Overcoming Crohn's and Pursuing Passion: A Skater's Journey

The Beautiful Bag

In this episode of The Beautiful Bag podcast, we are joined by Jacqueline, a talented ice skater who has overcome the challenges of living with Crohn's disease. Jacqueline shares her inspiring journey and how she continues to pursue her passion for ice skating despite her health condition.

Episode Highlights:

1. Living with Crohn's Disease: Jacqueline reveals that she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of 15, and her mother also has the same condition. With half her life spent battling the disease, she emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness and breaking stigmas associated with Crohn's disease.

2. Trial and Error: Jacqueline discusses the challenges of finding the right medications to manage her Crohn's disease. She shares her experience of trying various treatments and going through different medications, including biologics, to achieve remission.

3. Making the Decision for Surgery: After years of managing her condition with medication, Jacqueline faced a severe flare in 2020. Fearing the potential loss of her colon, she made the difficult decision to undergo surgery to disconnect her small intestine from her colon. Despite the surgeon's warning of a low success rate, Jacqueline remained determined to save her colon.

4. Embracing Life with an Ostomy: Jacqueline reflects on her post-surgery life with an ileostomy bag. Initially concerned about how her life as an athlete, particularly as a professional ice skater, would be affected, she discovered a Facebook group dedicated to ostomy lifestyle athletes. Witnessing the accomplishments of fellow athletes with ostomies, she realized that her passion for ice skating would not be hindered.

5. Returning to the Ice: Jacqueline shares her joy of returning to the ice after her surgeries. She highlights how, while performing, she feels completely in her element, and her ostomy bag becomes inconspicuous. Her dedication to skating and her ability to overcome obstacles have remained unwavering.

6. A Special Call from Michelle Kwan: Jacqueline recounts a remarkable moment in her journey when Michelle Kwan, an iconic figure skater, called her during a challenging time. Michelle offered words of encouragement, assuring Jacqueline that she would be able to come back from her illness just as she had overcome injuries during her own career. This phone call served as a tremendous inspiration for Jacqueline.

Jacqueline's story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals living with Crohn's disease. Despite the obstacles she has faced, she continues to pursue her passion for ice skating and inspire others with her unwavering spirit. Her journey reminds us that with the right mindset and support, we can overcome any challenge and live a fulfilling life.

Thank you for joining this episode of The Beautiful Bag podcast. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of individuals who triumph over adversity. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Until next time!