Living with a chronic disease such as Crohn’s disease comes with many ups and downs. As you navigate between episodes, treatment changes, and the challenges of daily life, it helps to know that you are not alone.
This is where social media can play a big role – it provides a platform to connect with others living with Crohn’s. Instagram is especially useful. The visual nature of the platform allows people to share their personal experiences while exchanging inspiring recipes, tips, photos and stories.
From meal prep ideas to inspiring selfies of fitness stars living with illness, here’s a list of Crohn-related accounts to follow on Instagram.
ostomy detection
Uncover Ostomy was launched in 2009 by Jessica Grossman as part of a high school social media project to spread positive ostomy awareness. Grossman was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of eight and was bedridden in the hospital during her teenage years. After countless tests and treatments, she had an ostomy surgery in 2013. Now in good health, Grossman uses Uncover Ostomy as a platform to share not just her story but the stories of everyone who wants to encourage body positivity for those with bones.
healing girls
Alexa Federico is a certified nutritional therapist who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 12, and now in her twenties, she says she’s learned a lot about the relationship between food, lifestyle, and health. On Instagram, she shares nutritious meal ideas, healthy living tips, and her personal reflections on what it means to live a healthy life with Crohn’s disease.
Related: Crohn’s top accounts to follow on Twitter
Sapranothegr8
Theodore Meriwether Jr. was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2004 and is the founder of Crohn’s No More! It is a non-profit organization that aims to raise awareness of the disease and offer alternative ways to reduce the symptoms of the disease. His Instagram features Crohn’s invite projects, health updates, and inspiring photos of him hitting the gym hard.
Peter_n_Nielson
Peter Nelson is a life coach and fitness star who has had two near-death experiences linked to Crohn’s disease. Despite his health struggles, he refused to give up – now, he’s won 50 bodybuilding titles, including Mr. Follow him on Instagram for inspirational messages and quick workout tutorial videos.
Marywiththegreenhair
Mary Horsley is 29, a Navy veteran and wife who lives with Crohn’s disease. She regularly writes on her blog “It Could Be Worse” and says she enjoys sharing her journey “with other invisible disease fighters.” She tries to find the positivity in every day, and her Instagram follows a similar tune: She shares health updates and artistic selfies that help remind others to shine a light on the good.
sweetened nature
Jamie is a medical student who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in January 2016. Through her many ups and downs with the disease, she says she’s found a great cure using the autoimmune Paleo diet. While no single diet is recommended for Crohn’s disease and everyone should talk to their doctor about what’s right for them, if you’re interested in learning more about Jamie’s journey, follow her on Instagram. She shares updates about her health, healthy meal ideas, and articles aimed at spreading education and awareness about Crohn’s.
Rodtryptamine
Tammy Williams is a former attorney from Seattle who lives with Crohn’s disease. After 20 years of training, she left her career at the age of 46 in 2015 to hit the open road. She currently lives in an RV and her Instagram is filled with inspiring photos from her cross-country travels – which she visits with her “permanent companion” Crohn. Follow her on Instagram to remind yourself that Crohn doesn’t have to stop you from traveling or achieving your goals.
