When I was younger, I would sometimes feel the need to spend time alone. Then something happened in my life where I needed the support of my family and friends. That’s when I realised I was well looked after.

I’ve always been close to my family. I can always count on them to support my choices and my artistic and sport activities, and celebrate my successes. I’ve always known that they would always be there for me and they showed it to me more than once. They were with me all the way from when I received my diagnosis to my post-operative monitoring, and beyond. They didn’t miss anything, and it made me realise how much I loved them and how much I needed them. I needed my father to hold my hand and ask me what’s wrong when I was crying my eyes out in my bed. I needed my mother to devote herself to me, and to be strong when I told her I was happy she was there. I also needed my big sister and my little brother who knew how to clear my head and make me smile all the time.

I was also lucky to have my boyfriend by my side. Even though he was scared, he still thought about my well-being, and he knew how to make me feel loved. He knew how to take care of me, and he made me give up on the idea that he could leave me.

I also felt the constant support my extended family, my in-laws and my friends gave me. Their visits and words of support made me feel like I mattered to them and that they were thinking about me.

I have to mention how good and kind the hospital staff members were to me. My gastroenterologist immediately made me trust her completely. She convinced me that she was doing what was best for me. Even though I was far from home, they made me feel comfortable and safe.  

When you live with an IBD, you start turning down a lot of invitations and slowly withdraw from your close family and friends.  And when you think about getting a stoma, the fear of people judging you or letting you down can be huge. I know it. But I also know how much good realising that all those people love you and are there for you does.

Today, I firmly believe that my well-being and the way I accept myself come from the constant support I received from my close family and friends. I never felt alone. I experienced strong and difficult emotions, but the wave of love I received everyday was more important than anything else. I felt loved, and that did me a world of good.

You matter for so many people, so give yourself the chance to be loved and love yourself.

Andréanne

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