Life with Chronic Pain and Illness
Life with chronic pain and illness is a full-time job … but without the salary!
Chronic illness makes taking care of yourself a full-time job. It’s one you likely didn’t apply for. Breaks are virtually nonexistent. There aren’t any of the perks often associated with a full-time job (such as paid vacation time, a 401K, etc.). Overtime is required, and there aren’t any weekend breaks.
Those living with chronic pain and illness vary in how much they are impacted by their diagnosis, which, in most cases, took many years to obtain. Some people are able to work, at least part-time, whereas others are totally disabled and housebound. Either way, each person is dealing with a variety of symptoms that impact daily life to some degree. The independence they once knew has been altered. They may no longer be able to drive, go to events they once enjoyed, etc. They are likely grieving the dreams they once had for their life. They are exerting more energy than the average person on daily tasks. And trying to find helpful, knowledgeable, and caring providers is another job in itself! Then the appointments, which took months to get, fill up a calendar faster than you can imagine. And there may be the mistaken idea that life with chronic pain and illness is not challenging if someone works from home or is unable to work at all. In short, it may be hard for others to understand how isolating and painful, physically and mentally, each day can be.
As you go throughout your day, please remember that everyone is dealing with something, whether or not you can see it. Click To Tweet
I hope you have a blessed, low-pain day.
If you’d like to read more Life with Chronic Pain and Illness posts, click here.
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