10 Things I Have Learned From Living with Chronic Illness

applerose
applerose Member Posts: 3,621
edited 10. Feb 2013, 16:04 in Living with Arthritis archive
http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/2011/11/10-things-ive-learned-from-living-with-chronic-illness/

Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy posted this on his site. I relate to most of this, especially the first one about being, or not being, lazy. I often wonder if I am being lazy when I can't find the strength or energy to keep going.
Christine

Comments

  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for posting this, Applerose. I especially agree with no. 9. :)

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • jillyb1
    jillyb1 Member Posts: 1,725
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    This really clicked with me , it's very accurate . Jillyb
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you applerose
    I love it...and it makes you feel like you are not the only one going through ups and downs...num 3...I do like....distraction with something we like doing, I have just acquired a fish tank.... :)
    And num 10 is brilliant......deep breaths Barbara...
    Thanks to Guy for this x
    Love
    Barbara
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I like these, on the whole.

    With No4 I’d also wish to emphasise that it’s important to keep making arrangements in the first place – not to start believing it’s not worth it because we might have to cancel.

    I’m not wholly convinced of the final sentence of No 5. There are times and occasions when others DO know my body better than I do and a touch of humility doesn’t go amiss.

    No 8? No. I’m not entitled to feel angry with others for being well. Or with my family for not doing things for me in the way I’d do them myself. Chronic illness isn’t a get-out clause for bad behaviour.

    I made my own list some time ago.

    1. Always keep on good terms with the guy who’s going to carve you up and the one administering narcotics.

    2. Most people will make allowances for your arthritis but your own toddlers will exploit their advantage to the full.

    3. There are alternative methods of doing most things even if your mother-in-law doesn’t approve of them.

    4. In the interest of self-preservation, though very tempting, it is inadvisable to redistribute your pain among family and friends.

    5. We arthritics are a stubborn breed. When you can’t get out of bed or raise your hand towards your mouth, it’s probably time to ask for help.

    6. The designation ‘Disabled’ in hotel rooms, public toilets etc can usually be interpreted as ‘for those confined to a wheelchair but with massive upper body strength’. Arthritics beware low lying furniture.

    7. KLM have a unique and intimate method of getting disabled passengers up the steps of their Cityhopper planes. If female, choose the best looking young man to help you and enjoy. If male, tough.

    8. Always keep your full holiday supply of medication in your hand luggage. You may raise a few eyebrows as you appear to be heading for an international drug barons’ convention but you’ll be glad you did it during the 3 days you’re waiting for your hold luggage to arrive.

    9. When the kind and helpful visitors leave, you will be unable to open any jar they have used or access any of the crockery and pans they have put away for you.

    10. Arthritis can really mess up your body. Only you can give it permission to mess up your mind too.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • applerose
    applerose Member Posts: 3,621
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You're all welcome.

    Some good ones there Sticky.
    Christine