Inspirational teen shares photos of her ileostomy bag to show the world the reality of living with Crohn’s disease
Since Aimee shared her story, thousands of Facebook users have done the same
A 19-YEAR-OLD who spoke out about her battle with Crohn’s disease courageously shared photos of her scars and ileostomy bag.
Aimee Rouski, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s at 15, has undergone three major surgeries and has had long hospital stays.
Taking to Facebook to shed light on the chronic condition, which affects over 115,000 people in the UK, Aimee bravely showed her scars.
In the moving Facebook post, Aimee said: “I've wanted to do this for a while because I always see body posi posts for weight, but not many for disabilities / invisible illnesses.
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“First off I have Crohn's disease, it's a serious incurable illness that nearly killed me, not just a stomach ache like most people seem to think.
“A person with crohns will go through many different treatments including surgery, and it's the surgery I want to touch on now.
“My Crohns has left me with a permanent ileostomy, no large intestine, colon, rectum, anus, or inner thigh muscles as they were used for plastic surgery on my wounds.
“I've always been okay with the stuff that has happened to me, but some people have real difficulties accepting these things so I just want to say this.
“No one will know unless you tell them. People who know will still love you and still find you beautiful. Your illness is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.”
Since the post was uploaded to Facebook last week, it’s already racked up a whopping 18,000 shares and 73,000 likes.
Supportive commenters have remarked that Aimee is an “inspiration” for raising awareness for the chronic condition that affects millions of people globally.
One Facebook user remarked: “Wow what an incredible young beautiful woman you are. YOU GO GIRL.”
Another added: “Thank you for your honesty and bravery!”
The poignant post has also encouraged other people to come forward to share their experiences with Crohn’s disease.
A Facebook user revealed: “My husband wasn't diagnosed till he was 27, by that time with horrible symptoms, and thankfully Remicade is working really well for him.”
Another said: “I know the feeling but we are strong Crohn's fighters! If you don't know how to keep smiling it will bring you down!!!”