PSCFIT

Thomas Fowler

Where 'invisible illness' meets visible strength. Your one stop shop for everything Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) and how you can and SHOULD be including fitness into your daily routine. SUBSCRIBE WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS. AND SHARE WITH ANOTHER PSC WARRIOR. All info on one link https://pscfit.kit.com/profile/links

  1. 18 hr ago

    Episode 17: Inconsistency with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)

    Episode 17: Inconsistency with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)If you live with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), you've probably said this to yourself more than once:"I just can't stay consistent."Maybe you've started exercising, eating well, or building healthier habits, only to find yourself struggling a few weeks later. You miss a workout, cancel a walk, or need a day on the sofa because your body simply won't cooperate.It's easy to blame yourself.But what if the problem isn't your commitment?What if it's your energy?You're Not Inconsistent..... Your Energy Is UnpredictableOne of the biggest challenges of living with PSC is that you don't always know how you're going to feel from one day to the next.Some mornings you wake up feeling ready to take on the day.Other days, the fatigue feels overwhelming before you've even had breakfast.That unpredictability can make it incredibly difficult to stick to a traditional fitness plan, especially one that expects you to perform at the same level every week.The truth is, your body isn't letting you down.It's simply asking for something different.Although PSC is a liver condition, many people experience symptoms that go far beyond liver health.Fatigue is one of the most common and often one of the most frustrating symptoms. It isn't the kind of tiredness that disappears after a good night's sleep. It can feel deep, persistent, and completely out of proportion to what you've done.Symptoms can also fluctuate, and if you have inflammatory bowel disease alongside PSC, flare-ups can make your energy levels even more unpredictable.None of this means you're lazy or lacking motivation.It's the reality of living with a chronic condition.Most fitness advice is written for people whose energy stays fairly predictable.Train three times a week.Increase the weights every session.Never miss a Monday.That advice can work for some people, but it doesn't always fit when you have PSC.Instead of forcing yourself to follow a rigid programme, give yourself permission to adapt.Your body deserves a plan that works with it not against it.Consistency isn't about doing the same workout every week.It's about continuing to care for yourself, even when that looks different from day to day.Some days you might feel strong enough for a full gym session.Other days, a gentle walk, stretching, or some light mobility work might be exactly what your body needs.And sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is rest.Rest isn't giving up.Rest is part of looking after your health.Small Wins Still CountIt's easy to think that if you can't complete your planned workout, you've failed.But that's simply not true.A 20-minute walk is still movement.Five minutes of stretching is still movement.Choosing to rest because your body genuinely needs it is still making a positive decision for your long-term health.Every healthy choice matters.They all add up.Redefined SuccessInstead of asking yourself whether you've followed the plan perfectly, ask yourself different questions:Did I listen to my body today?Did I make a choice that supports my health?Did I do what I could with the energy I had?If the answer is yes, you're building consistency.Real consistency isn't about perfection.It's about showing up for yourself in whatever way is possible that day.Living with PSC means accepting that your energy won't always be predictable.That's not a weakness.It's not a lack of discipline.And it certainly isn't something you should feel guilty about.The goal isn't to force your body into someone else's routine.The goal is to build habits that are flexible enough to support you on both the good days and the difficult ones.Because lasting progress doesn't come from pushing through at all costs.

    Episode 17: Inconsistency with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
  2. 23 Jun

    Episode 14: The mental battle of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)

    Thank you so much for listening to todays episode! It genuinely means the world to me! If you want a little more of PSCFIT - click this LINK and get access to everything 💚 That link again RIGHT HERE Below show notes have been auto generated by AI. Understanding the Hidden Mental Battles of PSC This episode explores the often-overlooked psychological challenges faced by those living with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). From uncertainty to identity shifts, Thomas Fowler shares insights that resonate with anyone navigating a chronic illness, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health alongside physical management.Key topics: The relentless uncertainty and its psychological toll The invisibility of PSC and its impact on social interactions Guilt and its role in mental load and daily stress Identity shifts caused by living with PSC and grieving past selves The significance of mindset as a foundation for sustainable health Practical advice on confronting mental health challenges associated with PSC Community support and breaking isolation through shared experiences The connection between mental well-being and physical health management Upcoming focus on fatigue management in the next episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the mental battle of PSC and its unseen effects 00:30 - The ongoing uncertainty and psychological costs 01:12 - How invisibility worsens mental exhaustion 02:06 - The physical symptoms vs. external appearance 03:09 - Naming the mental challenges without immediate solutions 03:43 - The relentless nature of uncertainty in PSC 04:42 - How uncertainty influences planning and emotional resilience 05:38 - The toll of invisibility and explaining PSC to others 06:42 - The hidden exhaustion from managing perceived invisibility 07:21 - Questioning self-perception and self-doubt 08:49 - Guilt’s role in mental health and social dynamics 09:48 - The feeling of loss and identity shifts post-diagnosis 10:35 - How PSC alters self-perception and personal identity 12:38 - The negative impact of unaddressed guilt on daily life 13:41 - The importance of mindset in physical and mental health 15:09 - Overcoming loneliness and fostering community support 16:17 - A preview of next week’s focus on fatigue management 17:04 - Closing remarks and encouragement to share and subscribe Remember: Managing PSC is as much about mental resilience as it is about physical health. You're not alone in this fight.

