Rural versus urban living for Crohn's sufferer

[luckoftheirish]

I've had crohns' over 12 years now and in that time have lived in many areas and travelled to different parts of the world. Change and uncertainty have always been tied with my gut and always stimulate a response. I've recently moved house from urban to rural area. I expected the move to be a positive change for managing my condition however for me it seems harder.

I wanted to hear from other members to see what lifestyle suits them best, rural or urban?

These are some of the challenges I have found.
Rural living

• 
  Lack of amenities/toilets/hospitals/access to medications.
  
  Longer times spent commuting causing stress.
  
  More planning and preparation required when travelling into urban areas.

 

[If*]

Hello! It can be a really big change ~ it can be one that takes time to adjust.
Some of the perks ~ serenity. Take a really good look around and try and see the beauty. The earth that hasn't been touched by concrete, asphalt, buildings, crowds, noise....etc. The stillness can be nerve wracking at first but as you start to slow down and feel the quiet it can actually be relaxing. The sky is usually full of stars at night and the air is often cleaner to breath. So many people pay to 'get away' from it all, lol.

Make list for shopping, you usually eat healthier especially since there are few if any fast food places. Ask your Dr. about mailing your meds if they are allowed to in your area. There is usually ambulance service in a emergency check out what is available in advance and have the number on hand. Try to make appointments when you know you will be in the area or plan other errands while there.

As for the commute, well that is a bummer. Can you telecommute? Or learn breathing technics to help release some of the stress. Even the drive in urban areas can cause stress.

Living rural forces many to be well planned - it's not what most think
You moved to a rural area for a reason, what was it?

Take care.

 

[Pilgrim]

We have a child newly diagnosed with Crohn's. We live 20 minutes from the nearest town and 4+ hours from a hospital with specialists. We are asking ourselves the same question.

Commute is expensive for work and for health. Since starting to get a diagnosis for her we've traveled the 8 hours round trip every 6 weeks, sometimes losing pay. What if there was a medical emergency related to Crohn's and we had to scramble to get her treated, or a long hospital stay?

Positives: quieter (less stress when you are home) and more opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Maybe once you get used to it and it is no longer a set of unknown stresses it will get better?

Hopefully you will get some input from other adults with Crohn's.