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About Ryan
I was first diagnosed with Crohn's disease at age 14. I missed lots of school due to illness and doctor's appointments. At my worst I was unable to participate in school activities like sports. In my junior year of college I spent my spring break undergoing intense medical procedures and scopes, but it ultimately saved my life, as they discovered my colon was diseased beyond repair. The summer before my senior year of college I had my colon removed, and now have a permanent ostomy. Despite all the pain, recovery and adjusting to life with a permanent ostomy, I'm happy to report that at 40-years-old, I feel stronger, happier, and healthier than I've ever been in my life.