The folks that know me, or happen to read this every so often, know that I have struggled with my health over the past year or two. It really started about three years ago. I was just sick, sick, sick ALL the time. Every single cold or bug that came down the pike knocked me out. And I just felt lousy all the time. I started to try different things, cutting out caffeine, cutting out dairy. Neither seemed to do anything. I did a Whole 30 for a month and realized that I felt a lot better not eating gluten. I started cutting that out and it helped somewhat. It did seem like I stopped getting so many colds after that. I still was having problems though; ulcers, low B12, dizziness, brain fog. I went from doctor to doctor to doctor. They all told me I was stressed and depressed. "Yeah, I KNOW that," I said, "but that's not all of it." Last year it became a nightmare. I could barely walk any distance, my hair was falling out, I had to go on medical leave, and when that ran out I left my job. I should have tried to go on disability short term but I just couldn't think clearly. Eventually, as you may know, I found my way back after seeing a Functional Medicine doctor. I changed my diet pretty dramatically. I am a million times better, but to be honest, I'm not completely there yet.
I've been working with Elliott Counseling Group on a start-up of a support group for those with chronic illness or health issues. Click here to go to the Facebook page. I've attended two of the preview groups (the support group starts in September, but they're holding preview groups so people can get a sense of what they will be like) and they were really powerful experiences for me. To sit in a group of people that can completely relate to others not believing you are really sick, to making the rounds of doctors and getting no answers, to struggling with things like fatigue, guilt, anger, self-doubt. It was incredibly affirming. Just the act of going and openly acknowledging that yes, I have a chronic illness was helpful to me. I've never been part of a support group before. I tend not to be a 'group' person. Remember, I dropped out of Brownies. This seems really powerful to me though. I know many folks I know are also struggling with some of these same issues so I wanted to let you know about this. There are two more preview groups (they are only $11, and the 12-week group is covered by insurance and there is a sliding scale as well). There will be two groups, one on Mondays at 5:30 pm, and one on Tuesdays at 10:00 am.
Think about doing this if you struggle with any of the same issues as I do. I was surprised, although perhaps I shouldn't have been, at the way that everyone in the room had completely different health issues or stories...but could all relate to the same experiences and feelings. A lot of laughter, a few tears, a lot of support.
If you are in the Champaign-Urbana area and could share this post I would appreciate it. I think it's truly important.
Also, if you want to message me with any questions, I'd be happy to chat.
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