Gabrielle Mortimer
December 2023 I woke up with agonizing sharp pain in my right lower abdomen. I had emergency surgery and a portion of my small intestine and colon had to be removed due to chronic inflammation, tears and an abscess from Crohn’s disease. I was hospitalized for two weeks. February 2024, I was hospitalized again for an intra-abdominal abscess and had a drain placed. I’m taking immunosuppressive medication to prevent life threatening relapses. The medication makes me more prone to infections and more difficult to heal if I become ill.
Sometimes my Crohn’s still flares requiring me to go to the ER. I feel like my intestines are burning and tearing and my gums, tongue, the corners of my mouth can become inflamed. I get fatigued and weak. When I eat ,the pain is agonizing so I feel better when I’m not eating. Stress can trigger symptoms and pain, even a flare.
My social life is affected. I can’t be spontaneous or carefree. Going out to eat isn’t enjoyable for me anymore, and I try to stay close to a bathroom in case I need it quickly.
The unpredictability of my disease in the next hour or next day makes me sad and scared much of the time. I do appreciate the good days. When I improve, I enjoy cooking again. When I think about my happy place I think of the beach and spending time with my family in the Bahamas.
