I’ve talked about it before, but it’s not something I bring up often… A little over 2.5 years ago I was diagnosed with Severe Ulcerative Colitis. Its kind of like Chrons Disease, but not quite. If you want to read more you can go here. It’s not fun. Its hard, and messy, and painful and embarrassing. My husband doesn’t even quite get it. Unless you have it, you can’t really understand.
This disease is manageable (mostly) through diet and medication, but when things get stressful, I’m pretty much screwed. And the past 3 weeks have been more than stressful.First worrying about Hubby starting his new job, then when it go pushed back, worrying how we were going to pay our bills. Then anxiety of having to drive with my Mother-In-Law to drop my hubby just outside of Austin at his new job this past weekend was the worst.
Have you ever seen that commercial with the woman walking around in circles, wondering where the next bathroom is? That is my life. It sucks. I’ve had panic attacks over not knowing where bathrooms are. Being stuck in a car, going somewhere I’ve never been before, is kind of like my worst nightmare.
I hate being stuck in the car. I hate being stuck in the car and not being the driver. I hate being stuck in the car, not being the driver, and having my (mostly wonderful) MIL chatting non stop in my ear. I love the woman dearly, but she is the definition of “crazy old lady driver” and TALKS ALL THE TIME. I like and NEED a little peace and quiet, especially in the car.
So anyways, 3 weeks of stress + MIL + 9 hours in the car = Major Flare Up.
I’ll spare you the icky details, the short version is – 24 hours of nasty flu-like symptoms, followed by 2-3 days of recovering from the nasty flu-like symptoms, and pure exhaustion for around a week.
Just in time for my quilting retreat. Boo! I’m still going. I’m just not anticipating getting quite as much done as I hoped. No all night sewing marathons for me! But I’m not going to stress about it. I can’t afford to stress about it. So I will do as much as I can, in the time I’ll have and be happy with it 🙂
In the mean time, I’m getting back into my regular routine, which majorly helps me to eliminate symptoms. Routine is my best friend. Routine helps me deal with life, accomplish things and avoid too much stress.
Stress is my worst enemy.
That sounds horrible to have to deal with! : I hope you get to feeling back to normal soon!
Hang in there girly!!! Start getting excited for your quilting retreat! I know how much you've looked forward to this!! 🙂
Quilting retreats are a good place to sew, but they're also a good place to just chill out! Hope you have a relaxing time.
I hope you have an amazing time at your retreat!! Sorry you're feeling so bad. 🙁
My husband has UC. He hasn't had a flare up in about a year, though. He doesn't take meds or anything! He likes to say that he's in remission, when his doctors told him that he'd have to deal with it his whole life. He started going to a well-known chiropractor who healed himself of UC (Dr. Chris Zaino) and by getting adjusted and following Dr. Zaino's recommended eating plan, supplement regimen, and exercising plan, my husband no longer has UC symptoms. I know how it is when there's an episode. It SUCKS! We love to go camping, and before my husband was healed, we couldn't even go on a short hike because of the bathroom situation. 🙁 I'd love to talk to you more about it! Mark (husband) wants to share his experience with everyone!
As a sufferer of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Allergic Tension Fatigue Syndrome, stress is also my worst enemy. It's everyone's worst enemy, but those of us who are extra-sensitive to it have to be on high alert more constantly than most folks, I think. And it's always awkward trying to explain to someone why your seemingly-high-maintenance requests are actually truly necessary. My heart goes out to you…and I'm glad the hubs new job finally began!
Stress messes with us so much! Unfortunately, I don't have the secret to a stress-free life. If you find it let us know!
I so understand how you feel. I don't have any IBDs but I do have IBS and stress can will make my body freak out! I usually try to come up with methods to help but sometimes I can't avoid it. I am always keeping my eyes out for restrooms. I can relate to the car thing too but I am lucky enough to remember gas station and rest stops have at least an employee restroom. If I get bad I can always beg to use it.
Anyways, I am glad that you are okay. Get lots of rest.
Stress is the worst, long baths help!
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
Routine is needed here too. Hang in there!