Brooke’s Story

I grew up knowing what Crohn's disease can do to you. My mom had Crohn’s disease and had to have a colostomy bag by the time I was 8 years old. When I was in my late teens, I started to see the signs and went to my doctor. The doctors kept testing for C. diff and diverticulitis and telling me I was “fine.” I continued to advocate for myself since I know the signs and symptoms. When I was 23, I ended up in the ER with severe abdominal pain and the doctors did a CT scan. They came back in and told me the news I had known for years. "You probably have Crohn’s disease, but you will need to have a colonoscopy to confirm."I was just so relieved to finally have an answer, and I thought, “finally, I can get better.” I had the colonoscopy and my diagnosis was confirmed with a severe case of Crohn’s disease. I was put on steroids. Those first 3 years it was trial after trial of different drugs (most of which my insurance wouldn't pay for) and I was on and off of steroids.

 Finally, my doctor recommended a biologic medicine given via IV infusion. Right before I was supposed to start this medicine, I noticed a lot of pain in my abdomen when I ate. I had to speak up and advocate for myself and push to get testing done. I had a small bowel series done at the hospital and was sent home and told I could eat and go about my day. I stopped and got a milkshake and some French fries (I was hungry, and everything hurt to eat, so I was at least going to enjoy my food). I got a call about an hour later from my GI doctor instructing me to be admitted to the hospital; I needed a bowel resection. They ended up taking 2 feet of my small intestine. I will never have a flat smooth stomach again, but that is okay. Every time I see that scar it reminds me that I am strong and I know my body and I will fight for myself when something isn't right! I’m feeling better these days but Crohn’s is still very much a part of my day-to-day life. I hope my children don’t have to live with the symptoms and pain I’ve struggled with.