Christian Bejjani

I'm living fearlessly this September for myself and the many Australians who live with IBD!

Christian. 23 years old. Crohn’s disease. Ankylosing spondylitis. Chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Wait… let’s give that another go.

Christian. 23 years old. Pharmacist. Medical student. Travel enthusiast. Thrill seeker. Foodie. F1 fanatic.

That’s a little bit better. 

Being diagnosed with Crohn's disease as a 20-year old was tough. I had gone from being a 20-year-old with some type of arthritis, living a relatively normal life, to now a 20-year-old, with Crohn’s disease and arthritis, injecting a medication every two weeks and taking six tablets every morning.

Every two months my infusion appointment rolls around, I have the cannula inserted and the infliximab administered, and I can’t help but be overcome with gratitude. Gratitude for my gastroenterologist and clinical team for their tireless work in making sure I am feeling well, for my family who have never stopped looking out for me even when I can’t look out for myself, and to myself for always showing up, day in and day out.

Since starting infliximab, I’ve had countless appointments with my doctor and IBD nurse, a few too many lemon flavoured bowel preparations, numerous colonoscopies and sometimes excessive bathroom visits. 

I’ve also packed up my life and moved to London for six months. I’ve taken part in a placement program in rural India. I’ve travelled to Bali, Singapore, the UK, Hungary, Greece, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain… I’ve attended the AusGP. I’ve graduated from a Bachelor of Pharmacy. I’ve worked full-time. I’ve studied for and sat multiple exams. I’ve learnt how to cook (or at least am trying to). I’ve made new friends and reconnected with old. I’ve been to concerts and festivals and beaches and parties galore.

And this year, I’ve started studying my post graduate Doctor of Medicine in Sydney.

Every two months, sitting in a hospital or at home, receiving my life-giving infusion, I’m reminded that my life isn’t completely ‘normal’ – but that’s okay – it’s my normal.

Read my full story here: https://crohnsandcolitis.org.au/stories/im-reminded-that-my-life-isnt-completely-normal-but-thats-okay-its-my-normal-christians-story/