Do you consider yourself to be disabled?

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DMac

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Hi (again :wink:)

So this is one definition of the word disabled:-

dis·a·bled/disˈābəld/
Adjective:

(of a person) Having a physical or mental condition that limits movements, senses, or activities.
(of an activity, organization, or facility) Specifically designed for or relating to people with such a physical or mental condition.

With that in mind. I will be interested in hearing how you perceive yourself as a result of your condition. Be that a stoma, Crohns or UC? It goes without saying that having any of the above can be incredibly debilitating and have a profound affect upon our lives. Do you consider yourself disabled? Or do you refuse to be labelled as such?

What I am trying to convey is, are you an optimistic person, determined to get on with life and overcome your present condition? Or do you find yourself being more resigned to the fact that having this condition will detrimentally impact your future.

In other words, is the glass half empty or half full for you?

Thanks : )
 
It depends on the day. Most days, I get by and would never describe myself as disabled. But on really bad days, I definitely feel disabled.
 
Not a chance. I can do anything any "normal" person can do, in fact I'm no different than them, I just take a little longer in the bathroom. There's MUCH worse.
 
I'm considered disabled by the government by their own terminology. But I DARE anyone to say it to my face! I work every day. When I cant work anymore I dont know what I'll do.

But I wouldnt mind a disabled parking badge!
 
I'd definitely not consider myself disabled. I can actually do more things now that I have my stoma. I could work, I just choose not to...lol
 
Under that definition, because it says "or activities," I would have to say yes. There are a lot of days I can't participate in activities that I would like, and this has affected my work life to a significant degree, so I think that falls under that definition. However, would I ask for concessions due to disability, not necessarily. The only thing I have asked for is close access to a restroom and being able to work from home on days I don't feel well (which I wasn't allowed), which lately seems to be ebbing and flowing.

I am determined to move on. I recently was let go from my job due to this disease, and I am interviewing and am hoping to move on to something better. I am hoping for something that allows me to work remotely, but that seems to not be as easy as I would like, but neither is getting a job where you're physically present. We'll see what happens. Just one more piece of adversity to overcome.
 
I have got a mate with one leg that does not consider himself disabled. My mother in law spent 27 years in a wheelchair until she passed away, and not once complained of being disabled. I could go on and on with heaps of examples.

So a most definately no!!

Probably get shot for this, but there are some folks that actually enjoy being ill and can be a bit of a drama queeen about it. I say toughen up and just get on with it. If you were born with old arse carry on then it would just be life as normal. It probably aint going away for most of us, so just get on with it. Its not really that bad compared to a very great many people in the world!!

Best medicine is have a laugh!

Standing by to be shot.... ;)
 
Hell no!! I have an ileostomy, but I am NOT disabled. It has given my life back and I am more able now than I have been in years. (not that I let my illness stop me before) I just get to live life and feel great. I'm a Probation Officer, and I supervise dangerous felons. I raid houses and arrest people while wearing a heavy duty belt and bullet proof vest. It hasn't affected me in the least bit. We have this disease folks, it does NOT have us:)
 
I dont have the time to be disabled. I work- I take care of the house- I get my son to and from school, baseball and his workouts. When all three of my kids were home I took care of it all then too. I got them everywhere they needed to be. I have never had much help, my husband always
has worked weird hours and my family lived far away. I am actually proud I was able to do it just about on my own! I am stronger than this disease and the people who "dont get it"!!

That by definition is not disabled!!

That felt good!


Lauren
:dance:
 
I'm considered "clinically in remission" yet with the medications I take along with my other health problems I do consider myself disabled. The meds themselves are disabling let alone the health conditions.

I don't see being disabled as a negative term/thing. I'm disabled yet I'm able to do a lot. So the glass isn't full or empty. Its just not filled with my favorite beverage I guess. :p
 
"So the glass isn't full or empty. Its just not filled with my favorite beverage I guess. :p "

LOVE IT!! must remember that one lol
 
Sorry Crabby, I dont get it? Its your personal choice I suppose. But you sure aint disabled my friend. Excellent news on the 13 years by the way. Again, err disabled still after all that time? I of course dont know your "other problems", so excuse my ignorance. Just amking a point that we all need to get off our butts and get on with life.

