30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know
1. The illness I live with is: Ulcerative Colitis, Endometriosis, Late Stage Lyme Disease
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 1982, 1987, 2007
3. But I had symptoms since: same year as diagnosed for first 2; who knows for last one?
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: take medication daily, being willing to change plans
5. Most people assume: since I look great, I must feel great.
6. The hardest part about mornings are: getting awake and moving
7. My favorite medical TV show is: none now–used to like ER.
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: my Healthy Back Bag
9. The hardest part about nights are: getting to sleep.
10. Each day I take _18_ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please)
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: research them thoroughly and make sure God has given me a peace about them before I try them.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: neither, but God has used it mightily in my life to teach me, humble me, and to help others.
13. Regarding working and career: God has given me just the right job for this time in my life.
14. People would be surprised to know: that I struggle with pain and sleep everyday.
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: I can’t always do all that I want to do.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was:
17. The commercials about my illness: none.
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: Except for short period, I haven’t missed much.
19. It was really hard to have to give up: teaching certain group fitness classes.
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: reading and writing….lots of it.
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: thank God for that precious gift!
22. My illness has taught me: that I am not in control and that God wants me to comfort others as He has comforted me.
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: You look great; you must be feeling better!
24. But I love it when people: truly want to know how I am doing and are willing to specifically pray for me.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: Psalm 16:8 “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: I will pray for them, answer any questions they might have, get as educated as you can about your illness and treatment, and find a doctor who will treat you as a “whole” person.
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: I’ve had to rely on God’s strength more than my own.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: made me a meal (I don’t enjoy cooking much even when I feel great!).
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: we have 4 people in our family and each of us has at least one chronic invisible illness.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: grateful and thankful. Thanks for reading and thanks for your prayers!
Find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and the 5-day free virtual conference with 20 speakers Sept 14-18, 2009 at www.invisibleillness.com
HOPE through chronic illness 
One thing people say that gets under my skin is: You look great; you must be feeling better
I so agree with the above!!!!!
I will pray for you and I love your smile.
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Teddie,
You would certainly know what it feels like to be feeling lousy, but looking great on the outside:-) God promised He will not forsake us, and will give us our daily bread. I try not to look any further than that, and when I’m having a difficult health day, I pray that tomorrow will be better or that God will use my pain to His glory. Teddie, I really appreciate all the ways you serve the Lord, in spite of your ongoing pain!
Jackie
P.S. I love your smile, too:-))))
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Jackie,
Will call Dad about your illness as well as Gary, Nicole and Peter’s. I too take pills daily for my heart, if you remember I had a heart attack while I was at the Hill with you and your family. I am actually doing pretty well, but I do have to pace myself some days, especially when going up to higher altitudes. The white haired guy at Encompass Media was probably Stan Stalter. He’s the owner of Encompass. We have been good friends for over twenty years. He was my supervisor when I did my first internship out of Kutztown at ACTV. I found it interesting that Nicole’s husband works at REgent University. I received my Master’s degree in Communications from Regent. I liked it a lot. Will sign off, was good to read your 30. I have a close friend in Fleetwood with a severe case of fibromyalgia, I think she would benefit from seeing your blog. Blessings to all!
Love Howard and Sichun
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Howard,
Thanks for reading and writing! And your friend in Fleetwood who has fibromyalgia…I would recommend she go to the website: http://www.restministries.com. She will find a lot of resources and a chat room called the Sunroom where she can share with others struggling with fibromyalgia.
Jackie
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Thank you for this post. I myself have two chronic diseases that have been diagnosed and I found this relatable on many levels. Thank you for creating awareness about the challenges people face with chronic illness, it’s important to create a dialogue about it.
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queenb,
Thanks for your comment and encouragement. I’m sorry you’re living with two chronic diseases and your picture shows that you might be very young. I hope you have family and friends to support you. And yes, dialogue is important, which is why I started this blog. Praying for you.
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