Living Fully: Christy Bartlett's Story of Resilience and Hope
Episode Overview
Christy's candid journey living with a rare genetic condition and the emotional turmoil she faced Challenges and adjustments in lifestyle, including combating inflammation and embracing mental well-being Insights into the healthcare system and the financial strain of acquiring necessary medical products Emphasis on the significance of finding the right medical supplies and the impact it has on confidence and daily life Advocacy for increased awareness and dialogue surrounding health conditions, particularly those affecting the digestive system
I think it's made me a more well-rounded person having had the surgery. There's a whole bunch of factors. And, you know, often you can see somebody on the street and they just look, they look like everybody else, but you don't really know what's going on with them. And I think those are the sort of things that we, you know, that this sort of surgery makes you realize. You can still live a very full life.
How would you handle a life-changing diagnosis? In this episode of 'Stoma4Life', host Raphaela Ilgenfritz sits down with Christy Bartlett, who opens up about living with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), a rare inherited condition. Christy dives into the emotional rollercoaster she experienced after her diagnosis, from the initial shock to the challenges of accepting her new reality and facing surgery head-on.
She doesn't shy away from discussing the mental and emotional toll this journey has taken on her, sharing how she navigated through the turmoil and found strength along the way.Christy talks about the physical and mental adjustments she made to combat inflammation, including changes in her diet and exercise routine. Her story highlights the crucial role of mental health in managing chronic conditions and the importance of embracing life despite its hurdles.
With heartfelt honesty, Christy shares how support from her family became a cornerstone in her journey, emphasizing the value of having people who truly understand what you're going through.She also sheds light on her interactions with the healthcare system, expressing gratitude for the care she received while acknowledging the financial challenges of acquiring necessary medical supplies.
Christy underscores how finding the right medical products can significantly impact confidence and daily life.Throughout their conversation, Christy maintains a positive outlook, recognizing the tough days but focusing on the rewarding aspects of her journey. Her story is a testament to resilience and hope, encouraging others to take charge of their gut health and fostering greater awareness and dialogue around digestive health issues.