Fabiola lives with Crohn’s disease herself and is committed to inspiring others with the condition, showing them that it’s possible to lead a fulfilling life despite the illness. For several years, she has supported the organization Chronically Happy passionately advocating for awareness and support for people with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In this interview, Fabiola shares her daily life, challenges, and how she uses her experiences to help others. https://www.instagram.com/mamamitcroehnchen/https:/ /www.instagram.com/mamamitcroehnchen/

As we age, getting up and sitting down becomes more difficult. A permanently installed intimate shower ensures a stable sitting position, which makes standing up easier and minimizes the risk of falling.

Bidetlity
Dear Fabiola, thank you for taking the time for this interview. Could you first tell us a bit about yourself? What’s your daily life like as a mom with Crohn’s disease, and how did you start sharing your story on Instagram?

Fabiola
My daily life isn’t as predictable or structured as it probably should be in family life. This is because I often have to constantly set new priorities, adjusting to my health condition. It's often a balancing act with the kids. But over the years, you gain more experience. The kids also get more “used” to it, and the daily routine becomes easier for everyone. On good days, we experience the “normal” chaos of a large family, including trips to the playground, meetings with friends, appointments, and visits to sports clubs. It’s different when my illness significantly limits me. Then the day mostly happens at home. I usually sit on the couch, we order food, and appointments and social gatherings often have to be canceled.

After my diagnosis, I felt quite alone as a newly-minted mom. I had a lot of questions and no answers. After falling into a real hole for a while, I sought psychological support and eventually started a self-help group on Facebook for women with IBD or women whose children have IBD. A year later, I took the plunge into Instagram, and that’s how everything started.

Bidetlity
Thank you so much for being so open about your daily life and experiences. I can imagine that it’s less predictable, but every family life is unique, and I’m happy to hear that you’ve found a way to support each other and be there for one another.

You have supported the organization "Chronisch-Glücklich" for several years. What motivates you to be involved, and what role does the organization play in your life and the lives of others affected by IBD?

Fabiola
When I started on Instagram, it didn’t take long before I came across the lovely Eva (founder of CG). We had a great exchange, got to know each other personally relatively quickly, and together with three other people affected by IBD, we joined Eva's team as volunteers. Now, we are a large team that complements each other wonderfully. Being involved in such an organization and interacting more intensively with the IBD community gives you such an intense, motivating, and uplifting boost that you rarely get elsewhere. The IBD community is truly special. Everyone strives to be there for each other and lift each other up. The organization is very important to me, and the people within it are equally important. The community has grown significantly over the past years, which clearly shows that people long to be seen, heard, and accepted with their condition. IBD and its symptoms quickly lead people to feel alone, ashamed, and suffer from depression. Chronisch-Glücklich is my safe space with like-minded people, and I’d say that others feel the same way. If I may, I would virtually hug the best team and the best organization and tell Eva that she has created something truly important and valuable.

Bidetlity
It’s truly heartwarming to hear how the organization has provided you and many others with a safe space where you feel understood and supported. It sounds very empowering and highlights the importance of community and exchange. The organization really does valuable work by supporting people and giving them strength.

Does your experience with the topics within the organization and the conversations with people influence how you choose topics for your Instagram posts, or how do you approach it?

Fabiola
Yes, absolutely. I share my experiences and expertise as a chronically ill mom with others affected by the condition. Mainly, the topics are about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and motherhood.

Bidetlity
That makes your posts a valuable resource, especially on taboo topics, where the information is often scarce, even though it’s so important to exchange and learn from each other.

Now I’d like to ask you a few insights about the intimate shower. How did you first hear about Bidetlity and what made you decide to try it out?

Fabiola
Before my IBD diagnosis, I had severe problems with hemorrhoids and a chronic anal fissure. It was a highly shame-filled topic at the time, which made me too afraid to go to the doctor for several months. Until a year later, I developed an anal vein thrombosis, and six months later, I had to undergo surgery at the anus. The proctologist at the time gave me many valuable tips for personal hygiene, and that’s when I stopped using toilet paper or wet wipes. I always rinsed off. This was difficult when I was out or didn’t have a bathtub, but I immediately noticed how much better and, of course, cleaner it was! And then I discovered Bidetlity! I tried it right away and was amazed! Even after the birth of my daughter, I kept using it! I can’t imagine how anyone can clean themselves properly and gently down there without it. My youngest son loves it too. He can’t go to the bathroom without it.

Bidetlity
I’m so happy that Bidetlity has helped you in your daily life, especially after such challenging times. To conclude this interview, I have one last question for you:

What advice would you give to people who might be hesitant to try the intimate shower? Are there any encouraging words you’d like to share with them?

Fabiola
I rather wonder why they hesitate. Personal hygiene shouldn’t be a trend. It shouldn’t just be used because one wants to be more sustainable or because they have problems with hemorrhoids, etc. EVERYONE should wash down there with water. Let’s be honest and talk about the fact that toilet paper does NOT clean you properly. Period. In Muslim countries or many Southern countries, people always wash themselves with water. Where there are no bidets, you’ll always find a small water jug next to the toilet, or people take their small water bottle with them to public toilets. Now, we have the opportunity to easily take our intimate showers with us and even clean ourselves with enough water pressure. So, I clearly tell people: If they’re not “cleaning” properly and it feels unfamiliar to them, then an intimate shower is exactly what they need! For both big and small people ☺️.

Bidetlity
Thank you for the fascinating insights, both about supporting people through the organization and about de-tabooing intimate hygiene. We are really grateful that you took the time to share your experiences with us and are sure that your words will inspire many people.