Brings to mind a certain sketch in Monty Pythons Holy Grail. But I wont go into that. Ooops I just did!!

Why do a lot of you folks like to list whats wrong and what medication you take by the way? Freaks me out a bit? Kind of like they are trophies??

My bad!!

Cheers all, peace out!

PS>> Alms for an Ex Lepper..! ;)
 
The reason the meds and diagnosis is listed is so that when we are replying to someone we can get a handle on what they are on. Its information many of us need in order to help further. If I see you are on pred in your sig line, I wont ask if you are on pred will I? If you have crohns or UC is important to know as well. Its not a 'badge' its helpful information.
 
[blgdave] Just amking a point that we all need to get off our butts and get on with life.
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Hi bigdave

You've made some interesting points, but I just want to focus on this specific part. The reason I put the definition of the word disabled in, was because I do feel that for many people dealing with this condition, that specific definition is very applicable to their lives. They're restricted/limited in their day to day lives. I too have experienced that on many occasions.

I guess it comes down to how one perceives their specific illness. I have never classed myself as disabled, but I have, according to that definition, been ill to the point of fitting that criteria. It's never as easy as saying that we need to get off our butts and get on with life. Not everyone is able to do that. I'm sure everyone wants to be able to do that, but for many, their lives are absolutely dominated by their condition.
 
To me, it depends on how I feel. On my bad days there is not very much I can do and that is when I feel disabled, but on my good days I sometimes feel so good that I forget for a while about my issues and can do pretty much anything!
 
I also have days when I match the definition but I do not consider myself to be disabled in any way! To me Crohns is something I live with but I am super fortunate that I am able to live a full and active life. Last year I spent 5 days cage diving with Great White Sharks in Mexico! I have a friend with Crohns who is in hospital for weeks at a time, I am very lucky.
 
BlgDave - I think the main reason people post problems/medications is because it helps other. If I'm having a problem or need some advice about medicine I can see somebodys sig and be like "oh maybe I'll ask that person about their experiences". It is also a sense of pride like you said for some people. Not that they're on medicine, but like for me I'm proud to say I'm NOT on medicine or for some people they're proud that they now have an illeostomy which has put them in remission so they can enjoy their lives. That's something I would be proud of atleast. I always thought having that surgery as the worst thing in the world and now coming on here and seeing the success people have had with it, its actually quite the opposite. Who cares, you poop through a bag. Big deal, those people get a new chance at life.


Also, I'm not sure who you are because I've never seen you post before but I don't think its right for you to jump down Crabby's throat like that because she considers herself disabled (which by definition she is). Your mate and mother are/were disabled too being technical, and I'm sorry for your loss with your mother. They both had a condition which limited their daily activities. Sure, they can do still a lot but it A. Takes a lot longer, and B. They have to find different ways of doing them. There is nothing wrong with it like Crabby said and it doesn't mean she just sits there like a bump on a log all day. Its just how it is.

Also like you said Blgdave I (personally) think there is a select few people on here that find something with being ill and its evident in their posts but for the most part ("disabled" or not) this group of people does NOT let crohns hold them back. We have one member (rygon) who goes skydiving and has crohns! Talk about living life still
 
[KWalker]BlgDave - I think the main reason people post problems/medications is because it helps other. If I'm having a problem or need some advice about medicine I can see somebodys sig and be like "oh maybe I'll ask that person about their experiences". It is also a sense of pride like you said for some people. Not that they're on medicine, but like for me I'm proud to say I'm NOT on medicine or for some people they're proud that they now have an illeostomy which has put them in remission so they can enjoy their lives. That's something I would be proud of atleast. I always thought having that surgery as the worst thing in the world and now coming on here and seeing the success people have had with it, its actually quite the opposite. Who cares, you poop through a bag. Big deal, those people get a new chance at life.
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Even though I haven't posted my history (may well do so at some point) I can see why people do it. Makes perfect sense, being that this is a forum for people with specific conditions. It gives an insight into what people have been/going through and sharing that info can be a good way to connect with others who have/are going through the same thing. You raise some good points :)
 
Just before and immediately after my ileostomy I was definitely disabled.
I couldn't do anything for myself - couldn't cook, bathe, drive, walk.
Now - I'm fine, although I prefer to use the disabled bathroom.

