Editor’s Note: In Judy Walters’ debut for her new column, Crohn’s Corner, she introduces herself as not only a fighter for Crohn’s disease, but also as a wife, mother, professional writer, and reader. Her column will explore the many facets, and many of the obstacles, of living with IBD. Join her on her unique and inspiring journey.

Hi IBD Community:

I want to introduce myself to you today. I’m Judy Walters, and I’ve been living with Crohn’s disease for almost 16 years now. I should say I’ve been living with it longer than that, because I had symptoms for years before I had that first dreaded colonoscopy to get a correct diagnosis. (Note: The colonoscopy is really the only way to get a proper diagnosis for IBD.) I’m now the veteran of six colonoscopies, countless oral, IV, and injectable treatments, and dozens of flare-ups, and I’m here to say that I am still fighting and always will be — and getting more creative about how to get through colonoscopy prep as time goes on … I’ll be happy to share tips and tricks with you as we go along.

I’m hoping this column will inform and enlighten, help you feel like you have a place to share your own struggles, and to ask questions and get real life advice — that will not include suggestions that if you just alter your diet, do yoga, Reiki, reduce your stress, or do acupuncture, your Crohn’s Disease will simply go away. It will not. It’s not to say that I don’t believe those complementary therapies aren’t worth thinking about or doing — but in the end, nothing rids of you of Crohn’s disease. Not in 2016, at least. Some things can help or improve your life or try to get you into remission, and many of them require science. At least, that’s my stance. That might not be yours. And that’s OK. We can all bring different ideas about Crohn’s disease to the table.

I’m more than my Crohn’s disease, and you are, too. We are people with lives, families, jobs, interests, hopes, and dreams, so I’ll tell you a little about me, besides being a Crohn’s patient. I am 48 years old, the mother of the two most amazing young women on the planet. (We all think our kids are special, don’t we? 🙂 They are currently 22 and 18, one in graduate school, the other in college, and many days I wonder and worry if they will also be stricken by this disease. My doctor says it is very likely.

OK, I said I wasn’t going to just stick to writing about the disease. I’m also a writer, by trade. I’ve written four novels — women’s fiction — I like to examine relationships and families. My latest novel is “Start at the Beginning,” which was published in March. It’s the story of two best friends, a secret they share, and what happens when the friendship falls apart but the secret remains. If that whets your appetite, feel free to look me up at judymollenwalters.com to see more about my books.

I’m also an essayist, whose work has appeared in the Washington Post, Huffington Post, ScaryMommy, and other websites. I write about my family. My poor kids and husband. They are my subjects. 🙂

I also love to bake, which is interesting because food is such a hot topic for those with Crohn’s disease. I’m a huge reader as well — it’s not unusual for me to devour two or three novels in a week.

So that’s me — in a nutshell. Get ready to dive into Crohn’s disease with me in this weekly column. I’m looking forward to getting to know you!

Note: IBD News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of IBD News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to IBD.