If you are chronically ill, odds are that you have been on the receiving end of many, if not all, of these comments. I believe that all of these things are said with good intentions, even though they make my head spin. I know that it is hard to understand and know what to say if you have not had to walk in the shoes of a less than healthy individual. Whether it be from a family member, friend or doctor, I think we can all relate to the following.
1. You're too young to be having this many health issues.
I don't think there is an age requirement for bad health. But I am glad we agree I shouldn't be having these issues, so can you fix me now... ?
2. You don't look sick.
I'm a firm believer in "when you look good, you feel good," or at least better than you would if you looked just as bad as you originally looked. I just wasted half of my energy for the day packing on makeup simply so that I WOULDN'T look sick. Thank you for noticing.
3. You were fine yesterday, though.
And now I am not. My health changes in the blink of an eye. One minute I can be fine and the next I may be bedridden. Don't waste your time trying to understand it because I don't even get it.
4. I don't want to catch what you have.
FOR THE LAST TIME WHAT I HAVE IS NOT CONTAGIOUS. Bye.
5. Have you ever thought that it may just be all in your head?
Yes; my vision quickly fading, the debilitating pain, the blacking out and so much more is just all in my head.
6. Oh, you just need a good nights rest!
Let's be honest, I could hibernate all winter and I would still be this exhausted. Chronic fatigue does not disappear with sleep; though I do wish it worked that way.
7. Taking that much medication can't be good for you.
You know what isn't good for me? Letting infection run free through my body or you know- dying. I am well aware of the side effects, but sometimes I have to pick my battles.
8. You always cancel or flake.
I promise that it upsets me more than you that I have to cancel. Its another battle that I had to accept defeat on.
9. What does your diet look like? I have heard that changes in diet can really affect your health.
My diet looks like I would not be having these issues if my health was based off how I ate.
10. You should try working out more. It may help you feel better.
See... that is great and all until I am stuck leaning over a bench trying to hold myself up or someone is having to scoop me off of the floor. I do what I can and, honestly, do a lot more than I should when it comes to working out.
11. Have you tried meditating?
I lay on a Spoonk mat every night before bed (if you have not tried it, you really should). I mediate. I do yoga. Sure it's good for me and helps with what it can, but it will not cure me.
Like I said, I know these things are usually said with a good heart and in a lighthearted manner but my sanity is starting to suffer. Especially when the doctors constantly repeat the first few. Let's try to come up with better suggestions for the ill people in our lives.
