Isolation top tips

Published: 03 April 2020

As the UK government announced that people must stay at home to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, people all over the UK are experiencing what it is like to be more conscious of their health and not able to go out. For many people living with Crohn's and Colitis, this is nothing new.

We spoke to some of our incredible supporters about what 'lockdown' means for them and how their past experiences have helped prepare them.

Tasha: Make it your choice and keep busy

I was diagnosed 7 years ago after an emergency bowel resection, so the current situation is completely normal for me as I was house bound for three weeks. I stayed with my mum as I need round the clock care and then I was on crutches for three months more so going out was very limited. Whenever I'm run down, my Crohn's flares up and causes multiple perianal problems alongside stomach pains which alongside general fatigue and side effects from medication make it easier to stay indoors. I've also been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and have anxiety due to my worries around germs, so I tend to stay in more often.

“”

At first staying at home was difficult and got boring so quickly but now I have found ways to manage my time.

I find it helps finding things to do in the house that don't make you think you have to stay in. I'm a gamer so I'll play a video game, or we have family board games and I also watch YouTube videos. Social media has been my absolute saviour for helping me stay in touch with everyone over time. I've been learning to cook recently which has kept me busy during the day when everyone's at work or out and about. It's difficult missing out, but my health and life are far more important than a night out with the girls.

Lauren: Plan your day and keep in touch

I was diagnosed in mid-2018 and have since had regular inpatient hospital stays due to flare-ups, including last October when I needed urgent surgery, so I now have an ileostomy bag. Since being on Ustekinumab I've picked up several infections that I've struggled to fight off including ear and chest infections lasting around 6 weeks, so I am very familiar with being isolated at home!

Due to Coronavirus, I've had to cancel a trip for next week, but I've also previously cancelled several holidays due to being unwell.

My work is extremely supportive, both now during the coronavirus outbreak and in the past.

“”

Continue your self-care routine; still get up, showered and dressed even if you can't leave the house. It just helps you still feel human.

These are the things I've tried to help with staying at home in the past and am currently making sure to do: 

Plan your day so you still feel a sense of achievement at the end of it.
Create healthy distractions such as reading, exercise such as yoga, baking or watching a new series
Keep in touch! It's easy to feel lonely when you lose the ability to have face to face interaction, but I've found using video-calling such as Facetime to contact friends and family invaluable in keeping my spirits up

Now is the time to come together

As you can imagine, our teams are working tirelessly to help as many people as possible at this stressful time. We want to ensure we are there for everyone, but we can only do this with your support. Whatever you can give, will make a difference.