Q: Your book about your history of suffering has recently become available. Are you worried about the reactions?
A: With this book, I want to give a voice to the chronically ill. With people like me, you can't see immediately that we're ill. So if there are any negative comments, I'll gladly take them in stride.
Q: You suffer from colitis ulcerosa, a chronic illness of the intestines. How are you at the moment?
A: Better. Although, when one has a chronic illness and there's no cure in sight, it's hard to say it goes better. I've learned, though, not to just give myself up to the disease, but to actively do something against it.
Q: What can you do against it?
A: I can positively influence my wellbeing with movement, healthy nutrition and avoiding stress.
Q: Nonetheless, you produce a weekly radio show on SRF Virus, "Rehmann SOS - Sick of Silence", and publish videos.
A: SRF gives me a lot of freedom with my show. Plus, I talk about chronic illness in the show. That means that guests are understanding if I have to cancel an appointment.
Q: Can you make longterm plans, with your illness?
A: That's difficult, but for me the here and now is important. I hope I can keep making my radio show forever, because it makes me so happy.
Q: What gave you support during this difficult time?
A: I have wonderful friends, who are always there for me, and an unbelievable will. I know very well that I mustn't give up. Still, I have to say, there are some days when I just hole up in my apartment.
The book "Stone in the Belly" by Robin Rehmann and Marc Vogel is available in bookstores now.
Originally published in blickabend.ch, translation by Rae Knowler.