1. The illness I live with is: endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and celiac disease
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: Endo – 2003; Fibro – 2006; Celiac – 2010
3. But I had symptoms since: 2002
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: Accepting that its ok to say “no”
5. Most people assume: I’m healthy because I work
6. The hardest part about mornings are: Getting over the morning stiffness thanks to fibro
7. My favorite medical TV show is: House – maybe he can figure out what is wrong!
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: my TENS unit
9. The hardest part about nights are: Getting comfortable enough to fall asleep because of the pain
10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please): 15
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: am open to trying anything – after clearing it with my doctors
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: at the moment I’m writing this – visible – as at least I feel like my pain would be validated
13. Regarding working and career: I want to start a non-profit to provide counseling and resources for individuals (and their families) with chronic illness but for now, I am just working to pay the bills.
14. People would be surprised to know: I spent our first 3 wedding anniversaries either prepping or recovering from surgery.
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: that I have no guarantees that I will ever be “healthy” again
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: have the ability to support and encourage others who are experiencing the same thing across the country and the globe
17. The commercials about my illness: make me want to throw something
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: Being spontaneous
19. It was really hard to have to give up: not getting to experience pregnancy
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: blogging
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: head to an amusement park and ride as many roller coasters as possible
22. My illness has taught me: that I am much stronger than I ever could have imagined
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: offering a magical “cure” whenever you say you feel bad or am in pain
24. But I love it when people: say “I’m sorry you are hurting. I will pray for you.”
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: allow yourself to grieve. Its a part of the process and if you allow yourself to go through the steps, it really will make such a huge difference.
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: that you can spend all day in bed and still be exhausted.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: brought over some chick flicks that I could watch in bed and relax
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: it is so very important to raise awareness for these illness and support and encourage all of those individuals who battle these illnesses each and every day
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: supported & encouraged. Thank you for your support!
