How do you do life in a flare?

[UncleChuckSucks]

Flares sometimes seem to come up for me when I really, really need them Not to. I try to be physically active as much as possible, and in the next three weeks I have a series of extremely strenuous physical tests coming up that will pass (or fail) me into the next level of fitness classes. It's a mega milestone, and I want the next level. Bad.

I'm also pooping every morning before class at least three times and really tired. I just don't feel good.

Have you all ever had something like this that you've had to push through even when you weren't well? As much as I want this, I look at what I'm going to have to do and the heinous handicap that I face compared to the rest of the group and I think, "good grief." It makes me want to spiral into a self indulgent wad of sorry for myself and how life isn't fair, but the bottom line is that none of that crap is going to help me pass.

How do you push through to achieve something when things get dark?

 

[CrohnsChicago]

When I have to push myself through, I usually tell myself "this needs to be done, regardless." The sooner I can get whatever it is done, the sooner I can find time to rest.

But also remind yourself that you DO have limitations, as does even the most healthy person. We can't be "ON" all day, every day. Some days we may have to take it a tiny bit easier than others. It doesn't mean we can't get things done, we just need to spend time focusing on the smaller things we are capable of doing until we are physically able to do a little bit more. We can't be TOO hard on ourselves because the reality is that there will be times when our illness or something else may make it impossible to achieve everything we want to all at once.

Good for you for keeping physical! I am trying my best to do that and failing. I keep starting and quitting, starting and quitting.

Wishing you the best

:hug:

 

[UncleChuckSucks]

Thanks! It is really hard to exercise sometimes. When I feel well, though, I end up going as much as I can because I have the energy. When I don't feel well, I try to drag myself to class anyway. Knowing the same group will be there helps--I am more accountable and enjoy the social aspect. I am extremely private about UC, but I've shared that info with a few of the people I partner with so they understand why I have to take a lot of breaks some days. Anyway, if you want to exercise more, group activities with fun people can be great. They keep me going back!

 

[greeneyes1079]

What you're dealing with is probably one of the most difficult things for me to have to deal with and I can understand what you are going through. Being in the military means that I don't get to really take time off when I just don't feel well, unless I'm having a serious flare where I just can't function. I have to force myself to stay in shape and keep going, especially when we have mandatory physical fitness sessions once a week for our whole unit, plus I lead another session, and go running and to yoga on my own. If I don't keep doing all of these things, then I won't pass my physical fitness test and risk being kicked out of the military, and for me, that's not an option unless my medical problems get so bad that they say I have to retire.

That being said, when I am flaring or feeling especially worn out, I lessen the intensity of my workouts and make them longer. For example, instead of a intense 20 minute fast run, I'll do a 40 minute slow jog, that way, I'm out there running, but not wearing myself out as quickly by taking it easy. And I take frequent breaks when I need them, sometimes I'll do intervals and combine walking with running, or do fewer reps of an exercise, but more sets of them.

I think most importantly though, get plenty of rest and eat properly, stick to foods that won't irritate you more, even if they aren't necessarily in line with your workout plan to build strength, muscle, whatever, it's better to reduce as many negative effects as you can until you get through your series of tests. I've also tried drinking Ensure (some of the flavors aren't bad) which seemed to help me with energy and getting some of the vital nutrients that I may not be absorbing enough of with food. They are also much gentler on my stomach, though can't say if they are for everyone.

Sorry, that was a bit wordy, but I've been fighting this same fight for the past three years, and so far I've succeeded. I really just keep telling myself that if I don't get out there and do it, then I'll lose my career, and that motivates the hell out of me! If this really means that much to you, you will find the strength within yourself. But also, please listen to your body and be careful. Good luck!!

 

[UncleChuckSucks]

Greeneyes--thank you! This means a lot esp. coming from someone serving in the military. I know how hard you have to push yourself and I appreciate your advice to burn low and slow rather than sputter out in a burst. I have been trying to tell myself that I have to focus more on technique than raw power, which lets me do more longer. Thank you for the reinforcement!

I also agree about food. This week I've been eating whatever feels right, even if it's grilled cheese on wheat instead of a carrot smoothie. I figure, if it goes down and doesn't wreak havoc, it's good enough for now.

Take good care of yourself, and thank you for your service. Thank you also for the advice! When I hit my dark moments during the tests, and I know I will (apparently, crying during the test is considered totally normal, even among the men), I'll think of you and know I have the will to power through. Go, Greeneyes!

 

[greeneyes1079]

Aww, that's very sweet!! You can do it. Let me know how things go!

 

[nikimazur]

not well. going through my worst flare now and ended up in the er twice from dehydration. never been so excited for a colonoscopy endoscopy to see how bad things are and next step of treatment. im obviously not doing life well, eh

 

[Swirl]

In a flare, I would eat something light in the morning like waffles and eggs. I eat the same thing at the same time everyday, it help.

 

[SarahBear]

Ironically, there was an article in my writing text book that I read a few days that kind of fits this.

The article was about vision. It mentioned Holocaust survivors, and how one was curious why he survived that situation when so many others didn't. I guess he (or someone on his behalf) spoke with other survivors and realized they all had one thing in common - vision. Those people all felt like they had a mission in life. They couldn't give up, because they believed they had a future and things they were meant to accomplish.

