So last night I went to the Basildon Hospital IBD support group for the first time. I think it's great they run this, as it is a help to Crohns and Ulcerative Colitis sufferers knowing there are other people going through the same thing and being able to chat and share their issues. As well as patients, they encourage family members or friends to attend and I think this is a fab idea. A lot of people know of Crohns and UC, but they don't really know what the diseases mean or what having them entails. I took my mum along with me last night, my sister wanted to come as well but unfortunately doesn't finish work in time to make it so I had to report back to her afterwards! There were about 15 people at the group, mixed gender and mixed ages along with one of the Basildon Hospital IBD nurses. They said this was quite quiet as in the summer months a lot of people are on holiday. I felt quite shy at first, which isn't normal for me, but everyone was so friendly I quickly relaxed. The session was a casual group discussion, where people shared how they'd been feeling and their personal experiences. At first I just listened, but when I felt brave enough started to share also. It was so nice to be able to talk about my illness with likeminded people that understood what I meant and how I was feeling. It felt like a relief that I could be understood and not judged, and was able to speak freely with no worry. I found the session really helpful, I got some tips and heard of things I never had before and this is a massive positive. One of the things was a radar key. I didn't even know what one was! But you can apply for one online if you have Crohns Disease or Ulceratice Colitis and it means you can use locked disabled toilets. I think this is a great idea, even if it just has a psychological affect on you making you feel calm just knowing you have the key in your bag if you did need the toilet urgently.
Next months meeting I wont be able to attend, as I am at my cousins wedding, but I will definitely go to the October meet. They have one of the hospital Gastroenterologists doing a talk and then question time which I think will be great.
As well as finding group helpful, I found it inspiring. No one there was moaning or whinging and trying to get sympathy, they were all just getting on with their life. As well as being sufferers, they also run the group to help others. What a kind, selfless act to want to help other people and offer them support for going through the same thing. I found it empowering, and think it was good to go whilst I was feeling rubbish because it was a lift for me. I came out having a better outlook and not feeling so down on myself. It made me realise that whilst having Crohns is rubbish, it's not the end of the world and there is always someone out there worse off than you. At times my Crohns may have won the fight, but it won't win the war.
XOXO Crohnie Girl
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