Hi everyone,
I feel like I've been on a long journey over many years to get to this program. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 22 and told by my doctor that "we'll help you live as comfortably as possible..." Words every 22 year old wants to hear. Since then, I've been through the medical mill filled with remission, flare-ups, all the medications and supplements possible. Several years later, I managed to get the symptoms under control through diet and lifestyle changes. As the symptoms got better, the chronic pain began - chest, back, shoulders, neck, and most recently on my right glute. Of course, every specialist I see has a different theory - the gastroenterologist says its inflammation from the lingering colitis or perhaps now IBS, my family doctor sent me to physio, the physiotherapist says its the way I sit at work and sleep, etc. etc.
Similar stories to the dozens of posts I've read on this forum - the pain jumps around, all the tests have come back negative. I've tried the osteopaths, chiropractors, physio, massages - relief is always temporary. I've worked with a therapist and uncovered some fun lingering childhood emotions (divorced parents, many losses in the family at a young age). Anytime I work in that space or via mediation, I've noticed that the pain goes down significantly. I've noticed the major impact of stress on both the ulcerative colitis symptoms and pain so I'm sure there's something mind-body related going on here.
I actually had been directed to Dr. Sarno's book last year. It resonated so much and actually pushed me to get back in the gym on a near-daily basis. Prior to that, I was terrified that I would hurt myself more. I wanted to do the structured educational program at the time but got absorbed with my never-ending work-related commitments and put it aside (I'm sure there's irony in there somewhere).
All that to say, I'm excited to be committing to this, finally. I'm working to accept the diagnosis which is hard when it seems so far from the mainstream treatment protocols. But I'm hopeful and also hoping I'll learn more about myself in the process. I feel like I've come so far, tried everything, and really hope this program can get me through that remaining bit of my healing journey.
I feel like I've been on a long journey over many years to get to this program. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 22 and told by my doctor that "we'll help you live as comfortably as possible..." Words every 22 year old wants to hear. Since then, I've been through the medical mill filled with remission, flare-ups, all the medications and supplements possible. Several years later, I managed to get the symptoms under control through diet and lifestyle changes. As the symptoms got better, the chronic pain began - chest, back, shoulders, neck, and most recently on my right glute. Of course, every specialist I see has a different theory - the gastroenterologist says its inflammation from the lingering colitis or perhaps now IBS, my family doctor sent me to physio, the physiotherapist says its the way I sit at work and sleep, etc. etc.
Similar stories to the dozens of posts I've read on this forum - the pain jumps around, all the tests have come back negative. I've tried the osteopaths, chiropractors, physio, massages - relief is always temporary. I've worked with a therapist and uncovered some fun lingering childhood emotions (divorced parents, many losses in the family at a young age). Anytime I work in that space or via mediation, I've noticed that the pain goes down significantly. I've noticed the major impact of stress on both the ulcerative colitis symptoms and pain so I'm sure there's something mind-body related going on here.
I actually had been directed to Dr. Sarno's book last year. It resonated so much and actually pushed me to get back in the gym on a near-daily basis. Prior to that, I was terrified that I would hurt myself more. I wanted to do the structured educational program at the time but got absorbed with my never-ending work-related commitments and put it aside (I'm sure there's irony in there somewhere).
All that to say, I'm excited to be committing to this, finally. I'm working to accept the diagnosis which is hard when it seems so far from the mainstream treatment protocols. But I'm hopeful and also hoping I'll learn more about myself in the process. I feel like I've come so far, tried everything, and really hope this program can get me through that remaining bit of my healing journey.
