I was diagnosed with severe Crohn’s at eight years old. Getting through each day was such a struggle but over time I learned how to better prepare myself for being out in the world. I had to plan ahead for any possibility every time I left the house. Eventually that turned into carrying a giant purse with literally everything but the bathroom sink. Here is a list of the basics I made sure to never leave home without.
Tag Archives: body
College & Crohn’s
It was an incredibly lonely time in a life full of loneliness but it’s also when things really started to turn around for me.
The Body Keeps the Score
Dr. van der Kolk stated, “The bodies of child-abuse victims are tense and defensive until they find a way to relax and feel safe.” When I started trying to take better care of myself, I decided to get a massage. The first time, and several after to be honest, were not very pleasant or relaxing. I would often still feel just as tense or even more so when it was over. The masseuse would keep saying, “You can relax now,” and I would be so confused because I thought I was relaxed.
Only Me
A lot of assumptions are hurled at only children. People just assume you’re a spoiled brat who has been handed everything you could ever want in life. They just assume things were calm and peaceful in your household because it was just you and your parents must have been so attentive to your every whim. They assume you’re socially awkward and don’t know how to make friends or interact with people. They assume you’re still spoiled as an adult and have always had a great support system. That was not my experience whatsoever.
Diets
Diet can definitely be a four letter word. Just hearing this word can produce tremendous anxiety for some.
Intermittent Fasting
“Why are you trying to lose weight when you’re already so skinny?” This is always the first question I get when I say I practice intermittent fasting. No, I’m not trying to lose weight. I’m giving my digestive system a break and practicing self-control.
Exercise and IBD
Joint pain and fatigue are common when you have IBD. It can be so hard to motivate ourselves to exercise when we are in pain and already exhausted but exercise is so important for pain relief and improving our health.
Lucky
When someone tells you, “You’re just lucky,” and dismisses all your hard work and dedication.
Productive Pain
Don’t let pain keep you from the life you want.
10 Days of Silent Hell
10 days of silent meditation hell! A hell I’m grateful for having gone through.
