In this heartfelt feature by TODAYONLINE, Singaporean undergraduate Genevieve Tiong shares how living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has profoundly impacted her daily life and future plans. Colorectal surgeon Dr Chok Aik Yong from Aelius Surgical Centre provides medical context on the chronic and unpredictable nature of IBD, explaining how symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, and bowel urgency can take a significant toll—physically, emotionally, and socially. Genevieve’s story sheds light on the hidden struggles faced by young patients, including her difficult decision not to have children due to the uncertainty of long-term disease management.
Singaporean undergrad opens up about how inflammatory bowel disease derailed her life, made her decide not to have children
