We all know the saying; "When life gives you lemons, use them to make lemonade" It conjures up the notion of strength, determination, optimism, resourcefulness, resilience. All characteristics I've drawn on to deal with the "chronic illness lemons" continuously thrown at me. My lemons often feel like tennis balls in one of those practice machines. … Continue reading Let’s Make Some Lemonade!
Every now and again it’s really good to stop and take stock. Stress is the last thing those of us with Chronic Illness need. It only enhances our pain and symptoms. Time To Step Aside For A While As my readers know my health continues to deteriorate and as a result I'm incredibly exhausted. I … Continue reading Stepping Aside For September
Life isn't always fun. It will always have highs and lows. Times when we are ecstatic. Times when we are happy. Times when we are content. Times when we are melancholy. Times when we are bored. Times when we just have to deal with drudgery. I'm sitting in the "dealing with drudgery" category at the … Continue reading Dealing With Daily Drudgery
Pain can’t just be ignored. Disease can’t just be ignored. People with disease and pain can’t just be forgotten. I’m not alone in suffering horrific daily pain. So many in society struggle every day. Some manage to work or interact with the wider community in some way. Others like me, live a permanently reclusive life … Continue reading A Peek Through My Window Of Pain
I love life's little challenges. I love problem solving and turning obstacles into opportunities. I love putting a positive spin on what would otherwise be a very negative situation. I've always done this, both in my personal and my working life. So, chronic disease really wasn't going to change my approach to finding a way … Continue reading The Non Negotiable Chronic Illness Rule
Growing up I was often referred to as “Pollyanna” as I naturally played the glad game, always looking for the positive in a situation. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that I was born with that personality trait given the health issues that have been thrown at me. As I moved into adulthood … Continue reading Taking A Professional Approach With Your Medical Team
When you've lived with Chronic Illness for a number of years, at some point, you adjust to a new way of living. You eventually find a new norm. While you might expect a few highs, lows and some disease flares along the way, generally life evolves into a settled and comfortable pattern. Until it suddenly, … Continue reading “Would You Like A Second Opinion?”… Surreal And Scary!
I'm a huge fan of pacing. It's number one on my list of key chronic illness/ pain management strategies. Pacing doesn't remove symptoms or take all my pain away. It does help to reduce some discomfort and reduces the risk of me causing an escalation of more crippling issues. Well, usually it does that!! My … Continue reading Sometimes A “Sick Day” Is Necessary, Even If You Are Already Chronically Ill
If you love the original Mary Poppins movie, you will be very familiar with one of the songs sung by Dick Van Dyke, "Let's Go Fly A Kite" I've been singing it over the past few days as the lyrics and melody are so uplifting: With tuppence for paper and strings, You can have your … Continue reading “Let’s Go Fly A Kite”….Dreaming Dreams Despite Disability
Those of us living with chronic illness will know only too well how our bodies rebel against us with little warning. Every morning I tentatively wake up, opening one eye at a time very slowly, scared to move. Will my body behave a little today? Will the slightest movement cause searing pain? Usually it's the … Continue reading Body Behaving Badly
My Medical Musings 