    Episode 14: The mental battle of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
  3. 9 Jun

    Episode 12: The PSCFIT traffic light system, the one tool every person with PSC needs!

    Episode 12: The PSCFIT traffic light system, the one tool every person with PSC needs! The PSCFIT Traffic light system - CLICK HERE Follow on Instagram. - CLICK HERE Challenging PSC Fitness Norms: The Traffic Light System for Daily Decision-MakingDiscover a simple yet powerful framework designed specifically for adults living with PSC—a system that removes guesswork from your daily training decisions, reduces guilt, and promotes sustainable progress. Perfect for managing energy levels and symptoms without the pressure to push through when your body needs rest.Main Topics Covered: How the PSC Fit Traffic Light System simplifies daily training choicesDifferentiating red, amber, and green days and what each means for your workoutThe mental and emotional aspects of managing PSC and trainingPractical questions for quick daily check-insEncouragement to test and adapt the system over two weeksThomas Fowler introduces the PSC Fit Traffic Light System—red, amber, and green zones—and explains how to assess your day in less than a minuteDetailed breakdown of what each zone indicates for your body's current state and training optionsEmphasis on listening to your body and practicing self-compassion outside conventional fitness stereotypesFour simple questions to determine your current capacity and plan accordinglyPersonal insights into the importance of mental resilience and emotional capacityHow to incorporate this routine into daily life and the benefits of consistent self-assessmentInvitation to download a free mobile-friendly version of the system for daily useThomas encourages listeners to apply the system for 7-14 days and share their experiences

    Episode 12: The PSCFIT traffic light system, the one tool every person with PSC needs!
  4. 2 Jun

    Episode 11 - You're not inconsistent. PSC just doesn't run on a fixed energy system..

    Thank you so much for listening to today's episode.Please tag, share PSCFIT on your socials.And of course, subscribe to the pod, wherever you listen!Where invisible illness meets visible strength! Instagram link - https://www.instagram.com/pscfit?igsh=MXZ5cHkxdjh2a2o0ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrThe PSCFIT links: https://pscfit.kit.com/profile/linksMOVEMENT | MINDSET | MANAGEMENT Ever feel like you’re failing at fitness? You’re not inconsistent; your energy system is just unpredictable. Tag someone who needs to hear this!  When you start a workout routine, it feels great... until PSC kicks in. You wake up exhausted, and suddenly your motivation is gone.  But here’s the truth: it’s not you. It’s the system you’re trying to fit into. Traditional fitness advice assumes a predictable energy system, but PSC changes the game.  Think of it like filling a bucket with water. Some days, your bucket is full; other days, it’s just an egg cup. Pouring the same amount into a smaller bucket doesn’t mean you’re failing—it just means you need to adjust your expectations. Remember, the goal isn’t to be consistent like everyone else; it’s to understand and adapt to your unique energy reality.  So next time you feel like you’ve fallen off track, save this message. You’re not the problem; your system is. Stay tuned for next week’s episode on the PSC Fit Traffic Light System—it's a game changer! And don’t forget to get your free fatigue and fitness audit linked in the bio.   Peace.

    Episode 11 - You're not inconsistent. PSC just doesn't run on a fixed energy system..

About

Where 'invisible illness' meets visible strength. Your one stop shop for everything Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) and how you can and SHOULD be including fitness into your daily routine. SUBSCRIBE WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS. AND SHARE WITH ANOTHER PSC WARRIOR. All info on one link https://pscfit.kit.com/profile/links