**Sensitive Content**
If I could crochet a colon for myself and anyone else who has lost their intestines due to Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, I would. If only it was that easy. I would stitch until my fingers fell off!! Unfortunately, I would have to crochet for millions of people who sadly have had total proctocolectomy surgery due to the devastation of inflammatory bowel disease. Today, May 19th, is World IBD Day. It is a day to recognize the millions of people worldwide who suffer from these debilitating diseases.
I crocheted this colon (large intestine) as a symbol of loss. Crohn’s disease claimed my large intestine in 2008, only one week before my 18th birthday. On the very cusp of colon cancer, my disease was extremely progressive and surgery was my only option. The fight never ends because sadly, there is no cure. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the most common types of inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon and rectum. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus.
This colon represents each major surgery; each stitch stands for each procedure, x-ray, scan, or test that I have undergone. This may seem like an unusual analogy to represent an organ or diseases that most people rarely, if ever, think about. To me, this disease changed my entire life and those changes led me here, crocheting my very own colon, and using my voice and skills to advocate for others who don’t have a platform to help spread awareness. Many of whom are no longer with us. Our diseases may appear invisible, but we are not!
Silly, strange, serious, or an obnoxiously bold statement, however you view this piece I created, hopefully it will generate conversation for inflammatory bowel diseases. Not just on May 19th, World IBD Day, but every day of every year until we find a cure.
Please *share* this blog post and you may be surprised to find how many people YOU know are silently suffering. There is NO CURE. Help raise more awareness so that I never have to type those words again.
To learn more please visit ccfa.org
Thank you!
~Nadia
(Some of the photos used in this blog post were found on Google.com Image Search)
I totally LOVE this! I have had nothing but colon problems all my life. In Oct 2015 the Friday of the Thanksgiving weekend I found myself rushed Into the hospital thinking it was gal bladder . It was after the CT scan they thought by bowel was backing Into itself. They prepped me for surgery and when they got in there, it ended up being colon cancer. I finished my chemo May 2016 and have since had two clean appointments but am still having problems with my bowels. Because my colonoscopy came back ok I’m told there is no problems. Anyways I Love that people rally together and support through these diseases, keep it up, share the support and the Love ❤
WOW! That sounds so scary to have to go through something like that! Thank you for sharing a little about your journey with colon cancer, Cheryl. It’s crazy how the body operates, but it’s truly incredible what medical technology allows us to do to be able to live our life. Stay positive, I’m sending you love and support!! Thank you again for sharing. ~Nadia
This is just so cool! I shared it on my FB page. You are an inspiration to everybody who has a chronic medical condition & I applaud you for sharing your journey!
Thank you so much for sharing my post! I truly appreciate all your support! I wouldn’t be able to get through this without the wonderful love and support of my family, friends, and amazing YARNutopians!! ((hugs)) ~Nadia
Those with bowel problems should not have to spend all their time suffering behind closed doors. It just plain stinks! Kudos to you for sharing, it’s time more was done to wipe out IBD.
I agree 100%! There needs to be a cure! Thank you for your comment and for visiting my website!! ~Nadia
Nadia, You are so sweet and so positive! I have irritable bowel and prolapsed rectum. Nothing in comparison to what you have been through! I just want to “big you up” for your bravery and positivity! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, I wish you and Nate the best!
Aww Florence, thank you so much for your sweet comment. I’m so sorry to hear you have issues with IBS. Having wonderful love and support from so many people helps me get through the tough days. We are excited to enter this next chapter of our lives together. I’ll be sure to share more about this journey!! Thanks again for visiting my website!! ~Nadia
Thank you for your entertaining and informative post. My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 colo-rectal cancer 6 years ago. After a long struggle he is now cancer, and anus, free! We enjoyed your colon crochet immensely xx
Thank you for sharing a little about your dad’s struggle. I am so sorry to hear that he has gone through so much. Having the love and support of a family means so much. I’m so happy to hear he is cancer and anus free!! Thank you for your comment and for stopping by to view my website!! ~Nadia
Hi Nadia my name is Cynthia and I’m 43 yrs old and I have been following you on YouTube for a couple years now I love your tutorials I’ve made a lot of cute crochet stuff from your tutorials THANK YOU FOR SHARING UR STORY!! my story is that in the first week of March of this yr.I have I went to the doctors for a sinus infection and the last day of taking my antibiotics I was having pain abdominal pain then went back to the emergency couple days after that they did a CT scan and it turned out that I got bacterial infection that led my colon to be inflamed and cyst grew so so i had to have colonoscopy they cut like 5 centimeters it has been tough the past couple of months but I’m a strong woman and I can get through this lucky for me it’s only temporarily I will soon be having surgery in a few months and Betty will back where SHE belongs LOL..😁
Hello Nadia, I have enjoyed your videos for a few months. I was looking on you webpage and discovered that you are an IBD survivor. My oldest son just had his colon removed on May 4th. He was suffering with UC. We are very scared about what the future will bring, but hearing your story and seeing your strength has given us hope. We love you Nadia. Happy Hooking
Pingback: Help Endorse me for a WEGO Health Award: BEST IN SHOW « YARNutopia by Nadia Fuad