And for bigdave - my signature is a communication tool used to provide necessary information to other members. It is not a badge of honour.
 
blgdave said:
Brings to mind a certain sketch in Monty Pythons Holy Grail. But I wont go into that. Ooops I just did!!

Why do a lot of you folks like to list whats wrong and what medication you take by the way? Freaks me out a bit? Kind of like they are trophies??
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I don't see what's wrong with sharing what medications or what surgerys/experiences you have had. Isn't that what this forum is for or did I get it wrong? Certainly wouldn't say I think of it as a trophy of any sort, As far as I'm concerned I'm no worse or better off than anyone else on here regardless of what is in my signature. although I'm certainly not going to go on a crohns discussion forum and keep quiet about my own personal experiences which are being shared to help others who may be facing similar situations just incase it freaks someone out. I did mine after seeing so many other people doing it, and those people who have been so open and "proud" of what they have or what they have gone through helped me no end whilst coming to terms with it myself.


Back to the original point. I wouldn't consider myself disabled. I'm just as physically able as anyone else on a good day, Having an ileostomy can make certain things a bit more challenging but not impossible.

Ask me whilst in the middle of a bad flare up and unable to move or eat and constantly vomiting however and my view would be very different.
 
The reason I have my meds on here is so ppl know what ive tried and if i talk about them they will know its from experience. Also if someone wanted to ask me questions about them they can.

As said, I skydive. I also know of 2 others who do (one with a j-pouch and the other with a bag). I also do other active sports when im in good health.

But when i was ill last year, anaemic, going to the bathroom 20+ times a day, sleeping 14hrs + every day and not being able to go upstairs without being out of breath, i would say i was disabled then. I physically couldnt work, go out the house and found it very hard to look after myself (cook, clean house etc). Luckily it was only a year until i went onto infliximab but if i hadnt i would have no idea how i would have coped.

Just because some people have crohns under control it doesnt mean everyone does. Its not even down to how strong you are physically or mentally either, i guess its just the luck of the draw
 
blgdave, I just want to mention that of course I don't have to justify my response to anyone but I was also taking into account good days and bad days. Having been diagnosed 21 years ago I know about the good and bad days (and yes you can have bad days while in remission, not as bad as a flare but still bad (look into "clinical remission")). When you look at the disease as a whole, rather than just how you feel right now, you realize that your condition can go south at anytime for any reason because its an autoimmune disorder (finding exact causes some day would be great so we could avoid them but I don't think that's possible). Since the disease is not predictable it does fall under the definition of being disabling. As a whole, it affects your everyday life even while in remission.

That doesn't mean I'm waiting for or living my life expecting a flare all the time (I do now since my condition is teetering) because I do go out and do what I want to do until my condition limits me. In my opinion, if you have a condition that's limiting your daily life or has the ability to limit your daily life at any unknown time, then you can be considered disabled. You don't have to accept that for yourself if you don't want to. I don't see being disabled as being negative in any way. If anything it should be inspiring. These are the cards we were dealt and all we can do is make the best of them.

Other people hit the nail on the head about our signatures. I'd like to add though that I do actively encourage other members to add a signature that gives information on at least currents meds, their diagnosis (or if they are undiagnosed) and when they were diagnosed. If they're newly diagnosed or undiagnosed then chances are they don't know a lot about all the meds, tests and treatment options out there. If they're a vet then our responses will obviously be different. Even us veterans of the disease still need help though because we were diagnosed so long ago we can be slightly out of the loop about newer treatments and tests.
 
Wow, horseies...!