That's how I deal with it. No matter how difficult things get, I focus on the future and how I have to persevere in order to get there and accomplish my goals. My mother is a recovering drug addict - her lowest points were my teenage years (which was when my Crohn's symptoms intensified, I was diagnosed, etc.). At the times I most needed her, she was passed out on the floor. She frequently put me in life-threatening situations; she would pop a few pills before picking me up from school or driving me to the doctor. No other family members would step up and intervene, or help me. I was so hurt and so angry. I went through something that many others would not have made it out of - and I credit this to vision. I constantly told myself, "It's okay - you'll prove them all wrong. You just have to get through this. It's going to get better. You will show them you are better than what they gave you."

I do the same thing when I get really sick. I think about how much stronger these experiences make me, and I force myself to push on.

I'm not really sure how helpful that is, but maybe it'll be useful to someone.

 

[UncleChuckSucks]

SarahBear--thank you. You seem like a remarkable person, and I really appreciate you taking the time to write that post and share your story.

Two things really leapt out at me:
"Focus on the future." How very true, and appropriate. Perspective and vision are important.
"I will show them I am better than what they gave me." My past can't be compared with yours, but I made it through a lot of dysfunction, psych manipulation, abuse from my mom. I haven't spoken with her in years, but whenever I become afraid that my past will define me, I push through and say that I'm better than what I started from. But I like the way you said it better.

I passed the first part of my test this weekend, so this coming weekend I'll finish the second half and if all goes well earn my next belt. I did well in the first bit and now believe I will do well in the second. Going through the first portion of the test, which is about 5 hours and basically like running a marathon, showed me how dramatically I have improved since I started. Though I always want to improve, I am so much stronger than I thought I was. I know the second portion of the test is much harder and longer, but I feel like I can do it. And I want to.

I definitely carried everyone's words from this thread with me on the test, and I will do so again this Saturday. Thank you, wonderful strangers, for giving me so much light and love to take with me as I fight.

 

[SarahBear]

You're very welcome. I'm glad you found my post helpful, and I'm sorry to hear you've been through some tough things as well. All we can do is move on.

 

[BigMike]

Flares sometimes seem to come up for me when I really, really need them Not to. I try to be physically active as much as possible, and in the next three weeks I have a series of extremely strenuous physical tests coming up that will pass (or fail) me into the next level of fitness classes. It's a mega milestone, and I want the next level. Bad.

I'm also pooping every morning before class at least three times and really tired. I just don't feel good.

Have you all ever had something like this that you've had to push through even when you weren't well? As much as I want this, I look at what I'm going to have to do and the heinous handicap that I face compared to the rest of the group and I think, "good grief." It makes me want to spiral into a self indulgent wad of sorry for myself and how life isn't fair, but the bottom line is that none of that crap is going to help me pass.

How do you push through to achieve something when things get dark?

Now I do not have any of the conditions you guys/gals have to deal with, but what I can do is offer advice based on the bold part.

You are tough. You are going through shit that people like me will never know. What will make you succeed is not taking the low road of self-pity. Instead, use it as a galvanizing moment to push you further than that "healthy" person next to you.

I wish you all the best!

 

[tots]

I back up my diet.

Clear liquids- tea is good. It has tanic acid in it. That my Dr told me, was a smooth muscle relaxer. Your bowel is s smooth muscle. I then go to beef broth. Then work your way up from there.

For one flare I was on a liquid diet for 4 months. At the end food did not even appeal to me.

Good luck- listen to your body!

Lauren

 

[UncleChuckSucks]

I just wanted to let you all know that I did my test, which was excessively brutal, and passed. It is the hardest thing I have ever done and I feel like a different person just for surviving it, UC or not. Whatever I do in the future, I have that "pass" with me and I know I can make it through just about anything.

Thank you for your support and encouragement!

 

[BigMike]

I just wanted to let you all know that I did my test, which was excessively brutal, and passed. It is the hardest thing I have ever done and I feel like a different person just for surviving it, UC or not. Whatever I do in the future, I have that "pass" with me and I know I can make it through just about anything.

Thank you for your support and encouragement!

 

[greeneyes1079]

I know I'm quite late, but I'm really glad you did it and earned your belt, that is awesome! I hope you are still doing well and powering through life like the inspiration that you are . Have my annual PT test next month, so I've been ramping up m workouts and feeling pretty good, despite the fact that I've been having some pains lately. Another MRI next week will hopefully tell the docs what's going on.

Congrats again

 

[UncleChuckSucks]

Thank you! I have kept it up, although I miss weeks here and there and hate the instability/fatigue factor. I also get more winded a lot during class, but then I think, "But look at what I'm doing! Look! I'm here!" The workouts are so intense that sometimes when it's hard to do basic life stuff during the day, the idea of even driving to class zaps me. But I do my best and try to drag myself there on the bad days too.

The new level is extra intense (and extra fun). I'm constantly covered with bruises and I've never loved a hobby more!

GreenEyes--Extra good luck with your PT test! When it comes down to it, I think we can always dig just a little deeper and then pay for it later. I am sending you lots of good thoughts and I know you will nail it.

Thank you again for all your encouragement. It really did help.