It’s a new month and new writing prompts for March. I like participating because you meet so many great people who understand chronic illnesses. If you’ve been there, chances are someone has too.
Be sure to check out Sherly’s blog, A Chronic Voice, it’s a site with all types of information. She has an extensive archive too.
This month’s prompts are Viewing, Experiencing, Reacting, Thinking, and Dealing.
I have chosen three this month, Dealing, Reacting, and Thinking.
Dealing
I’ve been dealing with health issue after health issue, it’s like my body decided to slowly break down. At the beginning of the year, I put a list of doctor appointments I needed to get done in 2023. It does put a little fire underfoot if your list is long like mine.
I deal with the frustrations of my health, the best I can, because chronic illnesses may never go away. There’s no black or white in life and illness, each day is grey with some grayer than others.
When I’m just mentally worn out, I go lay down. I practice meditating, or at least to get my mind to stop for so long. I challenge myself to go longer the next time. The rest helps reset your brain and now you can get back in control.
Reacting
Our government is fighting with each other, and the country is divided, what does that have to do with Chronic illnesses? While our government fights, Bills are not getting passed which means new services are being held up for the sake of politics.
I read today that a major brand of Baby Formula is being recalled, WTH!!!!! Did they ever get fully stocked?
The DEA has failed miserably at stopping the Fentynal crisis so now they are going after prescription stimulants. The number of Pain doctors is dwelling fast. Be sure not to ask about medication! Your file may be marked as a Drug Seeker. Let the doctor talk and don’t say anything about meds until they run down what they think is wrong. At that point, ask what options you have. If you’ve taken a med for that health issue, I would say, “I’ve taken this in the past and it worked/not worked.” Then let the conversation goes where it will.
One trick to try before you go, read their website and look for reviews. Then call the office, don’t say your name, “I’m looking for a Pain Doctor, does the doctor prescribe meds when needed? Once you get a Pain doctor, pay attention to the policies, you’ll want to know so you don’t screw up and getting kicked to the curb.
We have come so far and keep going backward!
Thinking
When I’m out of energy, I lay down. It’s become a bit of a habit so I decided, I will only nap when I’m in severe pain. After months of sleeping late and taking a nap all afternoons, I feel like my life has passed me by. I started looking inward, just letting my mind roam. I am not happy, living inside 24/7, no longer driving and the list goes on, I have little to no life outside the house, it’s wearing on me.
After spending several days thinking, I came up with some new hobbies to try, online advocacy, learning hand knitting, and picking up Ansestry again. I stopped there because I won’t set myself up by setting the goals too high.
I send my best wishes to you and hope you live your best life. If you’re not there yet, keep taking one step in front of the other and you’ll move forward.
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 
Great article! I appreciate your honest thoughts on dealing with chronic illnesses, especially the reminder that it’s important to take mental breaks when needed. In regards to the Reacting section, I was wondering if you had any suggestions for how we can advocate for ourselves in a system that seems stacked against chronic pain patients? Keep up the great work!
Dante Trimble
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It takes practice. One step is to join a group like US Pain Foundation and join as an Advocate. You give what time you have and it’s very educational. The pain issue is a huge problem that I see only getting worse. The key step with doctors is to come prepared with only three questions. Have it written down so you can stay on track, and ensure you have a list of the most bothersome symptoms. Don’t spend much time talking, Ask the question then be quiet, and let him answer. Start off with the worse problem since it could take the entire appt. The key I’ve found is being prepared and going in with confidence. If all your questions don’t get answered, make another appt right away. Your doctor may be thrilled with you coming in prepared. Remember, a 30-minute appt is really 15 minutes if lucky.
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