Yesterday I wrote a post on living with a chronic illness and how frustrating it can be. I was feeling down and had just reached my limit with hurtful and ignorant comments directed at me and at other people who also are dealing with these "hidden illnesses" as they are sometimes referred to. I just felt like I needed to get it all out there. I had no idea when I pushed the Publish button that I would have had so many people reaching out to me with kind and supportive comments and also people who could identify with what I was going through because they or someone they loved are also going through it and were sharing their stories with me. I had comments both here and privately emailed to me.
I am completely overwhelmed with gratitude for all of you. Your compassion, helpful advice, kindness, caring and willingness to share your stories also touched me so deeply. I told my husband I had quite a few comments on my post and he said "I hope no one is criticizing you for it". He is very protective of me. I told him that no, it was just the opposite, I was getting a huge amount of support, kindness and compassion and I could see his body language change drastically. He too was surprised at the outpouring of friendship and support that you all showed us. It meant so much to both of us because this strong man has held me more times while I have cried out of hurt or frustration and being a man, he wants so badly to "fix me" so that I am healthy again. He has also heard the many rude, hurtful and ignorant comments, sometimes even from a member of his side of the family who knows the truth but continues to choose to believe I am faking it and openly shares their opinion with others both in and outside of the family. Those comments and actions have hurt him deeply too.
So thank you, from the bottom of my heart and also from my sweet husband. It amazes me how total strangers can connect through the internet and become friends who genuinely care for and support one another. You all are amazing and I am so thankful and blessed to have you in my life!
Dear Debbie,
ReplyDeleteYour post yesterday really blessed me. And now I'm writing to say thank-you for your encouragement and kindness in your reply. I will go and look at the youtube channel you recommended. I'll also look into the supplements. My Vitamin D level was checked and I am within the normal limits. I have found that B12 does help. I will look into other vitamins as well. Funny you should mention keiffer in your other post. I have been eating more keiffer, yogurt, and 'alive' sauerkraut. The latter being available in the refrigerator section of the grocery store and considered a living food. I watched an episode of DrOz who suggested serving it with a tsp of olive oil and a sprinkling of oregano. I add black pepper.Yum.
I have also tried to eliminate fast food and sugary foods. The best thing to come from being sick was a very thorough physical and many tests at a local hospital. I am on a wait list for a specialty clinic for CFS but have no hope of getting in any time soon, if ever. The last time I checked there was a wait list of over 800 and they only take in like 25/year.
So, finding your blog has been so encouraging to me. Just to know someone else has been effected by this illness is uplifting to me. My healthy friends who get 'tired' on the weekends from work and life just don't understand. And if one more person suggests I'm depressed... well, I just don't have the energy to go there.
Long story to say that I,too, have experienced what I hope are well meaning comments from others. The best reply I have now is from a friend with fibro. She just looks them straight in the eye and says "well, if you really want to know about it, go look it up online." I've started using that quite successfully.
But, really, I have had support in the most surprising of places and times. This illness has also given me more empathy for others.
I am thankful my crash from yesterday was limited to the day. Today has been a good day - I was able to go to the Senior's day at the thrift store and score some deals on dvds and books (my favs). And, of course, walk my dog. We don't walk far anymore but it's so nice to enjoy the fresh air. Hoping you have a joyful day. SJ in Vancouver BC
You make me smile SJ. :) I'm so glad that you had a good day yesterday and were able to find some deals and still have the energy to walk your precious pooch. :) You really do come to appreciate the simple thing in life that can so easily be taken for granted. I will have to check out the sauerkraut and try it the way you suggested. I love that stuff anyway so now I have an excuse to eat more it. :D I do hope that somehow you are able to get into that clinic. I love your friend's reply and I may start using it also.
DeleteThank you SJ for sharing your story with me too. It really does help to know that there are other people out there who are sharing this journey. ((((HUGS)))) to you my new friend! Be blessed@
Debbie