You would think after eight years I would have this whole chronic illness patient thing down. There would be no issue remembering to take medication or dread scheduling appointments as they have become a part of my new kind of normal.
I’m not there yet.
Of course, I’ve never been known to do anything the easy way so why should this be any different. You may wonder, “What makes it so hard to stick to treatment, especially when it offers some improvement? If you know the medicine helps, why don’t you follow the instructions like you should?”
Honestly, I have been asking myself this question over and over the past couple days. Honestly I’m not sure when was the last time I took a full day’s medications one time as instructed.
I’m a rebel, I guess.
Or just really stupid.
You see, taking my medicine and supplements as prescribed would require taking around 15 pills a day to feel mediocre. If taking 15 pills would help me to feel great or even increase the number of good days, I don’t think I would have a problem sticking to it. However, mediocre just doesn’t seem acceptable especially when it comes to the side effects of said medications. Of course, if I don’t take my medications then the number of even mediocre days goes downhill fast which for a normal person would be motivation enough to stick with the plan. Again there is that word normal.
Its one of those things that I know I should do. Really. Maybe if I buy myself a really cute pill case it will help 🙂
Do you have something in your life that you know you should do but for the life of you have the hardest time sticking with, especially when you know its good for you?
I have the same problem as you, even though mine is only 3 pills a day for depression, anxiety and a sleep disorder. I know I NEED to take them, but for some reason, there are days I just don’t remember. I just have to try hard to not have it be weeks that I don’t remember!
You do not want to forget your anti-depressants… I did and didn’t even realize it. I was so sick I thought for a day i was literally dieing. But, I soon after going to urgent care for treatment, saw the pills that weren’t put in my pill case. Be ever so careful, those dang things are dangerous!!!!!
If I may be completely honest: seeking God. I know it’s good and I know it’s important and I enjoy it, of course, but some days I just don’t want to read my Bible… somedays praying feels like I’m talking to a brick wall… somedays I forget. There are good days and bad days.
Katie
Yea…pretty much everything! I know I should eat better…exercise more and also be more vigilant about taking my meds and supplements!
You totally should buy a cute pill case! Although I don’t take any prescription medication daily I do take other things (like Vit D). If I didn’t have a pill case there would be many days that I wouldn’t be sure if I’d taken my pills or not! Thanks to fibro fog, of course!
My probiotic is made of a vegan/vegetarian pill casing and for some reason it makes me gag from the taste. This was causing me to sit there, mentally working up the courage to take it, hold the pill for 10+ minutes. Now I take it with juice and can’t taste it at all! I love simple solutions!
Routines are so hard to establish… and I’ve had chronic illness for 20 years. It seems like I go through cycles where I do really good for awhile, and so does my health, then I backslide to my detriment. Keep trying 🙂
I am a creature of habit so once I get a routine I’m fine but its starting it that gives me the trouble! But I am thankful to say that since writing this post, I have stuck to my med schedule and can tell a huge difference!
I take easily 50-60 pills a day, mostly vitamins, minerals, supplements and herbs. The only medication I take is thyroid medication and something at night to help me sleep (either Xanax or Ambien).
I also take a couple of different kinds of herbal/supplemental drops and a super-powered whole food drink when I start my day. And a whey protein powder.
I became ill back in 2000 and it took years of searching to find the things I needed to take to be able to function. I was virtually bed-ridden for a couple of years. I function at a pretty high level now but it is very expensive keeping up with all these supplements and it’s a hassle to travel. But I am so thankful to the Lord that there ARE things I can take to be able to keep up with my obligations.
Take care of yourself. 🙂