Hello Hello! I'm Jess (insta: jess_and_elda) and this is Patient POV!
Today we chatted with Susan (@the.chronic.wanderer) who shares her story with Crohn's, IBS, IC, hEDS, migraines, and pelvic pain.
Recommendations
Line for procedure anxiety: “Can you please tell me what you are going to do before you touch me”
Have an ongoing note on your phone about questions, thoughts, and concerns so you know what you want to discuss before going in
Support system is helpful if you have it
Ice packs or heat pads
Meditation - short guided one is helpful before bed
Journal - to process thoughts
Her dog is good for her mental health
Sunshine and fresh air is helpful
Therapy
Stretching
Do enough research to inform yourself BUT don’t fall down the google hole
It is overwhelming and scary but those feelings are relatable for those with chronic illnesses. Feeling anxious, depressed, or angry is okay and normal and you need to work through them to feel a nice life despite the illnesses, it might just look different than what you expected your life was going to look like.
