If you or someone close to you has a chronic illness, defined as “a health condition lasting a year or more, limiting daily activities and requiring ongoing medical attention,” you know what I mean by a secret life.
Tricia, I wish I had read this reflection when my younger sister was still alive. I think she would have appreciated reading how someone else (who also lived near Portland) understood her experience. I also think that your reflections have relevance for relating to people with mental health challenges. Thank you for sharing your story. Take care.
I have three chronic illnesses (severe osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and lichen sclerosis). My bones, muscles, and skin are a mess but my heart and lungs are terrific for a 79 year old. That means I could live to 100 and be in constant pain for the next 21 years. Jeez. I don't keep any of it a secret but I don't complain to people. If I get whiney I apologize. It is my "thorn in the flesh" that Paul refers to in 2 Corinthians 12: 7-9. It has turned me into a hermit, but I'm a practiced introvert and enjoy being alone until I don't. Thanks for writing this. I'm restacking it.
I live alone. I was a single mom and my boys have families of their own. I think it might be easier for me to be open about my dis-eases because I don't have to put the emotional wear-n-tear on my loved ones. Compassion fatigue is a real thing.
They don't get it. I've tried helping them reproduce my pain in their bodies by having them stand in weird position, tense all their back muscles, and then try to walk. It works for a minute.
"All told, chronic illnesses are often endured in secret and require a great deal of strength and creativity."
Well said.
I continually find it interesting how SO much of what this society labels as "weakness" actually requires great strength and daily courage. (Being emotionally sensitive, being spiritually sensitive, being low-income in a capitalist society, being emotionally transparent with others, being a woman living in patriarchy, etc.)
Tricia, I wish I had read this reflection when my younger sister was still alive. I think she would have appreciated reading how someone else (who also lived near Portland) understood her experience. I also think that your reflections have relevance for relating to people with mental health challenges. Thank you for sharing your story. Take care.
Thank you, John, for this reflection.
I have three chronic illnesses (severe osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and lichen sclerosis). My bones, muscles, and skin are a mess but my heart and lungs are terrific for a 79 year old. That means I could live to 100 and be in constant pain for the next 21 years. Jeez. I don't keep any of it a secret but I don't complain to people. If I get whiney I apologize. It is my "thorn in the flesh" that Paul refers to in 2 Corinthians 12: 7-9. It has turned me into a hermit, but I'm a practiced introvert and enjoy being alone until I don't. Thanks for writing this. I'm restacking it.
Thank you for sharing this. Lo siento (I feel it). I too am an introvert and agree that it does help with the solitude chronic illness often requires.
I live alone. I was a single mom and my boys have families of their own. I think it might be easier for me to be open about my dis-eases because I don't have to put the emotional wear-n-tear on my loved ones. Compassion fatigue is a real thing.
I hear ya. I also find that those who haven’t experienced chronic illness up close sometimes just don’t get it.
They don't get it. I've tried helping them reproduce my pain in their bodies by having them stand in weird position, tense all their back muscles, and then try to walk. It works for a minute.
"All told, chronic illnesses are often endured in secret and require a great deal of strength and creativity."
Well said.
I continually find it interesting how SO much of what this society labels as "weakness" actually requires great strength and daily courage. (Being emotionally sensitive, being spiritually sensitive, being low-income in a capitalist society, being emotionally transparent with others, being a woman living in patriarchy, etc.)
This is a great insight.
I’ve been there. Hugs.