Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic conditions that last a lifetime, which is why they bring with them challenges that can be overcome with good treatment and support.
Nomairy Soto Avilés, is a patient with Ulcerative Colitis and Dr. Ahmed Morales, is a gastroenterologist and member of the Board of Editors of the Journal of Medicine and Public Health. Photo: Archive of the Journal of Medicine and Public Health.
Being diagnosed with a life-long chronic disease, and which so far has no cure, can be shocking and have consequences in different areas of the life of the person who suffers from it, however, not everything is bad, for To learn more about these experiences in the Journal of Medicine and Public Health, we spoke with a patient with Crohn’s Disease and three patients diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis.
Nomairy Soto Aviles, is a patient with Ulcerative Colitiswho from a hospital room shared his experiences with this disease, emphasizing the courage and resilience he has developed to face the different situations he has had to face thanks to the condition, he also emphasized: “this disease It doesn’t define me.”
In the same way, she spoke about how the condition made her have self-esteem and see life from another point of view, likewise, she emphasized the importance of the unconditional support of her family and friends, from the first day, because that has been his engine to continue.
He also talked about how his changes in diet were, especially how difficult it was at first, because it was an adaptation process, which over time became a habit of being more careful with what you eat, without However, that has not changed, since to this day, he told us that it was still difficult for him.
Verónica Santiago Rodríguez is a patient with Crohn’s Disease who told us how it was to be diagnosed with this condition, in the first part she highlighted that it was shocking, because in her family she had relatives who present this pathology, which worked for and against her, since she would already know what the condition is like which he could use to handle it better, however, he would also know its negative aspects.
In the same way, she talked about how her age was an influential factor, since she was diagnosed at 37 years old, an age at which she did not think it possible to have to face this disease, for which the process was complicated and full of uncertainty.
The Dr Ahmed Moralesis a gastroenterologist and member of the Board of Editors of the Journal of Medicine and Public Health, but in addition to that he is also a patient with Ulcerative Colitis, a disease that changed his life, due to the challenge of being a doctor and a patient at the same time, This is how he emphasized it: “you knowing what the condition is and having studied it, is a double-edged sword.”
However, being a lifelong condition, it has its good days and its bad days. Given this, the doctor said: “transform this sadness into what will be the engine of my life”, because in his own words is an especially painful process.
Wincy Guzman Velez, is a patient with Ulcerative Colitiswho told us about what it was like to explain this pathology to his family and friends, was emphatic in saying that it was difficult, due to the shyness that this type of disease causes, thanks to its symptoms.
From a mental health perspective, Nomairy told us that she was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in December 2021 and since it was such strong news it caused her depression, because she was not mentally prepared, so she stated: “in these few months I have been accepting it, I have turned the bad news into objectives, into goals”. Similarly, he spoke about how religion has helped him cope with this condition, to continue fighting and have the strength to face it day by day, “having that courage and everything to not give up, that no matter how bad news you have, God of the strength to continue and move forward”.
On the other hand, Veronica delved into the changes she faced when she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, because the things she used to do easily, she no longer does them the same, since fever and extreme fatigue can become incapacitating. .
However, she also talked about the period of crisis she had and how it has transformed her life in different areas, because she commented that she is a woman who liked to go out a lot, but at that time she could not do it. Instead of shopping, Veronica brought snacks, as well as at her family gatherings.
On the other hand, Dr. Ahmed commented on the relationship between patient and doctor, emphasizing the thin line between these two positions, because going to the doctor as a patient is an uncomfortable dynamic, in his own words what explained thus: “I am like Clark Kent and Superman”.
However, this disease also changed his life, “it changed the entire course of my history, I decided to do gastroenterology to help patients,” he said. He also talked about how he approaches his patients to be an example of overcoming and not letting himself be dominated because he has a lifelong condition, “if I don’t say that I suffer from this, I seem like a completely healthy person who does everything”. Controlling the disease is possible in order to lead a normal life.
On this subject, Wincy, a patient with Colitis, emphasized the importance of attending the doctor and diligently carrying out his treatment, taking the medications constantly, because for him this meant a brutal change, “it has practically given me my life back. ”.
On the other hand, Verónica, a patient with Crohn’s disease, spoke about the crises, emphasizing that they will pass, “even if we have the crises that we have, comrades that will pass, but it will be temporary”, that it will be difficult , but advises that in those moments you have to look back and see the path traveled, and how this has left a learning and impulse to do things that would not be done before
Dr. Ahmed, for his part, explained how patients with these conditions can get to know their body after time with the condition and recommended that in the event of any symptoms, the ideal is to go to the doctor as soon as possible and follow up on the condition. medication. However, from his perspective as a patient, he spoke about the temptation that may appear to abandon the treatment, due to the well-being that he may feel, however, he emphasized keeping the condition under control, in order to have minimal periods of exacerbation and periods of crisis.
Finally, Ulcerative Colitis patient Nomairy, gives a message to patients with this same condition calling for perseverance, “do not give up, no matter how difficult the battle is… You are stronger than the negative thoughts you say your mind”.
See the full program: