Monday, August 13, 2012

30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know


30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know

 1. The illness I live with is:  fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome ,  osteoarthritis,  hyperthyroidism (Hashymoto), peripheral neuropathy, impaired glucose tolerance, carpel tunnel both hands, heart – PAC’s and irregular heart-beat,  interstitial cystitis,  overactive bladder, IBS, sleep apnea,  asthma, TMJ, plantar  fasciitis, fibrocystic breasts, ovarian cysts, severe chondromalacia of the patella, multiple knee fractures, chemical sensitivities, bone spurs; acid reflux; Multiple allergies, depression, memory loss/brain fogs, high cholesterol,   Restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement, REM Behavior Disorder, parosomnia behavior, morbid obesity.

 2. I was diagnosed with it in the year:  Since I have multiple illnesses, I will say that my first diagnosed Illness was Hashymoto Thyroid Disease in 1985.

 3. But I had symptoms since:  Childhood as for my asthma and bladder problems, but never diagnosed until my 20’s. 


 4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is:  To realize that things will get done when they get done – especially when others have to do it for you. 

 5. Most people assume:  My health issues are due to my obesity.  In reality my illnesses began when I was at a “normal” weight. 

 6. The hardest part about mornings are:  Getting out of bed!

 7. My favorite medical TV show is:  Dr. Oz

 8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is:  My computer!

 9. The hardest part about nights are:  The pain

 10. Each day I take 36__ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please)

 11. Regarding alternative treatments I:  am open to anything that will help me feel better – I am skeptical though since over the years I have spent thousands of dollars and gone into debt just to try each new alternative “cure”.  Now with great research at my finger tips with regards to the Internet I can research before I buy or try something….. 

 12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose:  neither!  

 13. Regarding working and career:  Last time I “worked” full-time was 1992.  I loved being a bookkeeper/ office manager.  I did work part-time for a while 2000 – 2005 for a charity (about 10 hours a week).  I am now on disability and considered “advancing of age” – in other words too old to learn another job or even be hired.  But considering we have been in the ministry for over 35 years I am still “working” in some capacity.   

 14. People would be surprised to know:  There are times I wish the Lord would either return or take me home. 

 15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been:  To have others take care of some of the most personal tasks.

 16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was:   Go on vacation with my family.  This was done in later years due to at the time having an old motor-home.  I could rest while traveling as well as have our own bathroom while traveling.  I really miss our motor home (it gave up the ghost 3 years ago).  We have not been on a vacation for 3 years now.

 17. The commercials about my illness:  Do not necessarily show the reality of the disease. 

 18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is:   Not since I was diagnosed, but since the progression the last 8 years – being able to go shopping on my own or drive wherever I want and when I want. 

 19. It was really hard to have to give up:  My independence

 20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is:  The last year has been doing some crafts with flowers and floral design. 

 21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would:  Shop till I drop with my daughter. 

 22. My illness has taught me:  Patience.  And to rest in the Lord. 

 23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is:  I don’t know… really… I should ask my daughter, my hubby won’t answer (he’s claiming the 5th)…. Lol. 

 24. But I love it when people: visit me and talk with me.

 25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is:  "In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall” (NLT).  My motto:  Beelieve you can!  http://www.beelieveyoucan.net/p/why-bee.html

 26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them:  1st, hold on to your faith; 2nd research – don’t just take your doctor’s word, you know your body best!; 3rd humor – don’t take yourself too seriously – learn to find the humor in your circumstances. 

 27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is:  The reaction of others - mostly negative. 

 28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was:  Come over and pray with me or let me cry on her shoulder. 

 29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because:  I desire to share my over 25 plus years of experience with chronic illness and share how others can help those of us with chronic illness. 

 30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel:  Humble






No comments: