tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198749013600097839.post1673270346544440075..comments2023-02-15T02:41:29.183-08:00Comments on Harvesting Hope from Heartache™: Coping With Crisis on Top of Chronic, part 1JenniferSaake.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187951307787002730noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198749013600097839.post-44829249270166911062009-08-26T08:34:04.238-07:002009-08-26T08:34:04.238-07:00Jenni,
I remember when you had that terrible migr...Jenni,<br /><br />I remember when you had that terrible migraine that seemed like it would never end. I'm so sorry you had to go through all that.<br /><br />Sadly, most chronically ill patients can probably relate to some of the dilemmas you mentioned... from finding a driver to get to needed healthcare to (for some) finding childcare for last minute emergency health issues to scheduling constraints where timing has to be "just so" for test results to come out properly and such.<br /><br />I can imagine you wanted to get out of that cast.<br /><br />Yes, I have often said that living with a chronic illness is a full-time job. In fact, when I was younger and healthier I once worked at a job that averaged about 80 hours or so per week. I have often commented to my husband that I am more stressed now with all of my doctor's appointments, tests, surgeries, procedures, and lab appointments than I ever was at that 80+ hour per week job.<br /><br />Like you, I have been chronically ill my entire adult life. (The first chronic illness that hit me, endometriosis, started up with symptoms when I was just 13 years old). Nevertheless, I had a few years where I was able to <i>force</i> my body to do a great deal. (I now look back with regret that I pushed my poor body so hard. I wasn't doing myself any favors).<br /><br />Quiet time is <i>huge</i>. You gave great, specific ideas for how to implement this. I have one daughter who is 8 years old. I began teaching her at a very young age how to entertain herself and she does wonderfully at either reading to herself or playing quietly during those times that I need to lie down and have some quiet time. <br /><br />As far as "laughter is the best medicine", this is so true. My husband and I got through some dark days indeed by throwing in DVDs I had picked out from the library down the street... I always searched for comedies first. We don't have dish or cable so the library DVDs were a lifeline for us when we needed to just laugh.<br /><br />A support network is huge. From 1992-2008, I attended monthly endometriosis support group meetings locally. When we stopped having meetings in 2008, I stayed in touch with the group. I still maintain contact with group members, despite the fact that we no longer have monthly meetings. <br /><br />I have also discovered a rich, wonderful online support community. It really helps to connect with other people who "get it".<br /><br />I just posted the Invisible Illness Week info on my blog yesterday. I participated in II Week last year too.<br /><br />This post has lots of great suggestions for coping.<br /><br />JeanneJeannehttp://chronichealing.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198749013600097839.post-20382300436226105402009-08-24T18:06:54.510-07:002009-08-24T18:06:54.510-07:00Wow, this is some really great advice. I think qu...Wow, this is some really great advice. I think quiet time with our Lord is essential no matter what. It is the basis for all other coping skills. When you can just crawl up in the lap of Jesus and tell Him all about your struggles and then leave them at His feet, there is just something amazing about that! Of course, I have a very hard time leaving my things there. I always tend to want to go back and pick my 'things' up. You know, I want to help Him out a little even though I know He is fully willing and able to take care of it all.<br /><br />That is what I'm struggling with right now, letting Him be the one to handle all my struggles and emotions that wreak havoc on my body every day. The feelings of fear, frustration, pain, depression, sadness, loneliness, isolation, anger, guilt, etc. You name it, I've tried and tried to give it to Him, only to later take it right back. Humph! It is so very hard, isn't it?!? <br /><br />Thanks so much for writing this. I think it is really awesome. I know it is a blessing to me and I know that it will be a blessing to others, too. I look forward to reading your future posts.<br /><br />I pray you have a wonderfully blessed week!<br /><br />Because of Him,<br /><br />Teresa <><<br /><br />A link to the story of why I blog:<br /><br />http://toomanyheartbeats.blogspot.com/2009/07/document.htmlTeresa @ ♥ Too Many Heartbeats ♥https://www.blogger.com/profile/06926075458122509648noreply@blogger.com