Looking back…
If only I had a time machine.
If I could relay some wellness advice to the “me” of 4 or 5 years ago (the “me” that was sick and struggling and suffering), what would I say to that person?
There are a few things I know today that I sure as heck wish I knew then. Things nobody told me. Things I learned the hard way. Some by trial and error. Some I learned simply by random luck or serendipity.
Call them what you will – practices, interventions, programs, services…there are certain things I’ve brought into my life along my illness journey which have vastly improved my wellness. Things I have taken it upon myself to do.
Some have helped immensely. Some have helped a tiny bit. But even tiny improvements are steps in the right direction. And they add up over time.
As I’ve said in previous posts, there are still days where I struggle a lot. By no means do I have everything figured out.
For those living with IBD, or any chronic illness for that matter, there is no specific “recipe” that will bring you back to wellness. What “works” for you may be completely different than what works for me.
However, it seems that many people’s road back to wellness contain a number of similar elements. The following are the things that have helped me most – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.
1- Mental Health Support
If I had to pick one thing that has helped me the most over the course of my journey with IBD – it would be this.
Taking care of your mental health is so incredibly important. I can’t emphasize this enough. It could be seeing a counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, etc. Finding a Mental Health Professional that you truly connect with can make all the difference in the world.
For me, just having someone to talk to that can look at my situation objectively and provide guidance and reassurance was so immensely helpful. It was a game-changer. My counselor has been amazing at helping me with self-compassion, acceptance, and strategies for managing mood, stress, and anxiety.
Key here is finding someone that you really feel comfortable with. If there isn’t a good “fit” between you and the person who is supporting your mental health, move on to someone else (if this an option).
Finally, Mental Health Professionals can help you with relaxation/breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques. Many people (including me) find them very helpful. I need to do more of this.
2- Social and Peer Supports
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can be incredibly isolating conditions. I know it was for me. The Covid-19 pandemic made things 100x worse. Society is slowly going back to normal(ish)…but we still have a long way to go.
However, groups and services exist that can connect you with IBD Peers – people who have gone through similar experiences to you and want to help. This could be in the form of Support Groups or being connected with an IBD Peer Mentor.
Just being able to speak with someone who truly knows what you are going through can be a very freeing and validating experience. It can help you feel less alone. People living with IBD may be able to provide you with practical advice. They can be someone to lean on, in ways that doctors and other health professionals cannot.
If you are in Canada, and this sounds like something that might interest you, check out Gutsy Support through the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada website. They provide several different support programs, like online/virtual Support Groups, Peer Mentorship, and more. Similar programs may be available in your country/region too. Take advantage of them.
4 – Exercise, physiotherapy, etc.
Obviously, this one is a no-brainer. But when you are dealing with pain and fatigue and flares and bathroom issues…exercise can be the last thing on your mind. But trust me, it helps.
Start small and go slow. Things like Yoga and Pilates are good because they strengthen and improve range of motion, but are also low-impact. For me, it just felt good to move purposefully again.
If it is within your means, it may be a good idea to do some sessions (individual or group) with a trainer or physiotherapist that can help adapt exercises to the unique needs of your body.
I’m also going to add fresh air and walking to this category. Even for 10mins a day, or every few days. Nature can be very healing.
4 – Diet/nutrition
This one is obvious too…but it is a lot more complicated than simply “eating healthy”.
The correlation between diet and IBD is not fully understood. For some people diet is everything…for others it doesn’t really make much of a difference.
But if you are able, it is always good to connect with a Registered Dietitian. These people are great at helping you “tweak” your diet toward healthier choices.
Some people may go on special IBD diets or elimination diets. Personally, I did not have much success in radically altering my diet and improving my IBD symptoms. Perhaps I was using the wrong approach. Or maybe I was not disciplined enough. But for others, modifications in diet can be life-changing. Everyone is different.
5 – Naturopathic and complementary approaches
I put this on the list with a bit of caution. Naturopaths can be very insightful – they have a unique and wholistic perspective on health/wellness that completely contrasts most mainstream doctors. I found this to be refreshing.
For most people though, naturopath-based approaches cannot (and should not) completely replace their current medical practices (IBD meds, physician care, etc.)
Some individuals with IBD will have amazing success using complementary or naturopathic approaches. Others will have limited success.
My experience was somewhat mixed. For me, the main benefit of seeing a Naturopath was that they were able to “think outside the box” and look at my illness within the context of me as a whole person (rather than just focusing on illness and meds).
Naturopaths may also recommend supplements like probiotics, turmeric/curcumin, vitamin formulations, omega-3s, etc., etc. There are so many different supplements out there. Make sure you research any supplements you are going to be taking first.
I will also include within this category things like acupuncture and medical cannabis/CBD. I didn’t really have much success with either of these…but many other people have reported benefits in terms of pain, nausea, and other symptoms. Your mileage will vary. In most cases, the worst that can happen from trying complementary approaches is they won’t work. But there is always the possibility they might work. Make sure to involve your health practitioner in any decisions.
In sum
So those are the things that have helped me. None of them are miracle cures. But they can definitely make a positive impact. Maybe you are doing some of these already. High five!
Learning and reacting and adapting to life with chronic illness never stops. That is a fact. It can be exhausting. And it can suck. A lot.
Thankfully, I was able to find a few things that can make it suck less. You can too!
As always, be gentle with yourselves:)
Keep working ,great job!