30 Things About My Illness - Meme for Invisible Illness Week

[Lisa Copen]

We've all seen the list "20 things about me" "50 thing about me you didn't know..." They can actually be interesting if you want to get to know the person better! We'll we've got one I haven't seen anywhere yet, "30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know."

Just copy and paste it below and put it up on your blog, send it to your friends, paste in on Facebook (if it's too long put it in your "notes" section.)

THEN... post a COMMENT at the Invisible Illness Week web site here with the link to where you posted it and we are going to choose 2 people to receive a prize Sept 5th, 2009.

Let's spread the word about II Week this way and it's a wonderful way to share a little bit about your life. And don't forget to add the last paragraph for people know where to find us!
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You can see my answers here (Lisa)
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Want to help us Tweet it? Thanks! Send this!

RT @invisibleillwk Prize Drawing 9/5! Fill out #iiwk09 meme “30 Things” http://ow.ly/nhgv Post COMMENT at http://ow.ly/nhgv w/ the link 2 answers
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30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know

1. The illness I live with is:
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year:
3. But I had symptoms since:
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is:
5. Most people assume:
6. The hardest part about mornings are:
7. My favorite medical TV show is:
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is:
9. The hardest part about nights are:
10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please)
11. Regarding alternative treatments I:
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose:
13. Regarding working and career:
14. People would be surprised to know:
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been:
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was:
17. The commercials about my illness:
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is:
19. It was really hard to have to give up:
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is:
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would:
22. My illness has taught me:
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is:
24. But I love it when people:
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is:
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them:
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is:
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was:
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because:
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel:

Find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and the 5-day free virtual conference with 20 speakers Sept 14-18, 2009 at www.invisibleillness.com

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DID YOU FILL OUT THE MEME ABOVE? If so, tell us where to find your answers in the comments at the II Week web site and by listing your blog, FB page, whatever, you will automatically be entered to win a prize! We are selecting 2 prize winners Saturday 9/5.

[Talia J]

i posted my list to my FaceBook page

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&&suggest&note_...

Thank you allowing me to share
Talia

[Brittney]

I posted it as a note on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&&suggest&note_...

But I'll post it here too:

30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know

1. The illness I live with is: gastroparesis
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2008
3. But I had symptoms since: 2007
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: living on a liquid/puree diet
5. Most people assume: I'm anorexic because I'm underweight, run, and don't eat much at one time.
6. The hardest part about mornings are: planning how I'm going to get all the caloires I need in that day.
7. My favorite medical TV show is: Grey's Anatomy
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: My laptop! :)
9. The hardest part about nights are: nausea, pain, and vomiting due to eating that day.
10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please) 22
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: think there is place for them.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: visible
13. Regarding working and career: some days are harder then others
14. People would be surprised to know: I love to cook and bake.
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: not being able to eat at a resturant
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: finish a triathlon!
17. The commercials about my illness: don't exisit
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: eating a salad
19. It was really hard to have to give up: eating at a buffet
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: photography
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Don't know, never thought about it.
22. My illness has taught me: that I have an inner strength I didn't know I have
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: You are lucky you are skinny
24. But I love it when people: don't make me feel left out during dinner time.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is:

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings a tune without the words
And never fades at all.

26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: don't give up hope!
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: how many people don't appreciate the small things in life
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: offer to help with the little things I needed.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: I think it is important for people to know that just because someone looks like they feel well, they might be feeling horrible and not letting anyone know.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: happy that you took the time to find out more about me.

Find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and the 5-day free virtual conference with 20 speakers Sept 14-18, 2009 at www.invisibleillness.com

[Lisa Copen]

Cool! I decided to post mine here too!

Prize Give Away! Fill out #iiwk09 meme “30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know.” Copy it from our web site here: http://invisibleillnessweek.com/?p=2301 – Share it with others via Facebook “notes”, your blog, etc. THEN… post a COMMENT on our blog http://invisibleillnessweek.com/?p=23 w/ the link to where you posted it and we are going to choose 2 people to receive a prize Sept 5th, 2009.