Some excellent replies, just what I was after. Aint it good to talk!! Better than thinking about a sore arse and how am I going to make it to work without skidmarks inside the car!! (Like me this morning by the way)

I am and always will be honest and to the point. These points of course being my own opinions and from my own words. Yes, nobody knows me. But to be honest I would say that is the case of most folks on here. Its just an internet room for people to share words and experiences and get others up and going. How ever that may be achieved?

I certainly dont appologies for any of my words. I in fact stand by them totally.

By the way, I never jumped down Crabbys throat did I?? Its still my opinion that 13 years is excellent news and now about time to give this crappy illness a kick in the arse and move on and past it. Instead of thinking I am disabled, think I have beat it. Get up and get on with life instead of thinking its dealt you a bad hand. That meant to everyone, not just crabby. Life is way too short to think negative thoughts. The mind is also a great healer! If you feel sick, you will be sick. If you feel happy with your lot, what ever that may be, life is good! Live in "the now" folks!!

Maybe I am harsh on occasion, but some folks need a kick in the butt to realise that "hey, maybe I aint so bad off". Yes, some people are seriously ill, but what good is moaning about it. I have seen poor little kids with troubles that make us look like nothing. What did they ever do wrong in life?? At least we have had a good go and have the perfect opportunity to make the most, or even more, of what we have in life!

So get up off your butts people, and get on with it!!

The signature thing still gives me the creaps. I can see the point in it for some folks yes. But that asside, it still creeps me out. Would I be more wrong for not saying that it does? At the end of the day, this is a site for folks with IBS trubles is it not. Weatehr you have had and not had a certain condition is by the by. We all still can help out and pass on knowledge and opinions. Also to encourage and give people a shake were required!

I will quote the same movie one more time if I may....

"Some things in life are bad, they can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you're chewing on life's gristle, don't grumble give a whistle
This will help things turn out for the best

Always look on the bright side of life"

Cheers folks, and peace out!!

Dave...
 
blgdave, maybe so maybe not. But really, no need to tell us to get off our butts here. As you can see, 99% of us are more than off our butts. But thank you for your opinion.

I dont think we'll change the sig lines either. They come up when we first post, or on the new page. I think they are a good thing to have.
 
Actually, Big Dave, this is a site for IBD, its diseased intestine, not suffering irritable bowel syndrome, which is entirely different.

My extreme fatigue and arthritis do create mobility issues, as can sitting on the bog for ages and perhaps up to 20 times in 24 hours. I admit to getting a bit bugged by people when i do go out, when they tell me i'm looking ill! huh, but at least i made the effort, but little energy to give activities

look.... no signiture!
 
Terrier nut, i forgot to mention that you can still apply for a blue badge, you will need a letter from a doctor to say you need toilet needs urgently, thus you can find a loo and stop there. you won't get free parking, not in the south west anyhow, if you are not considered disabled by dla mobility. apply to social care at your county council webpage. can get free parking on double yellow lines though, i believe.

Michelle, Misty you made me laugh there. i just needed a giggle, thanks
 
I think of myself as partially disabled.
Some things I can do with not too much pain and help. Other things I simply can't do.

Bigdave - I also think that i am quite a positive person. Despite that i am a very ill woman. There is no getting away from it. No matter how many times I or someone else may tell me to get off of my butt if I am physically unable to stand does that then make me less of a person or just not trying hard enough?
There is nothing I would love more than to go outside and play with my kids. I cannot do this, not because I don't want to or because I get a kick out of being ill but because I am so poorly I cannot stand up straight at the moment. I can walk about 100 yards before I collapse. I am in so much pain I can't eat and am loosing weight on a daily basis.
I agree you are entitled to your opinion but maybe try to word it a bit differently or even with a bit of compassion for what others may be going through.

My signature is there, not as a badge of honour, but as information for others. Its like the others have posted before if someone new comes here they can see what i have been through and ask me questions. I don't have a problem sharing my experience if it helps someone else cope with what they are going through. This then makes me feel as if i have not suffered in vain.

Wish you well and am glad you are feeling as well as you are.

My glass is always brimming just not always with good stuff!
 
