Four years ago, 29-year-old Iris Verhegen from Rotterdam was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. This causes infernal stomach pains and a social life that is limited to a minimum. Now she has learned how to handle it and gives a great glimpse into her life on Tiktok. “I want to show others the impact of this disease and make sure that going to the toilet becomes a topic of discussion.”
Iris has been suffering from severe abdominal pain and intestinal complaints for nearly seven years. “I was rejected by five hospitals and initially diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. But I just learned that wasn’t the right seal.
About Crohn’s disease: It is found in the Netherlands approx 40,000 people With Crohn’s disease, which is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine. In most patients with Crohn’s disease, Inflamed small intestine, large intestine and/or rectum, but there can also be inflammation in the rest of the GI tract (“mouth to ass”). Inflammation can spread slowly and cause scarring of the intestinal wall. Mainly complaints Abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea For more than four weeks, general malaise and fatigue.
Toilet anxiety
People often make mistakes about pain and say that everyone has stomachaches from time to time. But the attacks I sometimes feel like contractions. ” So the severe complaints have a great impact on her life. You will avoid certain things to prevent yourself from getting into unpleasant situations. I’m afraid to go somewhere and then have to go to the toilet. Which may not be possible, as it is in public places. As a result, I don’t have a social life, can’t go on vacation or simply do fun things. Not everyone understands that.”
In order to still be able to live somewhat “normally”, Iris purchases a small portable toilet to take with her in the car. “That way I can still get on the road and if I really have to sit on the side of the road for a while. You can get creative with all these obstacles.” But it’s still tough.
I can’t be the only person who’s been in so much pain, can I?
His TikTok buddies are struggling
Once Eris knew what she had, she began looking for tips. “I didn’t find anything myself, while it is a common ailment. I can’t be the only person who has been in so much pain, can I?” That’s why I decided to get a TikTok account To find fellow sufferers and help others. “In the beginning I had to figure it all out myself and that was terrible. I was hoping I could make it easier for others with my videos and also be able to share things with people who really understand.”
Listen to the body
This wish was fulfilled. Iris receives a lot of questions, positive comments, and tips in the comments below her videos. “There’s now a group app with over a hundred participants where we can share things and support each other.” With her videos, she basically wants to tell her fellow sufferers that they should follow their feelings. ,, Don’t let yourself get fired and listen to your body. You are not alone and you are more than sick.”
There is also a lot of misunderstanding and great taboo surrounding the disease and its associated symptoms. “Everyone poops and pees, but it’s still a weird topic. Let’s talk about it and try to understand each other.”
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