1. The illness I live with is: rheumatoid arthritis
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 1993
3. But I had symptoms since: a few months before diagnosis
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: everything-life was never the same and I am always in pain
5. Most people assume: RA is an inconvenience, that is doesn’t impact every part of your life and every movement you make
6. The hardest part about mornings are: getting up, I am very stiff and sore
7. My favorite medical TV show is: It was “ER” for years. Stopped watching a few years ago
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: a jar opener
9. The hardest part about nights are: actually sleeping, and getting all the pillows in the right places
10. Each day I take about 20 pills (including vitamins)
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: am open to ideas, but prefer to do my own research not get advice
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: invisible
13. Regarding working and career: I was discouraged I couldn’t fulfill the plans I had, but I’ve found God had something better
14. People would be surprised to know: how deformed my hands and feet are. That the arthritis is in every part of my body, not just “a place.”
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: Seeing the progression of the breakdown of my body, despite the medications and knowing the older I get, the harder surgeries will be to recover from.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: go on roller-coasters! We recently went to Disneyland and I just “did it.” And climbing up slides at the park when my son was a toddler and needed help going down.
17. The commercials about my illness: are nothing like reality. They are very deceiving about most illnesses I think.
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: being carefree, being able to walk on sand down to the beach and just walk forever along the coast.
19. It was really hard to have to give up: being creative with my hands like cross-stitching, quilting, etc.
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: creative things on the computer like digital scrapbooking
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Run. Play with my son, throwing a Frisbee, playing volleyball, running on the beach.
22. My illness has taught me: that life is precious and not to take moments for granted or to take the health of your family for granted. We never know how much time we have with those we love.
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: I’m so glad you are feeling all better now!”
24. But I love it when people: actually follow through when they volunteer to help me with something. It’s so hard to ask for help, and then when the person changes plans at the last minute because it’s just inconvenient for them, it can be difficult for a person with illness to find a back up (I’m thinking of generalities here, not a specific situation.)
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: “My comfort in my suffering is this: [God’s] promise preserves my life.” Psalm 119:50 I put it in my emails and when I autograph books.
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: You are not alone in this. It will be hard, but the most important thing is to turn to God, not away from Him. And to find a friend who understands and will listen to you when you need to talk.
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: The amazing people you meet who have so much joy and strength in the most difficult of circumstances.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: Just drop by for 5 minutes with a latte or dinner.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: I want people to know they are not alone in their illness journey and that there is hope and joy despite the pain.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: thankful that you cared enough to be informed about illness, because with 1 in 2 people living with an illness, there are many others you know who can use your encouragement and support. Thank you!

Find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and the 5-day free virtual conference with 20 speakers Sept 14-18, 2009 at www.invisibleillness.com

[Rachael]

30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know

1. The illness I live with is: fibromyalgia
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2008
3. But I had symptoms since: 2007
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: cut back on activities, have less of a social life
5. Most people assume: that it’s temporary
6. The hardest part about mornings are: waking up and feeling more tired than when I went to bed and trying to remember what it feels like to be rested
7. My favorite medical TV show is: House (not much connection here…)
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: my computer!
9. The hardest part about nights are: convincing myself to go to bed earlier despite the fact that I probably won’t feel like I did in the morning
10. Each day I take _13_ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please)
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: swim on a regular basis, visit chiropractor when able
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: visible! less to explain!
13. Regarding working and career: I barely handle part time right now.
14. People would be surprised to know: why I don’t like to commit to social events (I never know if I’ll be feeling up to it.)
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: not doing everything I want to do (too many hobbies!) and running out of energy constantly
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: swim a mile
17. The commercials about my illness: are things I hardly ever see, since I don’t watch tv on tv
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: doing crazy stuff with friends
19. It was really hard to have to give up: the time I spend trying to get enough sleep to function
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: digital scrapbooking
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: clean and DECORATE the apartment!
22. My illness has taught me: to take care of myself and pay attention to my body’s needs and to appreciate the little things more
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: “Get better soon!”
24. But I love it when people: “How are you doing?” (and want a REAL answer!)
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: Jesus (the Sunday School answer, I know, but there is no one scripture verse, so… Jesus)
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: “Hang in there, I’m praying, and I’ll be here when you need to talk.”
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: how much I took for granted before
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: wash my dishes (I love both my mommies!) :o)
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: I think a lot of people just don’t know about them, so I’d like to help raise awareness. :o)
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: very, VERY happy! :o)

Find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and the 5-day free virtual conference with 20 speakers Sept 14-18, 2009 at www.invisibleillness.com






Hey, what if we post it on facebook, but our profile is really locked down?

