Did you know that Crohn’s disease can cause problems outside the intestines? Katija didn’t either until she was in the midst of her first Crohn’s disease flare-up. Khatija went to a dermatologist because her symptoms were undiagnosed. Fortunately, the doctor had previously experienced similar symptoms in two of his other patients. In this blog, we hear about Khatija’s journey to diagnosis and how her struggles continued despite getting answers from her doctors.
The lack of understanding about Crohn’s disease hasn’t necessarily made Khatija’s life easier. From being banned from using the staff toilet in desperate circumstances during his time at university, to the stigma he encountered along the way. Some stem from cultural beliefs, while others are rooted in myths associated with chronic illness.
Katija tells us about her experience and how she was able to bounce back and focus on her desire to become a writer.