Confronting Crohn's Disease as a Young African Woman: Challenges and Opportunities

Confronting Crohn's Disease as a Young African Woman: Challenges and Opportunities

By Yeabsira Taye Gurmu, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 

My journey with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) began in my late teens,  when I started experiencing debilitating abdominal pain, diarrhea, and  unexplained weight loss. At first, I tried to dismiss the symptoms,  attributing them to a common stomach bug or something I had eaten. But  as the weeks turned into months, I knew this was something much more  serious.  

Navigating the Health care system  

Getting an accurate diagnosis was perhaps the biggest hurdle I faced. In Ethiopia, access to specialized gastroenterology care and diagnostic tests like colonoscopies is extremely limited, especially outside of the major cities. It was difficult and time consuming to obtain an accurate diagnosis of Crohn's disease, even then. Diagnostic tests like colonoscopies and endoscopies were difficult to come by; there was a long waiting list. During this time, my health only continued to decline, leaving me in constant pain and with debilitating fatigue. Watching my body deteriorate as doctors struggled to diagnose the problem, I recall feeling powerless, ”It was an extremely frustrating and isolating experience."  

Grappling with Limited Treatment Options  

Once I finally received the Crohn's disease diagnosis, I then had to confront  the daunting challenge of finding effective treatments. The older medications, such as steroids were relatively accessible, but the newer biologic therapies recommended by my gastroenterologist were simply unavailable at the time and are presently financially out of reach. 

Confronting Cultural Stigma  

On top of the medical challenges, I also had to confront the cultural stigma surrounding my condition within my community. Some traditional medicinal practices view digestive disorders as a result of spiritual  imbalances or curses, rather than a legitimate medical issue. There were times when I felt a great sense of shame and isolation. The fear of judgment and discrimination made me avoid social gatherings and hesitant to share my diagnosis. This only compounded the mental and emotional toll of living with a chronic, often-misunderstood condition.

Finding Strength in Community : A Hopeful Future  

Despite the daunting obstacles, I refused to give up. I sought out support from local patient advocacy groups, Crohn’s and Colitis Ethiopia. Where I connected with others facing similar struggles. Together, we are working to raise awareness about IBD and lobby for improved access to essential medications and specialized care. 

Today, while my Crohn's disease remains a constant challenge, I am better equipped to manage my condition and live a fuller life. I continue to share my story, in the hopes of breaking down the stigma surrounding IBD in African communities and inspiring others to persist in their own battles. My journey with Crohn's has been arduous, but it has also made me resilient,  empathetic, and determined to create positive change, I reflect. "I may not be able to control this disease, but I can control how I respond to it - and that gives me strength to keep fighting."

Featured photo by Abuti Engidashet from Pexels