What gets you through the tough times with illness? What are you go-to things when going through a flare, or your symptoms have deteriorated?
As many of you already know; some of my symptoms such as the dizziness and trembling in the legs have become worse. These symptoms have not just affected me physically, but also has affected me psychologically. Especially, as I have missed opportunities such as going to Life 4 Living, and even the trips out with my personal assistant have been cut short as I have felt so bad. This has then made me feel down; negatively affecting my mood, leaving me to feel even worse – and the cycle continues.
Yesterday, however, although I felt unwell and the dizziness was bad, a friend invited me out for a meal; encouraged me to get out of the house and promised to cheer me up. I actually spent the day in my pyjamas, curled up with a blanket, and watched television and films. The dizziness was so intense that the last thing I wanted to do was to leave the house; leave my safe cocoon from the world. But I am so glad I did, as I had a fantastic time!
We went to our regular place for a meal; a place which to me is safe and familiar. And as we chatted about what was happening in our lives, and laughing over funny little anecdotes that we were sharing, my mind was taking off the dizziness, even though my world was still off-balance and moving. And for the first time, I felt content and happy despite the dizziness, trembling in the legs and the pain.
Sure, I was tired after arriving home, but I felt happy, and had great memories of a night out with a fantastic friend. Spending time with friends and having a good time seems to be a great distraction from daily life with chronic illness and something that I need to see me through the tough times when dealing with the daily symptoms that the condition causes.
I couldn’t do it every night, clearly, and when I can barely walk or stand then my favourite DVD’s and my iPad and television will have to be enough to see me through the tough days with chronic illness.
What do you need when you are suffering badly with particular symptoms? Is there anything which distracts you from fatigue, pain or depression? Please share by commenting below!
Time for a brand new post; I know I have not written a post in a while, and for that I apologise. The truth is that for some time now I have been struggling with my condition, and in particular the dizziness which I live. For whatever reason. the constant dizziness has become much more severe. I do not know whether the severe dizziness that I have been experiencing is a relapse, as the severe dizziness has happened before, or whether the dizziness is simply getting worse.
I have not been able to talk to many people regarding the sudden deterioration in symptoms; I often find it hard to talk about – when I try I just end up crying and in bits afterwards. Perhaps I find it more difficult to talk to others, such as my family and friends as I do not want to worry them. On top of this also, is the deterioration with the trouble with my legs; both the weakness and trembling in them have become worse. The severe trembling and dizziness, however has recently made it very difficult when out; at both the social groups that I attend as well as the days out with my personal assistant. These symptoms are so troublesome that the places and activities that were so easy for me, has now become much more difficult. Yesterday, I had difficulty in getting back to the car which was parked further away from the garden centre then we usually park – it was not that much further, but because of the severe trembling in the legs, I almost didn’t make back to the car in one piece.
The wheelchair that I have is obviously a solution when my legs become so severe that they hold me back from doing what I want; but alas the dizziness makes it difficult for me to be able to stay in the chair, as I feel so dizzy even when sitting down. What am I to do? A lot of you reading this, may think that I am weird and not able to understand this quandary, heck even I don’t understand it – but unfortunately this is my reality; one in which I face everyday.
Everyone I know keeps suggesting that I go back to the doctors. People constantly ask me to describe the condition and what I go through everyday with it.
But how am I expected to describe something which I do not understand myself? Even the doctors are unable to understand my condition and its symptoms recently the doctor who has been dealing with my condition and has left the practice that I am registered with and so as a result have had to find a new doctor to deal with. Whenever I do go and see the doctor, however, and report in the deterioration and severity in my symptoms I am often met with puzzlement – which obviously doesn’t inspire much confidence!
Recently, my parents booked the cruise that we have been looking at for a while, and although I am excited and very much looking forward to the holiday, this sudden deterioration in symptoms does make me worry slightly about how I will feel next year. Will the severe dizziness still afflict me? Will the dizziness withstand a cruise? Only going on the cruise will i be able to determine this. But looking at the silver lining at least it will be an experience I will never forget, and it is these memories that are priceless…
With all the falls that I have been experiencing lately, the crutch that I bought myself last year has taken quite a battering! The crutch itself has dents, scratches – some of the damage that has been caused by the falls has even caused some cuts on myself. Where the paintwork on the crutch has flaked, it has caused the paint to sharpen; and it is these sharpened points that has been causing cuts on my legs and feet when I have had falls in the house.
Also, the anatomical moulded right-handed designs have become uncomfortable, and where it has rubbed against my fingers, a callous has formed there! So I thought that I would treat myself to a new crutch – one which would be more comfortable and not cut me! I remembered reading online on a forum that I often visit, that one lady recommended an online store that sells crutches at a reasonable price. And therefore I headed to Chic Aid Crutches to look at the range that they offered.
And what I found was impressive! Chic Aid Crutches offers an impressive range of different crutches, including full cuff crutches, half cuff crutches, designer crutches and even folding ones! And even more impressive is the wide range of colours that are available! We have all seen the standard NHS crutches – they are heavy, uncomfortable and the grey colour just looks dull and boring. Using them, feels depressing as they are just not fashionable! Why should we be sick and be unfashionable with it? Especially when we have the option to use a bright, colourful and fashionable mobility aid which feels comfortable, lightweight and what’s more is fun! It does not feel like a mobility aid but rather a fun fashion accessory!
After purchasing the crutch, the delivery time was fantastic – I only waited a day for it to arrive, and the crutch was also well-packaged and with no damage to the crutch whilst it was in transit.
Lately, I have really come to love the colour orange – its bright, fun and is a colour that instantly cheers me up. It’s a reminder of a beautiful sunset. And it’s because of this, I chose an orange colour for my new crutch. A beautiful and cheerful colour that will look lovely during these Summer months.
And it has some great features – a padded foam covered handle – which is very comfortable to use and what is even more great is that it doesn’t rub against my finger. The height can be adjusted in tow places – the height from the floor to the handle, and between the handle and the cuff. This is great for me, being short! It is also very lightweight and is quiet when it’s being used; great for when I am in the house and my Dad is in bed after working nights, as the NHS standard crutches can be noisy when being used. Another fantastic feature and incredibly useful is the black Pivoflex ferrule, which provides increased stability with their ‘flex’ action – a feature that is great for me, due to my balance problems, and so a mobility that aid that provides increased stability really is a must-have feature.
I really love my new crutch and perhaps one day I will buy more from Chic Aid Crutches and look chic and fabulous whilst being sick!
Thank you Chic Aid Crutches!