If you follow my blog to any extent, it’s no secret that I have Lyme disease. I was diagnosed about a year ago, and while I’m certainly feeling better now than I did this time last year, life ain’t exactly peachy when you live with Lyme, or any chronic illness, for that matter.
I also have severe IBS, which is a different form of chronic illness. Both IBS and Lyme disease are considered to be autoimmune diseases, so I’ve got my fair share of shit, to put it mildly.
I try my absolute hardest to not allow my health problems to get me down, and for the most part, I have a pretty good attitude about it. I despise self-pity, and I believe this plays into my stance towards feeling like a bag of dicks most of the time. I might feel like hell, but I try not to show it or complain about it. We all have our own problems, and I don’t want people to feel sorry for me.
That being said, some days are rough, and I’m feeling pretty awful sitting here as I write this post. I think I’m dealing with a Lyme flare-up brought on by stress about the wedding, and while I’m doing what I can to try and alleviate feeling so shitty, sometimes it really is useless.
Waking up in the morning and feeling truly awful isn’t the best way to begin one’s day, and the reality of living with chronic illness is knowing that how awful you are feeling probably won’t improve over the course of the day. Nor will it be any better the next day or the next day after that. Living with chronic illness requires a loooooot of resilience, perseverance, strength and optimism, and sometimes it is easy to slip into the grip of depression and feelings of hopelessness.
Chronic illness sucks major ass, and while remaining strong is essential in managing the misery, sometimes, it really is okay to not be okay.
ontheedgeofeverything 
I have Crohn’s disease and fibromyalgia, both invisible chronic illness. It is extremely hard. I wish you only the best. Don’t stress too much about your wedding. It is one day out of your and Blaines life together. What happens is yet to be. The day will be beautiful, regardless of what happens. If you ever need someone to talk to, you know where I live and how to get hold of me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind words, and your empathy. I hope you’re feeling ok as often as you can be. Thank you, Kelly.
LikeLike
I can relate to so much of this. I’ve got ME, Thyroid issues and currently in a flare. You’re right that staying positive is key but sometimes like you say you have to acknowledge how rubbish it can be. Really hope your flare has passed and you’re feeling a bit better.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for reading. I’m sad to hear that you are dealing with quite a few things yourself, but I appreciate hearing that you are able to at least relate to this post and find some solace in knowing you are not alone. I sincerely hope you are feeling better quickly as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, you have to allow yourself time to feel shitty about the hand you’ve been dealt sometimes! Sorry to hear about your Lyme and IBS – I can imagine it’s super hard. I have a rare autoimmune disease called Dermatomyositis so completely understand the frustrations. Us fellow chronic-illness-ers are all in it together! 💪
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t agree more! Thank you for reading, and all the best to you with your autoimmune disease. Hang in there!
LikeLike