Pills by Rebecca Leigh
I was browsing an IBD forum when I saw a thread asking if others ever forgot to take their medications. Intrigued, I clicked and found the author was referring to that kind of selective forgetfulness so useful when avoiding any number of unpleasant tasks.
For example, I rarely overlook the last piece of chocolate cake cunningly concealed at the back of the fridge, but may forget, until it is too late, the new exercise regime I was starting first thing Monday morning (oh well, there’s always the next day).
It seems I am not alone. The thread quickly swelled as others sheepishly admitted to this secret rebellion…
Read the rest of this entry »
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.
Read the rest of this entry »
I realised this week, with some surprise, that I have been receiving infliximab (remicade) infusions (three hour intravenous treatments) for nearly four years — time flies!
For me, four years of infusions adds up to more than 16 infusions and more than 16 hospital day admissions. Here are my top tips for making hospital visits comfortable and stress-free.
Read the rest of this entry »
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).
Read the rest of this entry »
Over at the Happiness Project Gretchen wonders why she often forgets to use simple remedies (like over-the-counter anti-itch cream) to make her daily life a bit more comfortable. I can relate!
Recognise the problem (or itch)
It took me a very long time to realise that my sporadic sore throats were actually caused by ulcers and were, in fact, occurring at quite predictable intervals alongside other symptoms of my Crohn’s disease. I then concluded that, as my Crohn’s was already being treated with medication, the ulcers were ‘one of those things I have to suffer through’.
Of course that was not (and is not) true.
Read the rest of this entry »
Recent Comments