Hey All,
I was diagnosed with Lyme a year ago this month. I also have Celiac disease. When I was first diagnosed with Celiac I was very resistant to make changes in my lifestyle. I was being stubborn because I felt isolated socially and didn't want to change the way I had always done things. That was over five years ago and I assure you I eat 100% gluten free and adhere to a whole foods "diet". I thought that I was coping with Lyme better than I initially did with Celiac until a recent conversation with my boss where I became defensive towards her. I am sending it out there to you all. How do you cope? with the social isolation? with flare ups? mostly...emotionally...how do you keep yourself in check? Thank you in advance!
I’ve been dealing with chronic illness and increasing pain for almost 3 years now. It can be really difficult at times to keep it together, but I manage. Some days are easier than others, of course.
With work, I stick to very vague conversation about my illness. They don’t need to know specifics, just that I’m taking the day off for an appointment or because I’m sick. I files for FMLA to protect my job. Bottom line is they don’t need to know more than that. This way I don’t have to deal with awkward conversation.
My family is very supportive, so are my health care providers. This helps immensely.
Being sick sucks. There are days that are really hard to cope with. It helps to remember that tomorrow is usually much better than today was, and I just have to get through today.
Generally speaking, the less information you give out the more understanding people have. Details give rise to suspicion and/or doubts as well as second guessing.
NEVER medicalize anything, you sound immediately like a hypochondriac when you do. " a rather complicated Auto -immune disease" and "everyday an adventure" should just about cover it for most. Celiac and Lyme are currently "designer diseases" most that say they have them don't. and that is exactly they way EVERYBODY that have them (or claim to) is treated - nut case. The funny thing is when you quit dwelling on the details give and up the "list" you do better too.
Its not like you are going to get dealt different cards, so you play the ones you have............