Advice from one dealing with a Chronic Illness
Created | Updated Jan 21, 2005
Usually it is a Smile That is Needed, Not Words
Try to relate to many of these sayings, whether chronically, physically or emotionally ill. Try to remember this when speaking to a person with a chronic illness, as they did not choose it. Like you did not choose to have your last sickness!
Positive Suggestions
DO'S
Please try to always remember these things for me.
Balance is ONE key, and learning to make this lifestyle adjustment takes the entire support group of balance to make it work
Balance our alone time and social (people) time.
Balance movement/rest.
Balance living in the moment with reflection (past)and goals (future)
Balance the place for logic vs. creativity.
Balance thinking and feeling
Balance rest and diet.
Balance belief and thought.
Balance abstinence needed and new challenges tackled.
That is how I must make adjustments in my life, please try to respect them and me.
HOW IT IS FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL
Very tired with no energy.
"When fatigued, everything is too great an effort. Everyday tasks become too much."
Increased pain.
"Pain itself is very fatiguing.Often when tired, I can't cope as well with the pain." Fatigue often comes along with pain
Loss of control.
Sometimes fatigue may make me feel helpless. This leads to the feeling of little control over my life.
Loss of concentration.
Decisions become more difficult. It's as if my mind is tired, too.
Irritable.
It may be difficult to be constantly pleasant or happy. This may put a strain on relationships. Sometimes "I'm grouchy"
ADVICE for COPING
This is what I deal with daily, not of my choice which time/day/symptom...
Prepare for the ups and downs
Remember that depression pain, and fatigue are closely connected. Solving one of these problems can help me reduce the effects of the others.
Pace daily tasks. Break down long-term goals into small, manageable steps that can be finished in a short time.
Learn how to ask for help from family, friends, and co-workers. Often this is a learned skill for those not used to doing so.
Solve as many reoccurring however small or large; irritations and functional and emotional problems as possible.
Try these six steps toward solving problems
1. Understand the problem
2. Find possible solutions
3. Evaluate your options
4. Put your plan into action
5. Evaluate the results
6. Reward all accomplishments
A lot of problems are harder to solve than others, especially those that have taken a while to develop and may include many factors.
Some problems cannot be solved, and that is the most frustrating part.