CD has put me through the wringer in the past six months. It has been and continues to be the most psychologically and physically challenging experience of my life thus far.
I don't have much appreciation for somebody advising me that I should be relentlessly cheerful about it.
 
blgdave said:
Wow, horseies...!

Instead of thinking I am disabled, think I have beat it. Get up and get on with life instead of thinking its dealt you a bad hand. That meant to everyone, not just crabby. Life is way too short to think negative thoughts. The mind is also a great healer! If you feel sick, you will be sick. If you feel happy with your lot, what ever that may be, life is good! Live in "the now" folks!!

Maybe I am harsh on occasion, but some folks need a kick in the butt to realise that "hey, maybe I aint so bad off". Yes, some people are seriously ill, but what good is moaning about it. I have seen poor little kids with troubles that make us look like nothing. What did they ever do wrong in life?? At least we have had a good go and have the perfect opportunity to make the most, or even more, of what we have in life!

So get up off your butts people, and get on with it!!

The signature thing still gives me the creaps. I can see the point in it for some folks yes. But that asside, it still creeps me out. Would I be more wrong for not saying that it does? At the end of the day, this is a site for folks with IBS trubles is it not. Weatehr you have had and not had a certain condition is by the by. We all still can help out and pass on knowledge and opinions. Also to encourage and give people a shake were required!

I will quote the same movie one more time if I may....

"Some things in life are bad, they can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you're chewing on life's gristle, don't grumble give a whistle
This will help things turn out for the best

Always look on the bright side of life"

Cheers folks, and peace out!!

Dave...
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I agree with you to an extent, But I think you are getting people coming onto an IBD forum coming on to talk and moan about their problems with IBD confused with people just generally feeling sorry for themselves and being miserable. I follow a few people on facebook for example ( no one off here) who have crohns.. who I personally feel go over the top when "moaning" in public and I sometimes find that a bit to much too. so I can see where you are coming from. But I think this forum in particular is one of those places where "moaning" and being open about your problems is a good thing. If this forum was a general say for instance a sports forum , and people had in their signatures about all their health problems and meds then I'd probably be a bit freaked out too.

I've done my fair share of moaning about things and feeling sorry for myself over the past year on here. But this is my place to moan and vent. If you looked on my facebook page you probably wouldn't even know I had Crohn's because for me atleast theres a time and a place to be moaning... and this is it. I'd like to think that generally I'm a happy positive person despite recent event's, and I'm sure its the same for a lot of people here, but you don't see that part of me on this forum because I'm here to talk about my IBD. And this is where I come for those times where things just happen to get me down.

it's no different to when I go onto facebook and see people all depressed and moaning about having a cold... I read that and think wtf.... you should just get on with it and be happy, its not a big deal.. But it's all relative... I see those people moaning and think they are being ridiculous, But they don't know better so to speak.


And I agree with your last point and the whole month python always look on the bright side thing etc... (great film btw...) and I'd like to think that I've got on with things and not let them/it beat me. I know other people are a hell of a lot worse off, but that doesn't always make people feel better about whatever situation they may be dealing with at that time.
 
Crabby said:
I'm considered "clinically in remission" yet with the medications I take along with my other health problems I do consider myself disabled. The meds themselves are disabling let alone the health conditions.

I don't see being disabled as a negative term/thing. I'm disabled yet I'm able to do a lot. So the glass isn't full or empty. Its just not filled with my favorite beverage I guess. :p
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I couldn't agree more Crabby-this is exactly how I feel too!

In the earlier days of being diagnosed I when backpacking, climbed Vernal Falls and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, and worked as a commercial electrician with my husband.

As time when on other extraintestinal manifestations affected my joints, endurance, and mobility, sometimes to the point of not being able to walk or dress myself.

I fight VERY hard to regain some endurance and mobility, and I can guarentee somedays walking around the block is way more difficult than backpacking used to be!

Sometimes I feel more disabled than others, but I am grateful for what I AM able to do, that's for sure, and I don't take the good days for granted.:thumright:
 
I am no doctor, my appologies. Maybe if it was in my sig I would have known.. ha har! I did actually just use syndrome as some post I read are from people that are not diagnosed. So that in mind its not a desease?

