Journaling by Rebecca
Two decades of scientific research has demonstrated the physical and psychological benefits of writing about our troubles.
Patients with serious chronic illnesses such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, cancer and HIV, when asked to write about their most stressful and emotional experiences, reported the following benefits:
- improved immune function;
- reduced blood pressure;
- improved lung and liver function;
- reduced pain;
- fewer days in hospital; and
- improved mood. (see note 1)
The idea of delving into your emotions, and exposing them on paper, may make you feel uncomfortable or vulnerable. Although a journal exploring your thoughts and feelings will give the greatest benefits, there are other types of diaries which can help you manage your Crohn’s or colitis.
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This week I have a collection of articles and resources from around the internet, on various topics of interest to IBDers.
Parasitic worm treatment for Crohn’s
This recent article on the use of parasitic worms in auto-immune disorders follows a series of news items released in 2004 on the effectiveness of pig whipworm for Crohn’s disease. The worms can be purchased direct from Ovamed (shipped to Europe, USA and Australia). Keah, who is a forum moderator on the HealingWell.com Crohn’s community, has a brief online journal on her experience using the pig whipworms (Trichuris Suis Ova or TSO).
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Learning Sickness: A Year with Crohn’s Disease by James M. Lang is a must read for those with IBD, particularly those who have not yet made contact, and exchanged stories, with other IBDers.
From diagnosis to understanding
As such, some might say it is a book for the ‘newly diagnosed’ but what does newly diagnosed mean exactly? Within one year of diagnosis? Two years? In practice, the transition from first symptoms to diagnosis to understanding and beyond can be a very different experience for each person.
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