Crohn’s & Colitis Australia

Registration for the Live Fearless Challenge is now open! Get active and complete a total of 150km throughout the month of September to help raise awareness and vital funds for people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). You can learn more through the link below: https://lnkd.in/gUnsiKcY

A Crohn’s & Colitis Australia membership allows you to stay up-to-date with the latest news and research, add your voice to the campaign to improve treatment and find a cure, and learn how to manage your IBD – as well as gaining new benefits to empower you to live fearlessly. Click the link below to find out more about our membership! https://lnkd.in/gFphuecy...

"I would battle daily bathroom accidents as I either always had the urge (but was constipated) or was loaded up with laxatives and couldn’t control my bowels. I’m not sure any aspiring ballerina would be happy to admit to wearing pull-up diapers everyday. I was embarrassed and in pain and it seemed that no doctor was willing to really help me, brushing off my symptoms and even suggesting I was doing it for attention. Now, 13 years later and I have been able to manage my disease quite well with infliximab infusions, and have just transitioned to the injection mode which is much more convenient. I have had minimal relapses and have thankfully been able to have a relatively healthy and happy adolescence/early adulthood." We want to thank Brooke for sharing her story, which you can read below. You can also book an appointment with our IBD Nurse to discuss any IBD-related matter, and to organise a personalised care plan. https://lnkd.in/gUV-JFVG

Being a teenager is hard enough without having to deal with the challenges of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With symptoms including weight loss, fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, surgical scarring, extended hospital stays, delayed puberty and/or corticosteroid puffiness… it is no wonder that many young people with IBD feel isolated, frustrated, stressed, anxious and/or depressed.   But it’s important to understand that you are not alone.   Meeting others who are going through similar challenges, learning more about the illness and taking a proactive interest in your treatment can make a big difference in your life. CCA has a range of resources and services that can help you, including: Resources Youth Camps Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) Kids’ Fun Day IBD Helpline – 1800 138 029   You can learn more about these resources, services and programs on our home page. https://lnkd.in/gMt6rR8Y

Join our next Kids Fun Day at TwistED science in Melbourne! Date: 21 July, 2024 Time: 10am-2pm. There will be a fun science show, IBD information session for parents, and lunch provided. It's set to be a great day for all! You can register via the link below. https://lnkd.in/eF8PG29H

The IBD nurse is a nurse with specific training in IBD who can provide specialised information and guidance for people living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. The IBD nurse can help you to understand your condition and how it is affecting you and can provide information, education, and guidance on a wide range of subjects including: * Understanding Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, especially for those newly diagnosed *Prevention and/or management of complications of IBD, e.g. stricturing or fistulising Crohn’s disease *Medications, treatment aims and strategies * Conditions associated with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis for example joint pain, skin, eye, or liver conditions * Sexuality and IBD * Smoking cessation in relation to IBD * Seeking professionals with experience in IBD across Australia * Surgery and management of IBD after surgery And more. The IBD nurse can also help you identify any issues you are experiencing with your condition, help you to build a personalised care plan based around those issues, and in some cases assist you to access services or resources that may address those issues. You can book an appointment by visiting the following link. Or, you can call 1800 138 029 and press option 2 https://lnkd.in/gxaN-JPy

"At the age of sixteen, I faced a turning point in my life that would define my journey through resilience and strength. For eight excruciating months, I battled mysterious symptoms that left doctors puzzled. Countless tests and consultations yielded no answers until, finally, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. It was a relief to have a name for my suffering, yet it marked the beginning of a long journey." Ellisha shared her story with us, which you can read below. You can also submit your own story via the following link, or by sending an email to communications@crohnsandcolitis.org.au https://lnkd.in/gSQa6wVS

The Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand Nurses awards for Professional Excellence and for Publications and Educational Materials are open for application, closing 1 August. For details on eligibility and how to apply, visit https://lnkd.in/grCdxhPs

Be seen and be fearless during the Live Fearless Challenge in September. We have Live Fearless merch available for purchase including a purple LFC t-shirt and white LFC cap. You can order your gear from the CCA shop here. https://lnkd.in/gtdYsMnP

"Another one of the misconceptions [around IBD] is that people think you're faking your sickness or illness because it's an invisible disease. You can't always see physical symptoms. I find it really hard to say to people that I'm not up to it, because I have bleeding from my bottom, or I have stomach cramps, or I'm feeling fatigued and tired." "Sometimes that's really hard to explain to people, who might boil it down to you trying to avoid something, or get out of something. [But] more recently, I feel more open to talking about this. If you don't, people won't know how to help and support you." Liam was one of our Awareness Month Champions. In this video, he discusses some of the misconceptions he faces in relation to IBD, and why it's so important for him to speak up about his symptoms and challenges. You can read his story in the link below, and book an appointment with our IBD Nurse to discuss any challenges you might be facing - or to organise a personalised care plan. https://lnkd.in/gCizWEfu https://lnkd.in/gkYZR9-C