Same big difference?? Lets not leave people out of the discussion.

But we are just not picking now. Really, folks it time to just chill out. Some people do sit on their butts and winge and moan, perhaps rightly so? BUt it just does nothing to help. I am just trying to get people up and about. I can, and will, tell people to get off their butts if I wish to. People of course dont have to listen. Thats where we all have a choice. These sites are full of keyboard warriors that have an opinion of their own, its difficult to get a full point accross with a type writer I suppose? I am not a bad guy by any means, I just tell peple like it is?

Looking for a definition of diabled and seeing if you fit into that definition is rediculous. You are as disabled as you want to be, or not. As the case may be.

I also will try stick my neck out and say the vast majority of people that say they should be classed as disabled, possibly are not? Its thin ice here and I am only basing this on what people consider as stereo typical disabled. I have been told by complete strangers that I should not take the piss out of my mate that has Cerebral Palsy. They even say it in his company and in ear shot, as if he is not there? Just because he talks funny and throws his beer all over the place does not make him any different a mate to all my others. I wont tell you what his normal response to them actually is! But it rhymes with Duck and Cough!

Anyway, good on Spooky for sticking two fingers up at people and dragging his butt out when feeling ill. I take my hat off to you. Its exactly what I am getting at. You do say this site is for IBD then mention Arthritis, but I get your point. Its a combination in your case. But I thought the subject was related to IBD. hence my replies.

Anyone fancy a pint. I reckon we could have a top afternoon out and put the world to rights!!

Dont forget we are all on the same side. I just say it like it is!

Cheers again all

Dave...
 
We were just answering a simple question. None of it is up for debate. I think some people were simply turned off by the fact that it seemed like you thought that anyone who said that they fall under the definition of being disabled must all sit and moan on their butts all day. Does that mean you think people who are disabled sit and moan on their butts all day? Is there such a thing as disabled in your mind Dave? People with disabilities are able to leave the house and do on a regular basis. No one is sitting around here complaining, I assure you. ;) Less abled if that works for you but we were all going by the standard definition rather than our own personal definition. There's no hard feelings of course but I'm sure some people might appreciate a lighter approach rather than being told they need to get off their butt and start being happy already. A lot is lost in translation when typing so when people read that, I'm sure you'd understand why someone would get upset as we don't really know everyone's background on here.

You did notice however how signatures come in handy since you mentioned how long I've been in remission. ;)

As far as IBD and IBS, yes it does make a difference. We're currently on the Crohn's forum. Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative colitis are the main conditions on this forum but we do not turn away people who are undiagnosed or those who have IBS or those who have a friend or family member who suffer from any of the above.
 
I come to this forum as it offers a great deal of support and understanding. The members have helped me through some very dark days as my physical condition had worsened. They have also helped me see hope when I thought none was to be found.

Unfortunately Dave - I have found your posts to be unnecessarily inflammatory and somewhat lacking in compassion. I don't come here to be challenged by smart alecs playing semantics. Acknowledging that you may cause offense does not abrogate you from responsibility. Some of the things you have said seem deliberately provocative and not entirely in the supportive spirit of the forum. Whilst you are entitled to say what you like - agitating in a support forum for people with a chronic disease seems a little, I don't know, sad really.
 
Sorry, I dont get replies like that Samboi? But good luck to you my friend. Nothing smart alec about me I can assure you. Just fed up with wingers. Sod it, if you all want to feel sorry for yourselves then so be it. Winge, winge!! Enjoy and peace out... ;)

This is obviously not the place for me so I will leave you to it. If you are trumped up to think I am getting at you then so be it, what ever I say wont change that thought. Just try smile every once and a while and I assure you, you will feel better!!

I wont say I was critcial last year, but I was in a very very dark place on a serious edge and worrying a lot of people. But it truely did not get me that badly down. Yes, I had some real crap days where you think the whole world is out to get you, the drugs also dont help there, but you do pull through.

