You’ve likely seen discussions online about overcoming cancer, addiction, or other physical and emotional challenges. Witnessing healthy people succumb to a lifetime of illness is truly heartbreaking. But what strikes me the most is people’s motivation and courage to rise through it all. A patient’s journey to recovery may seem manageable on the surface, but it is an entirely different story internally.
With regular trips to the doctors and frequent visits to the operating room, chronic illness forces people into a state that requires constant monitoring, medication, and, in some cases, therapy. This made us think about how difficult it must be to go to the surgical suites for people living with severe chronic diseases like Crohn’s disease.
The anxiety surrounding organ-related medical procedures is not talked about enough…. or the anxiety about any medical procedure, for that matter.
Let’s take an example of Crohn’s disease, where patients have to undergo rigorous medical treatments for severe symptoms. For many, it can culminate in something as major as a colon transplant—a daunting and complex procedure that involves surgical replacement of the small intestine either temporarily or permanently. As there is no definitive cure for Crohn’s, a colon transplant only serves as an effective relief treatment.
Alma Felix, in her book, The Stress of having Crohn’s Disease and a Colon Transplant, talks about what it’s like for those living with chronic conditions. Her diagnosis of Crohn’s not only came with physical implications but mental hurdles, too.
Felix describes her journey through numerous hospital visits and procedures as mentally taxing. She had to prepare herself to accept all kinds of potential outcomes, both known and unknown. Before her surgeries, she would make mental notes, knowing that each procedure carried inherent risks, yet it also offered a chance for a better quality of life.
But Alma’s story also shows her steadfast determination to reclaim her quality of life and the courage she showed when going through an ileostomy. She defines courage in medical contexts as not just about enduring pain or recovery—it’s about facing each stage with resolve, clarity, and the inner strength to pursue wellness.
Felix also emphasizes the critical role of trust in healthcare providers and self-advocacy when getting treated for a disease. Through her book, she wants to convey that it is essential for patients to be involved in their treatment plans.
For her Crohn’s treatment, Alma also actively engaged in discussions with her medical team, looking for second opinions and clarifying the risks involved with each procedure. This proactive stance allowed her to make informed choices amid her overwhelming health journey.
Felix’s story signifies the importance of resilience and support systems in facing such procedures. The role of family and friends, coupled with a trusted healthcare team, can provide the essential encouragement and strength needed for going through a life-changing medical procedure.
Alma’s mental fortitude, courage to accept vulnerability, and support system became pillars that sustained her ileostomy. Read more on her inspirational journey in her memoir, The Stress of Having Crohn’s Disease and a Colon Transplant.
