Things I've Learned About Chronic Illness
Added 2024-06-25 06:04:27 +0000 UTC
- When you’re too tired to finish today, you can usually do this hour. When you can’t do this hour, you can usually do this second. When you can’t do this second, it’s time to ask for help.
- The things you know about your body are some of the most important conduits to effective medical care. They are the one data point that your doctors lack, so sharing your opinions and intuition matters.
- Nobody has the strength to handle everything about chronic illness simultaneously. You only get enough grace to cope with this hour. The hour that comes afterwards will take care of itself.
- Sometimes saying “fuck it” is the best route to happiness.
- Insisting on your right to perfect health is like screaming into the wind.
- You might never have ongoing health, but sometimes you can have happiness.
- You get to decide which medication side effects you can cope with and which you cannot. We are all different. Some people can cope with side effects nobody else can and vice versa. It's your body and your boundaries.
- Even on the worst days, there are moments of champagne air. You will notice them better if you stop fighting battles you will never win.
- If you’re struggling to keep track of your treatments, tests, and appointments, your healthcare strategy might be failing and you need to reassess what needs to change.
- Choosing the best specialist for the job gives you the best chance at achieving quality of life. Is that worth a two-hour drive to a consultation? Probably. Bad doctors can destroy years of your life.
- You’re an important part of your medical team. Without your participation, even the best treatments in the world can’t help you.
- Sleep, food, and serenity will prevent a hundred health crises. Sometimes, though, you need to break the rules and do that late-night party anyway.
