I agree with so much of this. I worked in a Pain Medicine department for 7 years. The clinical nurse specialists’ motto was ‘acceptance, acceptance and acceptance’, and I have found this works with my own clinical issues. I have stopped wanting to be the person I was 30 years ago, and enjoy the slightly battered one I am now. Here’s to good health in 2017 Tina!
Photo courtesy of Lucie Stastkova
Living with a chronic illness is a challenge at best. If the illness is devastating but not recognized by the medical establishment, convincing ourselves life is worth living becomes an uphill battle.
In the year 2000, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness that presented as a drop-dead flu. I’d been symptomatic since in the 1980s, but early on, flareups were few and far between. Innumerable doctor visits always produced tests with negative results. Over time, symptoms increased in severity and duration until they became immobilizing and constant in 1999.
I knew my doctors thought I was malingering. I felt invalidated yet knew damn well something was wrong. I lived in fear of a dreaded disease not being detected in time to be treated. Simultaneously, I wasn’t sure I wanted to live. By 1999 I was nearly bedridden; in debilitating pain; overwhelmed by fatigue; suffering…
View original post 857 more words
Stevie Turner 
Thank you so much for reblogging this, Stevie. I sense a deep understanding in you, which is oh, so comforting. I think the more we share our struggles with each other, the more energy we’ll have to go on. It also lightens the heart to let go and just be … Hugs, sweet friend 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve learned a lot over the past 59 years!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have shared my story in my new book, Fearless. I was misdiagnosed for thirty years before I got a real answer. It is so, so frustrating. This just proves that doctors just practice medicine. Our bodies are one on of the greatest mysteries of God!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Doctors also have no interest in alternative medicines either.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are absolutely correct!! We need to advocate for ourselves.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Some doctors are more open to them, usually when they come to accept that they can do no more for you. 35 years ago, an orthopaedic consultant suggested I try acupuncture after one of his procedures almost killed me, as he had run out of things to try. More recently, younger GPs have been supportive of my use of complementary therapies as all they can do is write a presecription for pain relief that doesn’t relieve pain and causes many side-effects.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have found acupuncture to be helpful in the past, even though my surgeon more or less dismissed it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So glad you wrote a book sharing your story! I’m sure it will benefit many, in many different ways … 💖
LikeLiked by 2 people
I commented on the original post, but I could very well have written Tina’s post myself. Living with a painful poorly-understood invisible condition is soul-destroying; constantly being told it’s in your head and suspected of not trying hard enough when you feel like you have climbed Everest every day wears down your spirit and chips away at your self-esteem until you feel like there is little of *you* left and all you are is a burden to your family.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I appreciate where you are, Chris. It’s difficult to hold on to one’s sense of self while being disbelieved by the so-called authorities. I’m seeing how I’ve given away my power when I most needed to brace and embrace it. As Stevie said: Here’s to good health in 2017! 💖
LikeLiked by 2 people
Mentally, I’m in a much better place nowadays since I took matters into my own hands several years ago. Dietary changes, meditation, aromatherapy oils, herbal remedies, flower essences, relaxation tapes, acupuncture and osteopathy have brought about more positive changes over the years than any medical treatment. I am fortunate to have a husband to help with all this. He took early retirement to help me and makes my juices for me every morning, for example. Juicing has made a huge difference to my sense of wellbeing. I realise how difficult it must be trying to manage on your own.
LikeLiked by 2 people