My advice for others diagnosed with IBD and/or contemplating stoma surgery, would be for them to ask ALL the questions; especially of your medical team. I was young and naive when first diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. Upon initial diagnosis, I didn't think it was that serious. I didn't believe I was sick, and all I wanted to do was get well and get back to racing triathlon. I took any and every medication Doctors gave me, and I never questioned any of it. I never asked for a different way. I never thought that 10 years later, all the medications would stop working or not work at all. If I could do it over, I would find a Doctor who was highly experienced with IBD patients.

If I could let people know something about IBD, it would be that I am a living, breathing example of invisible illness. I never looked sick. Even when sick, I continued my competitive triathlon racing. Don't judge a book by its cover. My sport was my outlet; something I could control while my body continually failed me. Everything happens in your mind. With a positive outlook and a great attitude, everything is possible!

For many years, sick was my new normal. I was not living life; I was just surviving life with UC. Now, as an ostomate, I can say with 100% certainty that I am free. When I made the decision to have surgery, I decided I would advocate to show the world what people living with a stoma can do. And you know what? There isn't anything someone living with a stoma CAN'T do!