In the fall of 2021, I was in the States visiting my family for the first time since COVID-19 restrictions began, and I started feeling unwell. I made my way back to Vancouver from the East Coast US alone, fighting nausea, cramping, and fatigue the entire way. After landing in Vancouver, I went straight to the Vancouver General Hospital Emergency Room and stayed at the hospital for six weeks.

During my stay, the doctors determined that I had Ulcerative Colitis, an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the large intestine. I was put on steroids, immunosuppressants, and multiple biologics in an attempt to suppress my immune system and save my colon. After a week and a half of no change, the doctors began discussing surgery, and within two weeks of admission, I underwent a subtotal colectomy and received a colostomy. 

Post-surgery, my body was struggling to recover; the colitis was attacking the remaining part of my colon, and I went for a second surgery two weeks later to remove the rest and create an ileostomy. Finally, I began to recover bit-by-bit and went home after six total weeks in the hospital. Since then, I have undergone two more surgeries to construct a J-Pouch and close off my ileostomy.  

My life has returned to a relatively new normal. I have a great support system in my life, from family, to friends and co-workers. Life will never be the same as before and I still struggle with the effects of the removal of my colon, but I try not to let that stop me from doing the things I love.