June 23 2014

June 23 2015 Greetings My Friend Having more than one chronic illness means I am on a constant watch for things to avoid, to learn the triggers. Right now I am on a vigilance to avoid things that set off my breathing struggles. Heat, humidity and allergies are my triggers so as the digestive problems subside I now have to be watchful of these. The heat sets off Chiari symptoms also such as pain in my neck, the back of my skull and of course the straining headaches are reminding me that I need to keep coughing at bay as much as possible and eat enough fiber so as I do not get plugged up. I don’t have day in and day out pain like many of my contemporaries do but I do need to be watchful so as to not have things flare up bad. My shaky hands and dizziness play havoc in my day to day activities as well. I continue to see postings about invisible illness’ and I relate in a big way. I want to be understood, not pitied. Sometimes I can’t go, do whatever and my biggest desire is that I be accepted for my level at that moment. I like to ask for help when I need it too. Let me try to do it on my own first then ask if I need help. I am at the point I will ask for help right off if I am uncomfortable with doing something. There are other times I move too quickly and need a moment to regroup so patience is important as I rebalance myself etc. I am not a quitter and long to be acknowledged for my efforts not with pity but a true sense of appreciation. I took myself grocery shopping yesterday and at the register the cashier asked if I was okay. I learned to take stock that I was out of breath in a noticeable way. I was not sure until that moment I realized how much I had pushed myself. I gave her an explanation and she accepted what I told her without a lot of fussing. I appreciated that. I now know to take notice and to sit and rest if I need it. These struggles are a part of me now so I am not always aware as I would like to be. I keep learning and adjusting the best I can. In this heat and humidity I am vigilant to keep a watch on congestion. Today I sense it and attempt to clear it up with peppermint oil, slowing down and allergy medications. In doing this I take a look at the calendar and see the last time I had bronchitis was 4 months ago. Less often is good and if it happens now I know I did what I could. Part of me thinks that this attention to my breathing will mean that I won’t have as serious of a bout of bronchitis. I also will state on Facebook from time to time a struggle and then someone seems to get it. They relate they too struggle and my hope is that in some small way others understand. Again it is not about pity but a desire to be and do to the best of my ability. May God bless you and keep you make His face shine on you. Love Janet