Have you been in situations where other people did not understand you are really sick? I know what that is like. Probably -- like me, you don't want people to feel sorry for you. However, you would like a little understanding. We don't always get that; because often, we don't look sick.
I have Fibromyalgia, ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, *Liver disease, Diabetes, Arthritis, and Hypothyroidism. I also have a weird, itchy, painful skin condition called Erythema Annulare Centrifugum, which I've had since my mid-twenties. I have been treated for a fungus with pills, because of the EAC, which probably didn't help my liver. I was told I had Eczema, which I don't. I manage not to scratch myself raw, and apply ointment for itching. Also, it moves around, and I am happy it generally stays hidden.
I used to feel quite guilty about being sick, because I didn't understand that the illnesses caused the fatigue. I thought it was depression causing lack of motivation, which made me feel responsible for the things I was not able to get done. I didn't realize my up and down cycle was caused by the post exertional malaise of CFS/ME. I also had the misconception that I should look as sick as I felt. However, I have learned how to enjoy life again, to not feel guilt for being sick, and to live each day, one day at a time.
*NASH -- non-alcoholic steato hepatitis can lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver. It can be caused by NSAIDS and some prescription medications. It also involves damage to the mitochondria and too much fat in the liver. It is not contagious, but it can be painful when the liver is enlarged.
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About The Blog
I am making a few changes in this blog, Living Better With An Invisible Illness. Many of the posts here have changed to an inspirational or devotional nature, and I will be posting more of these. The devotional blog, Take Comfort will stay up, but I will not be writing there until God takes me back to the short devotional Bible Studies.
Since I do not have to be conformed to one genre of writing in a blog, it is a joy to share poetry and prose, as well as art.
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| Bearing One Another's Burdens |
Deborah, I just had a chance to read about your illnesses. Bless your dear heart! I can so relate to some of what you go through, because my dear Mother suffered SO greatly for a number of years with fibromyalgia and all that goes along with it. She hurt so much of the time. I could go on and on about all she endured, but I know how you feel about the illness being "invisible" and people wondering what is wrong. Two of my sisters now suffer from the same condition. I also wanted to mention that my husband and I are getting ready to start on a liver cleanse tincture. I don't know if you are interested or not, but if you are, please feel free to email me at romans828@embarqmail.com, and I will gladly share about it with you. It cleanses the liver and reduces a fatty liver by shrinking the enlargement. It is completely natural. Just thought I'd pass that bit of info. along. Thank you for reaching out and sharing your heart and being such a blessing to others! You are loved and appreciated! Cheryl
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cheryl, for sharing this with me. I think my mother may have had some of the same problems, but doctors did not acknowledge them. Probably, because they had no conception of how to test or diagnose Fibromyalgia. I remember we children thinking she would feel better if she exercised more. Ha! Little did I know I would be having some of the same problems, that exercise does not always make you feel better. I can only imagine her frustration when the doctor would say there is no reason for your pain.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry your sisters are going through this too. However, maybe they will have more support in this I hope. It is surprising to me how there can be so many people with this condition, yet there are so few local communities where we can share our experiences. That may have a lot to do with the fatigue and depression that affects people dealing with this And the pain. Thank you for letting me know about your liver cleanse. That is very thoughtful. Love you too! Debby