Ashley and Rebecca from The Crohn's & Colitis Dietitians get honest and real about living with IBD and today we talk about colonoscopies.
Ashley discusses her recent colonoscopy in which inflammation was found even though she has been feeling good. She talks about how it's important to keep up with colonoscopies even if we're symptom free and even though they are not fun! Ashley talks about an easier prep she did this time and how she tried to not have resistance with the procedure, even though she had a difficult experience before. This colonoscopy went much smoother and having that good experience can change fears we may have about it.
Rebecca also talks about her colonoscopy experience and how the fear of the unknown and not having control is challenging for her. She talks about how she let herself experience all of the emotions in a cathartic way and that allowed her to have some more acceptance around the procedure.
We also talk about how sharing these struggles shows patients that we understand and that practitioners aren't perfect and know what it is like to feel overwhelmed and confused by symptoms. Talking about these difficult things resonates with others and gives support and connection to the IBD community. It also shows that we can be effective practitioners and still have our own struggles. Rebecca also touched on how sometimes we grow up with the idea that the harder we work, the better the results will be but this is not always the case with IBD. Sometimes you can do everything right and still have symptoms.
We are here to support you and are honored to be a voice in the IBD community!