[ChronicLesbian]

My list is on my blog - http://chroniclesbian.blogspot.com/
And here it is:
1. The illnesses I live with are: IBS, Gastroparesis, GERD, Barrett's Esophagus, Heital Hernia, Hypermobility, Asthma, Allergies

2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: Most of it was this year - 2009

3. But I had symptoms since: The allergies and GI issues I've have since childhood. The others have been within the next 10 years.

4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: I've had to learn to pace myself and balance activity versus rest.

5. Most people assume: They assume that I'm lazy or make excuses.

6. The hardest part about mornings are: IBS flares and pain/stiffness.

7. My favorite medical TV show is: Don't have one, unless Bones counts.

8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: My laptop - it's my gateway to the world. So, I can connect and share with others.

9. The hardest part about nights are: Falling asleep.

10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please) Way too many... About 10 a day.

11. Regarding alternative treatments I: Think that they complement medical treatments and can be helpful.

12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: Visible, because then no one would say "It's just in your head" or "It's just nerves."

13. Regarding working and career: I wish I could find something with better benefits and a more flexible schedule with a chance to advance.

14. People would be surprised to know: I get scared, unsure, and feel lost/uninspired sometimes.

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: That the plans I had for my life may not happen and the absence of physical support.

16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: Buy my own house.

17. The commercials about my illness: I haven't seen many, but the ones I've been make it look like everything would be perfect if you take the drug they're selling (yeah right!).

18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: Going out to clubs with friends.

19. It was really hard to have to give up: Eating junk food (I'm still not perfect at it, but I try.)

20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: Blogging.

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Go to NYC, see a show, visit some of my Fabu Friends, and go to Sisters nightclub.

22. My illness has taught me: Patience (which I am still learning).

23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: The suggestions they give - "If you just did this..."

24. But I love it when people: Listen, really listen.

25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: I'm still looking for it.

26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: Don't blame youself.

27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: Who is supportive and who turns away.

28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: Bring me flowers.

29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: It's affects me and people I know personally.

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: Glad, grateful.

[Rachel B]

My list can be found at http://talesofmy30s.wordpress.com/2009/09/01/30-things-in-advance-o... OR right here :)

1. The illness I live with is: Type 2 diabetes
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2005
3. But I had symptoms since: 2001, when I first started getting screened
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: exercising regularly
5. Most people assume: I must be lazy if I didn’t take care of myself enough to avoid type 2 diabetes
6. The hardest part about mornings are: dawn phenomenon – I must limit my carbohydrate intake (<15 g carbs) in order to avoid sky-high blood sugars that make me pee endlessly
7. My favorite medical TV show is: Grey’s Anatomy
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: blood glucose meter
9. The hardest part about nights are: getting enough sleep
10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please) four, but none for diabetes
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: love massages for stress relief and have thought about acupuncture.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: invisible – it can stay invisible if I choose, depending on the situation
13. Regarding working and career: It’s hard to balance work and life and stress, especially when stress causes blood sugars and blood pressure to rise – both things not recommended for those with diabetes
14. People would be surprised to know: what foods I should avoid or limit
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: eating differently
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: participate in a 2-day, 39.3 mile charity walk. (I only walked about ~28 miles, but was proud of myself for doing it for breast cancer research and treatment.)
17. The commercials about my illness: only show the pricy new treatments like Januvia and Byetta for type 2 diabetes, not the traditional ones of metformin and insulin that have fewer side effects
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: having French toast sprinkled with powdered sugar and drenched in syrup for breakfast
19. It was really hard to have to give up: cranberry juice – any juice spikes my blood sugar too high
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: diabetes advocacy – in fact, I’d like to make it more than a hobby…
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: not change a thing.
22. My illness has taught me: that I can be an athlete after all.
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: ”You can’t/shouldn’t eat that!” Sorry, but actually, I get to choose how I use my carbs each day and it may just be that cheesecake/cookie/pizza, thank you very much.
24. But I love it when people: tell me about new ways to exercise.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: ”You cannot find peace by avoiding life.” - Virginia Woolf
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: You may need to change everything you’ve ever known – food choices, beginning to exercise, and changing jobs to reduce stress – but once blood sugar is under control, you may feel the best you’ve ever felt in your life.
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: how much I’ve grown as a person.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: made me laugh. hard. very hard.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: there are so many of us out there who are willing to inform about the realities of having invisible chronic illness.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: informative and honest.

