I somehow missed Top 10 Thursday last week (shame on me!) but I have actually been looking forward to this all week!
Top 10 Things Chronic Illness Has Taught Me
- I am a lot stronger than I give myself credit for. Of course its not strength that comes from me personally but through the strength that God provides to press on.
- Good can come out of any situation. I cannot list all of the wonderful people I have met through having endometriosis and fibromyalgia. My testimony can also be used to glorify God and all that He has brought me through and hopefully touch the heart of someone else.
- That cereal is a perfectly acceptable meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Seriously there have been times when I’ve been flaring and lived off cereal for a week straight (sometimes its the only thing that doesn’t make me sick!) Of course variety is key 🙂
- Its perfectly ok to ask for help. I know it may not seem like much to anyone else, but I had a really hard time adjusting to this concept. I like to have a plan and stick to it. I also loved my independence so it was tough having to say no to things or ask for help.
- Its ok to get a B in class. This kind of links to the previous one but I love love love getting As but I learned that its ok to get a B and sometimes its more healthy to take a B (or C if necessary). I don’t think God is going to ask for my transcript in heaven so I think its more important to focus on things with eternal significance.
- Daytime television stinks. After spending weeks at home after multiple surgeries, I realize that daytime TV stinks! I can only handle so much Baby Story or Jon and Kate.
- The value of having a fabulous doctor. I’ve heard a lot ladies’ stories about dealing with jerk doctors (either that don’t listen, think your crazy, or both). I cannot put into words how wonderful a doctor I have and who has listened, consoled, and even cried with me over the past 6 years. I have been through a couple other not so nice specialists though. Maybe she has spoiled me 🙂
- The importance of being your own advocate. If you think something is wrong or off, speak up! Push to get your questions answered. If you don’t think your doctor is giving you proper care, speak up or find another doctor who will!
- Research, research, research! The internet can be a wonderful thing. Research potential treatments. Keep up to date on medical findings and other news. Find advice and support (online support groups are wonderful resources!). Of course, this can be taken to the extreme. The internet does not replace medical professionals but I think its important not to just take treatments or medications blindly. I so wish that I had done my own research before taking Lupron.
- Enjoy the little things. Those are sometimes the things that we take for granted! Go for walks in the warm sunshine! Savor that cup of hot chocolate next to the Christmas tree. Let the vacuuming wait another day and instead spend the time talking and laughing with your family. I think this is something that we all could take more seriously!
[…] the almost 8 years of blogging (EIGHT!), I have written many times about how endometriosis and chronic illness has changed my life for the better and for the worse. I have learned not to take anything for granted. I have learned […]