Morgan Check
Morgan Check is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Cedars-Sinai Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center in Los Angeles.
When not working, she enjoys fitness and spending time with her family.
I immediately told my parents and went to see a pediatrician.
Morgan Check
That day, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC).
UC is a chronicinflammatory bowel diseasethat affects the large intestine.
I was unsatisfied with thattreatment, so my parents and I took matters into our own hands.
He eventually treated me as one of the first pediatric UC patients to receiveRemicade(infliximab).
The bimonthly intravenous infusion was a miracle drug to me.
It relieved debilitating abdominal pain and allowed me to continue playing Division 1 college lacrosse.
But that was just the beginning.
Since then, Ive had my share of surgeries.
While this can be normal for some people, it wasnt for me.
Further testing revealed ulcers throughout my small intestine, and I was diagnosed withCrohns diseasein my late 30s.
Running gave me a sense of control when I felt like my body was working against me.
I even became a 500-hour trained and certified yoga teacher because I strongly believe in breath-to-movement training.
This form of training helps regulate thevagus nerve(which supports the rest-and-digest bodily functions).
It offers significant benefits to my patients (those with and without IBD) and their caregivers.
I adapted gentle stretches to do in the hospital bed, which helped me through that difficult recovery.
I’ve been rebuilding my strength slowly, starting with 10-minute walks on the treadmill and gradually increasing intensity.
I hope to inspire others with my story and show that anything is possible, even after major setbacks.
Its sort of a negative way to think of it, but this disease sucks.
Ive had a 10-year period of remission in the past, which was great.
Some patients may never experience a flare beyond the one just prior to their diagnosis.
I consume one or two hydration packs daily and a ton of water.
There are many hydration product brands; Ive also found DripDrop and Liquid I.V.
When Im flaring or not feeling well, I drink ameal-replacement shakeinstead of eating.
My experience living with UC and then Crohns disease has shaped me in profound ways.
It has also inspired me to advocate for others with chronic illnesses.
As told toLindsay Curtis.
