gutsandgrowth

NY Times: Five Things I Wish I’d Known Before My Chronic Illness

February 23, 2019 8:45 am

A recent article describes some of the challenges of dealing with Crohn’s disease (thanks to Kayla Lewis for pointing out this reference).

Key Points:

“The mental part is as hard as the physical part” “A therapist should be considered a crucial part of your care team, just as important as a gastroenterologist or cardiologist.”
“Your relationships change” “It’s hard to be a good employee when you need extended time off. It’s hard to be a good friend when you cancel plans last minute. It’s hard to be a good partner or parent when you barely have the energy to get out of bed. “
“Everyone offers you advice” “So unless someone asks for your advice, don’t offer it. If you’re on the receiving end of misguided advice, say something like, “I appreciate that you’re trying to help, but my doctors and I think this treatment is best right now” or “There’s no known cure for my disease, but I’d love if you donated toward the research to find one!”
“You have to educate yourself — and everyone else“
“Support is everything” Online communities can be helpful. ” The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation has resources to help you find one. For a sometimes embarrassing “bathroom disease” like IBD, this is especially vital.”