- So when I went into the salon, I knew I would have to cut a significant amount off-AGAIN!
- It didn’t make the moment any easier
and as tears started to build up- I had to tell myself some things- and I will tell you the same if you are going through some health challenges or setbacks. - You are allowed to feel all the emotions in this moment
- This moment does not define you
- Better days WILL come-
- Listen to my favorite music- music is food for the soul
- Read my favorite book-nothing like “escapism” to list my mood and take the mind off current circumstances.
- Stay away from the news and media- I find news can increase anxiety and during times of a setback, you want to keep your focus on the most positive things you can find- so no NEWS!
- Try to connect with your “positive” people- this may not be family and that’s okay. The online support community has come a long ways over the years. Try to find a group that is focused on positivity-If you need one- I will post the link to mine Here
- Use uplifting essential oils- citrus oils like orange, and lemon and bergamot are very uplifting and helpful in times of a setback. My favorites are here
When I got married years ago we stated the words “through sickness and in health” to one another. I think when you say those words or think about those words you are not envisioning chronic illness. I know for me I thought about things like Cancer or recovery from a major accident- You know those sudden changes in health that can lead to a devastating diagnosis. I never, myself considered what would happen if one of us were diagnosed with a condition that would affect our lives together-forever.
I was diagnosed with my first autoimmune disease when our youngest child was still an infant. I started experiencing severe symptoms during my last two pregnancies but thought what I was going through was just normal preggo stuff. So when the doctor told me I had Rheumatoid arthritis- my first thought was “ Isn’t that an old person’s disease” I couldn’t believe it. That day in that office changed my life forever.
I have since been diagnosed with additional conditions and experienced side effects from medications to treat those conditions. Its been a rollercoaster of a journey for sure but the one thought that lingers sometimes is would my husband still say yes- if he had known we would be dealing with all of this.
Now don’t get me wrong- my husband is the most supportive person out there. He is loving and understanding-but even I know this has been a lot. My diagnosis has affected every aspect of our marriage. I am often tired, or dealing with a migraine, or something- something is always coming up despite my best efforts some days. Because of his position he is often my sounding board. When I am frustrated or angry or tired , I often vent to him about it.
Does this sound familiar to any of you?????
I want to share some things that we have done to survive this crazy life!!!
Communication-this may sound cliche and basic but I promise you it has been the most important thing for us during this journey!
When I am not feeling well I let him know-
When I am feeling great I let him know (he usually can tell before I tell him)
When I am frustrated I let him know
When I am feeling hopeful I let him know
Then point is- it is really easy to isolate when you are going through this journey. I try to be as open and honest as possible.
He does the same-or if he is not coming to me outright-I try to make sure and check in with him often about how he is feeling. How his day went at work, what frustrations he is dealing with.
It is also easy to be so focused on what we are feeling that we don’t do these important check ins with our loved one. I know- its hard when its a constant battle to feel good.
Date Nights- I think it is even more important for us to have date nights that typically married couples. It is hard enough sometimes being married and dealing with the normal stressors that 
come along but when chronic illness is involved I think its imperative. Now date night doesn’t have to be an all out event.
It can be having a special dinner delivered, or a ride in the car, or a movie-Just having that alone time is the important part.
Hobby- Having a mutual hobby can be fun and a good distraction. We have a few in our home. We are big fans of natural living and making things so between the two- we stay busy.
I would love to hear what is working for you and your spouse or partner?
If you are interested more in Natural Living- I have a great little class on how to use essential oils for self care-lots of tips and tricks are included Yes! Send me the Info
Having chronic illness presents unique daily challenges. One day I can feel great and the next week it can be hard to want to do anything. The unpredictable nature makes it tough to truly make plans because I just never know exactly how I am going to feel. Like many others in my situation I usually just push through and do the best I can each and every day and rest on my days off.
When the pandemic began I have to admit I was afraid. Being an immunocompromised healthcare worker that worked in a walk in clinic was terrifying. The media was not helping things at all-every channel I turned too seemed to be announcing doomsday.
Not only was I afraid , many around me were either scared or angry. Emotions have definitely been on edge and being a provider people were sharing those concerns with me daily.
I have always considered myself overly compassionate and empathetic. So experiencing my own concerns along with those I came in contact with was definitely tough.
Stress is a trigger for my own illnesses and during this time I have had a worsening of symptoms. Self-care had to be a priority.
I would like to share some things I have found helpful to my healing during this time in hopes it may help you as well.