I have found myself sat in a huge puddle of my own sticky red mess, all over me, my clothes and where ever I happened to be pointing at the time. This would no doubt scare many people (as it did me the first time!), but I found myself just sat there laughing at myself!

Jeez, never thought it would be so hard to lighten people up! Get off your high horses people. I am off to enjoy myself... can no longer be arsed with you lot...!!!
 
[Crabby]We were just answering a simple question. None of it is up for debate.
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When I posted the question this was my intent. I was genuinely interested in hearing how people perceive themselves, in relation to the a definition of the word disabled. It certainly wasn't my intent to illicit a heated debate that would end in such a manner. I haven't been here long, but I am obviously more than aware that people with CD handle it in different ways. One thing that I am absolutely certain of, is the fact that I am in no position to tell anyone to stop feeling sorry for themselves and just get on with it.

I appreciate that we can encourage others and should, but I guess its the manner in which we offer that support that is important. Bigdave, you sound like a man that will not let anything get you down, and that is a great attitude to have :smile: However, not everyone has the same attitude. So I guess we have to be a little bit more sensitive to peoples individual circumstances and needs : )
 
What a great thread! Of course BigDave's attitude will encourage debate and not be helpful to people suffering badly right now - however it is a view that cannot be ignored because we all have to put up people who don't really understand or care - at least he speaks from experience.

The overall point that comes through to me is most of us feel perfectly normal when the disease is quiet and it is a huge help to know that however ill you feel after a while you will be feeling healthy again - unlike so many diseases.
 
A number of years ago I would have labeled myself as disabled. I was pretty much house bound. The idea of a simple walking around the neighborhood was hard to imagine. I suppose I could have tried but chances are halfway through an urgent need to go would have occurred, and pounding on a neighbors door saying open up, I have to go or I'm using the flower bed wasn't an option - at least if I hoped to remain in good standing in the neighborhood.

These days after a diet change, plus a few supplements like vitamin D3 I'm doing pretty well. The gut rarely acts up, and when it does it is pretty mild compared to what I used to experience. I can go on walks, can handle long drives, even eating out no longer frightens me. I'm not healthy though. My energy levels in particular can have wild swings. I'm going through one of those swing periods right now which can cause odd experiences.

What I do these days is mess with my diet to further tweak it. I've had periods where I was completely well so that encourages me to experiment with what i eat. So with the latest diet idea, I was reading a paper that was mentioning a trend in Crohn's and colitis disease. It said that Crohn's and UC was now showing up in places where it rarely made an appearance. These bowel conditions had largely been western diseases but now it was showing up in the Middle East and Asia in greater quantities. I thought that odd. I'm sure there are many different possible reasons for that, testing means, diet change, etc, but the one that comes to mind first was that Asia and the Middle East are becoming more wealthy. Many countries there have opened up their markets, creating more business opportunities, and with more money people in these places were eating more animal meats. Maybe some meat(s) can cause an allergic reaction in some. Just a guess. So I thought I would eat similar to a poor person of old, a good amount of vegetables, fruits, fish and chocolate. To my surprise the diet seems to be working. The bowels are pretty good, better than normal of late anyway and appearance wise I'm looking healthy. Both positive developments. I have a long ways to go though with this but from the looks of things I'm going in the right direction.

One of the more curious aspects of getting well, forming normal bowel movements, is that I feel so, so tired. You would think it would be the opposite! But for some crazy reason it feels as if I've eaten to much fiber, which i know from experience wears me out and makes me feel cruddy.

So tonight I've been invited to a neighborhood party. Normally, being this tired, I'd find an excuse for why I can not attend. But in this case the hosts are good people, and wanting to be a good neighbor it is important that I make an appearance. When I get this fatigued though, I can often crash and find it difficult to talk well. It is as if I can develop a stutter at times. I'm thinking it probably isn't an option to tell everyone I've become a mute and need to communicate with pen and paper. Borrowing Steven Hawking's programmed voice computer isn't an ideal option. Think I'll have to suck it up, do my best and find reasons why I need to leave the party early.
 
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