On one hand, the great outdoors can be a wonderful medicine, providing an opportunity for mindfulness and a way to de-stress. On the other hand, it can be a source of anxiety and frustration. Let me explain why….
I’m a big fan of the outdoors and I’m extremely lucky to live within a two-hour drive of three national parks as well as other beautiful locations. Whenever I feel a little low or stressed, I head outside, usually to hike or paddleboard. I’ve even started trail running, cross-country skiing and snorkelling.
The problem is, sometimes, I can’t get out and about. And if I manage to, I need to take ‘precautions’.
You see, I have Crohn’s disease.
What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It is an autoimmune disease where the gut can become swollen, inflamed or ulcerated. This leads to symptoms such as pain, fatigue and diarrhoea, although there are other symptoms too. Other forms of IBD include Ulcerative Colitis and Microscopic Colitis.
An invisible illness
It’s a lifelong condition and affects everyone differently. My sister has the same diagnosis and our symptoms are vastly different from each other’s. It’s also called an ‘invisible illness’. Everyone assumes you are ok because you look fine on the outside but that isn’t always the case!
How does Crohn’s affect my ability to access the outdoors?
Well, it affects me in more ways than you can imagine.
The first is fairly obvious – toilets! Where is the nearest toilet? What do I do if I have an accident? If there is a toilet, what about the mess and sound? Should I really go somewhere with no toilets during a flare up? Should I take a spare set of clothing? What if I’m camping and need to get up at night? Am I close enough to the toilets?
To counter these worries, I then think about food! What should I eat the night before to avoid illness? Does it contain ‘x’ type of food? Will breakfast ‘set my stomach off’? What about snacks?
I’m lucky in a way. As I’ve kept food diaries, I know what triggers my symptoms and which foods to avoid before doing any activities. I’m also a member of Crohn’s and Colitis UK. This means I have a special key and card that gives me access to disabled toilets or, if I run into a shop, the card will explain that I need to use their bathroom urgently. If I feel like I’m getting (and so sorry to be frank) the ‘running trots’, which I did during a 5km trail run (it was horrifying and embarrassing), I slow down to a walk so my stomach can settle. On this particular occasion, I was so relieved it worked since there were very few opportunities for me to sort myself out. It was a good reminder that I can control some aspects!
After the trail run
Dehydration is also a big worry for me. Although I know that’s true for most people without Crohn’s, walking that delicate balance of drinking enough without needing to go to the toilet too often is a fine line. But I have learnt to fully embrace the ‘wild wee’. My condition means I am at higher risk of dehydration, so my water bladder has been an amazing way for me to stay hydrated.
Always keeping hydrated!
But, that still isn’t the hardest obstacle to overcome. My biggest is fatigue, both mental and physical. Fatigue can stop me from exploring the outdoors before I even leave the door. I must watch my energy levels and make sure I don’t over-plan in my spare time. I have a habit of doing that, over-stretching myself because I desperately want to be out exploring. Listening to my body is key and sometimes rest is vital.
Learning to adapt
Despite these hurdles, physical activity and being outdoors is still one of the methods I use to help manage my condition and reduce anxiety. It just means I need to plan more carefully and be ready to adapt. I am now training for my Hill and Moorland leader qualification and hope that my experience with an autoimmune condition will mean I will be a more supportive and understanding guide. And remember – not every illness is visible!
For more information about Crohn’s and Colitis, please visit Crohn’s and Colitis UK online: https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/
Our author’s biography
North-west based Adventure Queen, Kathryn McGrath, loves to travel, hike (usually with a small cockapoo by her side), paddleboard and ski. She is currently training for her Hill and Moorland leader qualification. She is passionate about nature and often uses her time outdoors to survey and monitor wildlife.
Personal Instagram Handle @kathryn_helen_km
Wildlife Instagram Handle @thewaterscaper
