My life with Crohn's disease | Rachel Thomas | TEDxWellington

Summary

In a heartfelt TEDx talk, the speaker shares her journey with Crohn's disease, including her experience of living with a stoma and the emotional struggles that accompanied it. Initially filled with shame and anxiety, she reveals how acceptance transformed her life, turning her perceived limitations into newfound freedom. With humor and candor, she emphasizes the importance of discussing fears and stigmas surrounding medical conditions, encouraging others to view their challenges as 'semicolon moments'—not full stops in their stories. Ultimately, she inspires audiences to embrace life beyond their comfort zones and share their journeys.

Takeaways

• 😀 Living with a stoma can be a significant life change, often surrounded by stigma and misunderstanding.
• 😞 The speaker initially faced fear and discomfort about sharing their experience with a stoma.
• 🩺 Crohn's disease led to the speaker requiring a stoma after years of struggling with their health.
• 🌍 Approximately 8,000 people in New Zealand and 1 in 500 people in the U.S. live with a stoma, highlighting its prevalence.
• 🤕 The speaker describes the physical and emotional challenges associated with Crohn's disease and the surgery to create a stoma.
• 📝 The metaphor of the semicolon symbolizes that life continues after perceived endings and opens up new possibilities.
• 🌱 After surgery, the speaker experienced newfound freedom, improved health, and the ability to enjoy life and food again.
• 💬 Sharing personal stories about health challenges can help alleviate stigma and foster understanding in society.
• 💪 Acceptance and empowerment can come from embracing one's health journey, even when it feels daunting.
• ❤️ The speaker encourages others to speak about their fears and challenges, emphasizing that no one is alone in their struggles.

Q & A

What personal experience does the speaker share in the transcript?

The speaker shares their experience living with Crohn's disease, which led to the need for a stoma and significantly impacted their life.

What is a stoma, and why did the speaker have to get one?

A stoma is an opening created in the abdomen to allow waste to exit the body when normal bowel function is disrupted. The speaker had to get a stoma due to severe complications from Crohn's disease.

How does the speaker describe their emotional journey after being diagnosed?

The speaker describes experiencing stages of grief, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and ultimately acceptance regarding their health challenges and the need for a stoma.

What metaphor does the speaker use to describe their experience, and what does it signify?

The speaker uses the metaphor of a 'semicolon' to signify that their life continues despite the challenges they faced, representing a pause rather than an end.

What stigmas does the speaker mention regarding people with stomas?

The speaker discusses the stigma and anxiety surrounding stomas, emphasizing how society often misunderstands or hides these medical conditions.

What lessons does the speaker emphasize about sharing personal struggles?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of discussing fears and struggles to combat stigma and to help others who may be going through similar experiences.

How has the speaker's outlook on life changed after their surgery?

After the surgery, the speaker found new freedom, regained confidence, and was able to enjoy food again, illustrating a positive transformation in their life.

What does the speaker hope for others who face similar medical challenges?

The speaker hopes that others will see their challenges as a semicolon rather than a full stop, encouraging them to embrace life despite difficulties.

What statistics does the speaker provide about stoma surgery?

The speaker mentions that approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. undergo stoma surgery each year, highlighting the prevalence of this medical procedure.

What personal actions did the speaker take to cope with their condition?

The speaker sought therapy, engaged in activities that brought joy like riding a motorbike, and became open with friends and potential partners about their condition.