"But, You Don't Look Sick"

I know I've talked about this before.  How people who either don't have a chronic illness, like Crohn's, know someone with a chronic illness or are a little ignorant, just don't understand. This covers a wide variety of people from friends, co-workers, employers, and even doctors.

When I was in the beginning stages of the disease, I went to several doctors trying to figure out what was going on. Pain, diarrhea, pain, blood, pain, weight loss, oh yes, and pain. I agree could be a variety of issues, but it was focused on my gut. Having said that, there was at least one doctor who even after looking at test results, questioned that it might be all in my head.

Friends, or who I thought were friends at the time, some co-workers and even some employers use to say, "but you were fine yesterday" or "you don't LOOK sick".  Not knowing or understanding, but assuming or insinuating that I was faking being sick. The fact that I was actually faking being well never dawned on them. 

So to all those doubters for the past 33 years that I have been diagnosed and battling this "fake" disease, here is a picture of the 5 full binders of my health records. 

Yes, that is 3, 3-inch, and 2, 2-inch binders. 

Come by and read all about my fake illness, including surgical notes and some pictures. 

I'll put the coffee on.

 

Artwork for Sale

Come take a look at some of my artwork transferred onto a large variety of products, from mugs and cups to skirts and shirts !! 

Artistslaine at Redbubble

Gutsy Walk 2021

 It's been a long and hard 6 months struggling with my disease.

Multiple surgeries, kidney problems, and ostomy issues, but I'm alive and getting through it...slowly. But even with all that I'm dealing with physically and mentally, there are still many others who have IBD worse than me. I'm "lucky" to be considered a mild case.

It might be too late for me when it comes to a cure for crohn's or colitis, but we can still raise some money to help find that cure. 

So again I'm participating in the Crohn's and Colitis Canada's Gutsy Walk, June 6, 2021 as part of Fraser Valley West.

Please click the link below to support my walk and help find the cure and raise awareness for IBD.

Vern's Gutsy Walk Donation page

Please help me find a cure and end the stigma.

~~Vern