Advocates Sharing With Advocates: René and James Chat About a "New Normal"

In my last article I interviewed Health Union advocate James Hollens. This is the continuation of that interview. Because we all have a different journey with our disease I think it is important to share our stories. That way we’ll be more able to accept our own journey and help others that way as well.

Shifting to positive

Finding a way to live a regular normal life with a disease like AS has been difficult for James. For a period he was running away from his disease. Looking for solace in drinking and partying with friends. Which is a normal stage you might have to go through I guess. But James was able to shift his mindset to a more positive way. And with exercise and a healthier diet he found his way in dealing with his disease.

This also helped him to learn to listen to his body in a different way. On a day where he experienced no pain at all, he would enjoy living to the fullest. Only to pay due the next day. Through that way, James has found his balance in spreading his energy. And fortunately, James was able to chase his dreams again by teaching English in China for another period.

Finding a community

Since I myself have experienced such a positive effect when joining the community I wanted to know how James experienced the start of that period for himself. At the start of Covid, James was stuck in his house and looking for some way out.

A friend of his who already did charity work gave him the idea of sharing his story. Sharing his story on Instagram and seeking contact with multiple organizations who could give him a platform to share his journey. A British organization called Versus Arthritis was the first he made contact with. He also shared his journey with The Guardian and National Voices. And he has been part of the Health Union community since January this year.

How did the community benefitted him

When I asked James how sharing his story with the community benefited him he was quick to say that it felt like a weight was lifted off his shoulders. Before he never really had been in contact with someone who went through a similar journey. Connecting with the community made him feel less isolated. He also found a purpose in being able to help others. That’s how being part of the community helps both ways.

Party life

I know James isn’t shy about having a good time. I wanted to know how he was able to find a balance for himself. And also if alcohol gave him more inflammation pain. That’s when James told me he sometimes has to go through a vicious circle. Not really experiencing any physical problems after having a few drinks but waking up with brain fog the next day. Which causes him to take a bit less care of himself by forgetting to take his medicine which in turn makes it physical again.

Thank you for sharing

I want to thank James and everybody else for sharing their journey. You never know how someone else might benefit from it.