly isolating disease.

4) You didn’t develop IBD because; you didn’t eat the right foods growing up, you aren’t a person who doesn’t handle stress correctly, you aren’t harboring childhood trauma or have an inability to “let go” of the past. If someone that doesn’t have Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis says these things to you, they are placing blame on the patient which makes an already difficult illness even harder to cope with, much harder. There is NO REASON. It is NOT YOUR FAULT.

5) Listen to your body and trust yourself. Always. No exceptions.

A little over 5 years ago I was about to embark on the most physically and emotionally challenging experiences of my life. I had no idea what I was in store for but I know I couldn’t have made it this far without the support of my family and friends. I have met some of the most amazing people in person and online whom have become truly irreplaceable friends. They, along with my family, have made me realize that no one should have to go through this journey alone, no one.

From me Josh,

Months ago I found and saved this, I do not know who wrote it now (all credit due) and have changed it a little. This person’s advice is so true and something I wish I had had nearly six years ago.

joshuaerobinson@comcast.net

~my life is a work-in-progress….i’m perfectly content with that~