There is a certain amount of guilt that accompanies taking a sick day. People who are not chronically ill don’t take time off for fatigue. People who are not chronically ill don’t have the innate sense that the return of tell-tale symptoms require rest and self care. Alas, I am chronically ill, and my body sends me warning signals when I need to slow down.
I would like to take the approach of my self sacrificing colleagues in the teaching profession who power through even serious illnesses. Don’t they seem like heroes, coming to school depite their discomfort to serve their student population? Spreading their germs all over everything?
Actually, scratch that. No one should be expected to turn up to work sick. Especially people who’s health can nose dive when they are forced to exert themselves unnecessarily, due to some bloated sense of service or self sacrifice. As care takers, teachers should be encouraged first and foremost to take care of themselves. This reduces stress, burnout, and makes people better teachers.
I am incredibly thankful that remission has allowed me to work full time, in spite of this incurable disease. I am able to maintain my independence, housing, and health insurance. You know, the basic things. Human rights.
Staying in remission requires close attention to the feedback my body is giving me. Increasing fatigue, joint pain, pain flares, brain fog, and the d are all signals to rest, hydrate, and regulate my diet. Although remission is similar to life before Crohn’s, it’s definitely not the same.
On the menu for today:
- Homemade whole wheat banana bread (no emulsifiers or industrial additives)
- Apples
- Bananas
- Quinoa and red lentils
- Lots of water
Eating Vegan with Crohn's Disease 