"Chronic” – persistent, constantly recurring, stubborn, steady, long-lasting.

Chronic illness is defined as a long-term condition that typically cannot be cured but can be managed.

Each member of our Ren family has had their own experience with chronic health challenges. Today, I want to share a piece of my own story, what I learned, and how it changed the way I live.

A Life Defined by Exhaustion and Pain

When I was chronically ill, I wasn’t in the mindset I have now. I had some knowledge about the human body, but no practical understanding of how it functions, or how to support it. I didn’t trust my own body. I placed all my trust in the modern medical system.

Because I was so exhausted, in pain, and desperate for relief, I followed every instruction from every doctor I saw. Over the course of a few years, I had countless blood tests, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds and physical exams. After a severe bout of glandular fever, I saw numerous general practitioners, and even more specialists: rheumatologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, general medicine practitioners. The list goes on.

Searching for Answers, Finding None

To explain my persistent gut issues, I was eventually diagnosed with chronic gastritis. No one explained why I was throwing up multiple times a day, losing weight rapidly, or unable to drink water without severe stomach cramps. I was simply prescribed medication to reduce stomach acid.

Ironically, the side effects listed on the label included nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. I took it anyway. It helped a little, easing the cramping enough for me to eat and regain some weight, but the gut issues persisted for years. Not once did anyone suggest reviewing my diet.

A dietitian even told me my eating habits were fine, except that I should stop eating eggs, they were likely the problem, she said. They weren’t.

A Diagnosis Without a Plan

Years later, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. I remember the day vividly. I had already done my own research and knew what was coming. I asked the specialist what the treatment plan was, what lifestyle changes might help.

He told me there was no treatment. Fibromyalgia could “go away on its own” after a few years, he said, almost as if it were something I would grow out of. His only advice was to try exercising more and take pain medication when needed.

I explained that even light exercise left me in severe pain, sometimes curled up in bed for days. He had no suggestions and didn’t recommend a follow-up appointment. I was also diagnosed with severe anxiety, panic disorder and depression.

Managing, But Not Living

I continued many of my unhealthy habits for years. I was lucky to find a work-from-home job that allowed me to rest when needed, but that’s about all I did. Socialising was rare, and always followed by exhaustion, pain and feeling really sorry for myself.

My chronic health issues weren’t just genetic, and they weren’t simply triggered by glandular fever. They were cries for help, the result of years of poor nutrition, mental neglect, and pushing through with a nervous system that was overwhelmed and under-supported.

A National Crisis

Chronic illness is not rare. It’s everywhere.

The most recent National Health Survey in Australia reported that 81.4% of Australians, live with at least one long-term health condition. Just three years earlier, the number was below 50%.

What changed?
Why are we getting sicker?

Nearly half of Australians with chronic illness now experience multimorbidity, meaning they live with more than one long-term condition. Our bodies are screaming for help.

Symptoms Are Messages

Every symptom is your body trying to tell you something. Chronic illness isn’t just a life sentence to manage with medication. It’s a signal, one that begs us to stop suppressing and start looking for the root cause.

We have to stop asking, “What can I take to make this stop?” and start asking, “What is my body trying to tell me?”

We’ve Drifted Far from Nature

The simple truth is that our way of living, is drifting further and further away from what nature intended.

Our homes are filled with harmful chemicals. We prioritize ultra-processed convenience foods. We spend around 90% of our time indoors. We don’t get enough sunlight. We don’t get out feet in the dirt. We’re simply not nourishing or supporting our bodies as we should.

We weren’t meant to feel like this. But for so many, this is the only normal we’ve ever known.

We’re Not Powerless

By reconnecting with nature, reducing our toxic load and making intentional, supportive changes to our lifestyles, we can create the space our bodies need to heal.

The human body is incredible. It knows how to heal.
We just need to give it the right conditions.

Let’s Change the Narrative

Please, let’s stop normalising pain, fatigue and suffering. medicating the symptoms without addressing the root cause.

Let’s shift the conversation. Let’s take wellness into our own hands. Let’s stop asking how to live with chronic illness and start asking how to live without it.

Join the Conversation

We would love to hear your story. Share this post with someone who’s ready for a change, someone who needs to know that there is another way.

Let’s support one another as we find our way back to health, together.