[Cocoa]

THANK YOU!!

[Jenni Prokopy]

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30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know

1. The illness I live with is: fibromyalgia (i'll just focus on the one since i have a few)
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 1997
3. But I had symptoms since: childhood, then was fine for years, then they came back in 1996
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: managing my time every day. no more late-night clubbing and dancing. i have to keep an eye on my energy levels all day, every day, which is a huge shift.
5. Most people assume: i am fine because i look fine.
6. The hardest part about mornings are: feeling exhausted, stiff and in pain...so i go through an hour-long heating pad and yoga routine to start my day.
7. My favorite medical TV show is: House
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: cell phone (is a rubber jar top opener)
9. The hardest part about nights are: needing to tweak my environment so much so i can sleep: ear plugs, air filter (for white noise), temperature, lightweight-but-still-warm covers, comfy PJs, meds, time for relaxation exercise, darkness, memory foam pillow...so many things to manage!
10. Each day I take 17 pills & vitamins, plus a couple inhalers. (No comments, please)
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: think they can be great, if thoroughly researched and coordinated with your health care provider's plan of action
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: invisible. i admit it, i'm a bit vain.
13. Regarding working and career: it's a challenge to manage work but that's why i'm a freelancer (in part): so i can manage my workday by my rules, taking time off when i need it and wearing comfy clothes and shoes.
14. People would be surprised to know: that i'm in pain nearly every moment. i try not to make a big deal out of it, unless i'm in severe pain or need accommodations to lessen my pain.
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: physical limitations. i used to be a competitive swimmer and go out dancing and run - and i can't do those things very much any more.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: attend a trade show where i stood and walked for hours every day for 5 days - and still have a blast. mindset made a big difference.
17. The commercials about my illness: are good to see (finally!) but somewhat annoying in that they only show older people, when in fact fibromyalgia affects many women of child-bearing age (like, 20s and 30s).
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: dancing all night at a club (can you tell? is this my third mention?)
19. It was really hard to have to give up: smoking. but come on, i was way overdue. almost 13 years later and still miss it sometimes, but glad i quit.
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: jewelry-making
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: sleep in, then cook a big meal for friends, then take them all out dancing and do a few shots to celebrate, hoping i wouldn't be hungover the next day
22. My illness has taught me: to ask for help, to stand up for myself, to be in touch with my body, to appreciate all the things i DO have
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: "but you're too young to be sick!" ignorant. frustrating. dismissive. if i say i am, then i am - don't rub it in.
24. But I love it when people: say "wow, you seem like you're doing well in spite of it - you must work hard to do that. good for you!"
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: peace is every step. -thich nhat hanh
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: to find others who've been through it so you have a support system that understands you on a deep level from the start, and add to that a network of friends, family, whoever to be your support team. and have patience - it will get easier.
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: how much i can still do if my attitude is right.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: i have to pick one? i have to list a few: stayed with me in the ER, told me everything would be OK, brought me pudding, helped me dress myself, advocated on my behalf when i was too exhausted to so, said "i don't understand but i love you and support you anyway," helped me find humor in a crappy situation, took out the trash, played me a song...the list is endless, really. i am so blessed.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: i know the impact it has - and i know many people can live better lives in spite of illness if they get good information and advice, which II Week is all about!
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: honored, humbled, thankful, lucky, thrilled. thank you for taking the time!

