Compromising with my Chronic Illness

One of the things that's hardest to accept about a chronic illness is sometimes you just can't. Maybe you can't cook that day, can't walk to the car, or can't even get out of bed.

My chronic illness is fluctuating. I have good days and bad days. I've expected a lot of myself, as I'm sure most of you may relate to. One thing I've had to learn throughout much error is that I need to compromise with my illness.

If I don't give a little, it's going to knock me down way harder and way longer than if I took breaks. This is difficult for a lot of people (myself included) to come to terms with.

If you saw someone with a cast on from a broken leg, you wouldn't tell them to run a marathon. This is the same idea!

In the few months before my diagnosis my abilities to do daily tasks took a drastic turn. Showering was such a struggle that I wouldn't do it as often, and when I did that was all I could do the rest of the day. Cleaning felt like a nightmare. My blood pooling started being very noticeable by this point. After only a couple minutes of activity, my hands would be purple. It was horrible.

My day to day life now is much different. I've started changing how I do things to accommodate my illness. I have a shower chair now (highly recommend to potsies)! I take breaks while cleaning and started finding ways to do activities sitting that I would've normally done standing. I have a rollator as a mobility aide which makes shopping an experience I can enjoy again because my seat is always there when I need it.

There will always be people who think compromising is giving up. This could not be more wrong. Compromising allows for growth and healing. It gives you space to breathe and catch up. Taking breaks doesn't make you any less of a hard worker. It's okay to let yourself take breaks and ease up.

You are doing amazing, just keep going.

-Bea