Let’s Talk Tummy…….You, Me, Poo & The Loo
By Carrie Wilkie
A career in healthcare, Carrie Wilkie thrived at helping others. Diagnosed with Crohn’s, she found herself paralyzed. Rather than letting her disease control her, she used her experience to do the only thing she’s ever known-HELP and in 2013, the El Paso Crohn’s & Autoimmune Disease Support Group was established.
Wilkie recognized the need for a group in the community; as the closest support group available was either 600 miles east to Dallas or 400 miles west to Phoenix. After relocating from the Dallas metroplex, Wilkie was accustomed to the vast availability of resources in the health care community. She was able to identify the lack of resources in the El Paso community and felt a strong calling to bring education and awareness not only to El Paso but the surrounding areas, including southern New Mexico and Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.
The mission of the group is to educate the community about Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) and its effects on the individual and their families. To improve the lives of all those affected by Crohn’s, colitis and other autoimmune diseases. To mobilize resources, and to encourage research for a cure and manageability, and to inspire hope, health and well-being by providing the best available resources and support by virtue of a multi-disciplinary approach though integrated clinical practice and education.
Autoimmune diseases are often referred to as the “invisible diseases,” because one cannot typically see the effects going on in ones’ body. For example, outwardly one may suffer from nausea and vomiting, but internally may also be experiencing severe abdominal pain and body aches. The silent suffering many experience makes it difficult for others to comprehend the level of excruciating pain one goes through when they look completely healthy, which is often discounted.
“I was hesitant to start going to the group as I was not sure what to expect, but with Carrie she has a way of making you feel comfortable. She really understands what you’re going through because she’s gone through it herself,” said Francisco Carrion.
The group began with modest aspirations of one day being its own entity. From meetings being held in local coffee shops to now being affiliated with the national Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) and the Paso del Norte Foundation. Through her efforts and dedication, the group has grown to what it is today.
Annually, the group hosts an educational symposium for those affected by the disease. It is open to the public. Family members are highly encouraged to attend as it may assist them in understanding the daily struggles their loved one goes through. Healthcare professionals and paraprofessionals are also encouraged to attend. This year, the symposium is Saturday, March 9th from 8AM-1PM on the campus of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in the Medical Education Building, Auditorium 1100, located at 5001 El Paso St. Come walk through the inflatable colon and get your guide to pooh. Cost is $10 per person or $25 for a family of 3 or more. You may contact Wilkie directly to pre-register or you may do so on-site the day of.
“I’ve been coming to the symposiums every year and they just get better. There is a lot that goes into getting the presenters and it’s amazing that she does it all by herself; even when she’s sick,” said Greg Leyva. “I really enjoy coming to the meetings. They are very helpful and she usually has a guest speaker too.”
If you are interested in attending a meeting or would like to speak with Wilkie one on one, please contact her at ccwilkie@elpasocrohns.com or you may reach her directly at 214-708-2989.