[Sandy Brooks]

Hey, Jenni! Just wanted to say so much of what you added is exactly how I feel!! Even though we don't know each other, just by your comments we have a lot in common, I don't even have fibro! I also have taken up jewelry making just to help me get thru the pain with something beautiful to show off- lets just say I have MANY beautiful bracelets to show off. Invisible illness week really is LONG overdue. I've learned that there are a lot of people who have invisible illnesses of whom I didn't know where suffering until that week had come into awareness! Hang in there!! I'm sending good & supportive thought's and prayers your way!!! Sandy

[PaidiaK]

I posted mine on my blog here and on tribe.net
http://people.tribe.net/paidia/blog/5f1bc9f0-c033-4f3c-8063-b336bc0...

It's really cool to read and learn!

[Assiya]

1. The illness I live with is: chronic daily headache/migraine, chronic back/neck/shoulder pain
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2003
3. But I had symptoms since: 2002
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is:asking for help and admitting that I can't do everything.
5. Most people assume: It varies. That I'm not actually in as much pain as I am. That they should protect"" me, and that they have some right to treat me like a child. That I am perfectly healthy.
6. The hardest part about mornings are: Waking up and remembering and am still in pain.
7. My favorite medical TV show is: House MD
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: My computer
9. The hardest part about nights are: On average, the nights when I remember I have difficulty relaxing in the same manner most college students do and that things that are easy or things they don't even have to think about, are difficult for me.
10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please) Minimum two types, but usually it is much much more.
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: have seen a nutritionist, acupuncturists, biofeedback person.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: it depends on the type of illness.
13. Regarding working and career: I am a full time student taking the maximum number of classes and very involved in other things.
14. People would be surprised to know: How much time my health takes. And also that I think it will/would be difficult (although fabulous!) to readjust to not having daily migraines
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: the constant pain, the monotony of it.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: function (go to class, work, etc) with bad migraines.
17. The commercials about my illness: Make me excited that they found something, then annoyed when I realize it's excedrin.
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: sports.
19. It was really hard to have to give up: parts of my independence.
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: I'm on the internet more and watch more tv.
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: go for a trip with my friends, somewhere sunny.
22. My illness has taught me: it is helping me get better at being good to myself.
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is:they joke that I use my illness or am a druggie.
24. But I love it when people: tell me how strong they think I am.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: My friend texted me something reminding me that migraines do really hurt (I tend to self doubt myself and be mean to myself).
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: it gets easier and its ok to have anger or pity-part days once in a while. You don't have to be perfect.
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: how much it affects me.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was:so many things.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: I feel alone.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: thankful.

[Therese Susalla]

30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know

1. The illness I live with is: Fibromyalgia and Arthritis
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2006
3. But I had symptoms since: 1990
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: figuring out (in advance) if I will be able to walk, stand, talk, endure and event prior to attending, doing, confirming that I can/will do it.
5. Most people assume: I am lazy.
6. The hardest part about mornings are: walking to the bathroom from bed
7. My favorite medical TV show is: anything on TLC
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: my laptop
9. The hardest part about nights are: trying to shift positions in bed
10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please)
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: have tried many, if not all, of them - to the tune of many thousand out of pocket $$$
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: That is a toughie - both are horrible. I think invisible because I can at least have some good days.
13. Regarding working and career: Stress affects me horribly - and makes me get huge brain fog. My current co-workers have no clue of my potential, because I just try to stay off the radar.
14. People would be surprised to know: that I have this disease and what it really means
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: people just don't get it and I don't like to explain it because they look at me like I am making excuses.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: keep recovering from bouts...
17. The commercials about my illness: make it look pseudo-glamourous - come on - show what it really looks like to lay in bed with your drapes drawn, hair unwashed, just because you can't....
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: being spontaneous
19. It was really hard to have to give up: evenings out with friends
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: the internet
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: workout, have sex, eat pizza
22. My illness has taught me: about my true friends and loved ones
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: oh, you can do it. Stop making excuses.
24. But I love it when people: get it.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: God has a plan.
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: Determine what things make you feel good/better and keep them in your daily life.
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: I can do it.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: My boyfriend takes wonderful care of me all the time - not a one time occurence.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: I just learned about it.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: part of the team!