Meet Derek D.!

***This episode includes discussions about suicide and suicidal ideation and may not be appropriate for some people.****  This week we had a really deep conversation with our friend Derek Dodson! Derek has been living with Crohn’s disease for 40 years and so we talk to him about what it was like to live with Crohn’s before there were any good treatment options, what it was like being a teenager on steroids, and what is has been like to see so much scientific and treatment advances. We discussed his family history with IBD including his grandfather’s “ileitis” and his daughter Maurie Jhaveri’s diagnosis and how her diagnosis compelled him to get more involved in the IBD community. We talk about his strong Christian faith and how it has been a source of comfort and solace during his hardest times but also how it has changed his faith, how he prays, and how it helped him come up with his life motto of “make it count.” We also talked about how living with Crohn’s for so long, multiple surgeries, and all his treatments have had lasting impacts on his health in other ways including some vitamin deficiencies. Finally we discuss how Derek’s IBD has affected his mental health including his coping with suicidal thoughts and some very significant hopelessness. And how his faith, his family, his community, and working with a therapist has helped him cope and reframe living with his disease.

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! 😉

Links:

• National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline– If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call 988- US only
• A list of international suicide helplines
• Resources for Mental Health– Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation- USA
• Find a therapist familiar with IBD– Rome Foundation

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