Chronic Illness ... can’t be THAT difficult to overcome, right?

Before I ever had to deal with any form of chronic ilness, I kind of thought like this... “well, it can’t be THAT difficult to overcome Psoriasis or any other chronic illness. I mean, look at me; I am eating healthy, exercising regularly and I’m thinking positive. Just do that and you’ll be fine.” Ok Mr. Ego. How I learned this is such a selfish and uneducated way of thinking.

6 Years later: I am humbled and inspired by those fighting a physical chronic illness. 7 Years ago Izel van der Merwe was diagnosed with Psoriasis and Rheumatoid Arthritis... Long story short: after trial medication, “boereraad” by lots of tannies, the “magical” cream some family friend uses and epic amount of pain killers - she could not get this “virus” to stop hurting her. Nothing worked.

Slowly but surely she had to stop doing the things she loves to do; art projects, working with her hands, jogging, hiking, daily walks, swimming in the ocean, sitting in the sun, climbing Lion’s Head... all of this joy-creating activities had to stop.

So, how bad can it really be? She sometimes need help to stand, the joints in her hand (no, not the cannabis type you stouter) is all swollen to the point where she can’t use the full function of her hands anymore, she wakes up all through the night as pain runs up her back and neck. Now, If you know Izel - she basically never cries - her pain threshold is one of the highest thresholds I have ever seen, no seriously she laughs at almost losing a shin-bone against a rock, while I blame the “sweat in my eyes” for tears when I struck my toe against a tiny brick. Don’t judge, I bench-press like 47kg Ok! But even having this high threshold, I have experienced her feeling overwhelmed by it all, not nearly as many times as I would have imagined normal. She’s a tough one.

I want to be 100% transparent: Being on the other side is also not easy. You can’t do all the things your selfish self wants to do with that other person; going for daily walks, canoeing up the river on a holiday trip, wanting her to use that pottery class you got her for her B-day, play tennis together, jog together, play ten pin bowling etc. We’re restricted but it makes us creative with date missions now.

Honestly I have find myself soooo many times to get irritated and frustrated having to help Izel with “normal” activities because of her being incapable of doing it on her own. Having to be called to help her stand up from the coach for the 17th time, be called back to help her up a steep staircase, carrying anything a bit heavy in the house or heavy groceries, having to slow down my walking pace when we’re about to do something REALLY exciting... I get irritated and annoyed; not with her but with the situation we’re in. Obviously I feel bad for feeling like that and not just jumping to the opportunity to help her no matter what. It’s difficult, NOT normal and really gets challenging. At the same time I say to myself: “Ok buddy, man the ef up! Pull yourself together and do whatever you can to help her overcome one of the most difficult challenges she will face in her life. Less about ME, more about WE.” This inspiring voice mostly only comes after I reacted in an irritated and annoyed way - but I’m working on it 😉

We have learnt so much about chronic illness. Books, podcasts, blogs, articles, tannies and oom’s and cousins and doctors... she’s been through them all.

Now, she might have found a positive turn in events and in her fight agains this physical chronic illness: a book called “Medical Medium” by Anthony William. She’s discovered so much cleanses, knowledge and tools to “bliksem” this virus and kick it’s ass! Skop hom in sy tjops my lief!

After doing some reading on autoimmune disease last year, I came across a book I read called, Autoimmune Fix by Tom O’Bryan. Great read for both the person with the disease as well as the person who will be supporting them. One KEY piece of advice I got from that book was go on a Gluten, Dairy and Sugar free diet. As soon as possible. I sommer joined in on this challenge and we’re both doing it for a one year challenge; no Gluten, Diary or Sugar. The effects the author share is backed up by real stories, statistics and medical studies. The evidence is there, clear as daylight.

Izel has since then seen some minor changes and improvements and she’s keeping on fighting. I always knew she’s a strong and courageous woman but you’ve blown me away with your resilience and super-woman courage and literally always staying kind and positive. I don’t know how you do that. I’m inspired by you every single day and I am sure so many others will be too.

It takes lots of discipline and focus but we were designed to be healthy and happy, therefor I believe we should do whatever it takes to achieve that. We all face different types of battles; some face physical battles, some psychological battles and some financial battles but each one of us have to do whatever we can, helping each other to overcome these battles by sharing the knowledge and stories with each other; so that we can do life with a smile on our face and a “hippel in jou stap”.

Izel has now stepped into a phase where she is walking into the battle with guns blazing; sharing practical advice and her journey with Psoriasis and Rheumatoid Arthritis step-by-step. This might help those who face the same type of battle. Go check out her profile @ and begin a conversation to shine a light on this “virus”, supporting each other to get this blerrie thing out of your bodies and your body back to where it belongs... beautifully designed to thrive physically, mentally and emotionally.

Lekker maryntjies!!!