There is No "Right" Way to be Chronically ill

There is no right way to be chronically ill or to manage your illness. This right here is what I wish someone would have told me when I first got sick. The internet is filled with a million people giving advice on what you should and shouldn’t do while chronically ill. Hey, even I am giving you advice right now.

Let me let you in on a little secret though, no one has all the answers for everyone. You have to find your own rhythms in chronic illness and do what is best for you. There is a lot of good information out there and a lot of good advice, but you don’t have to follow it all. You are also allowed to try things out and stop if they don’t work for you. For example, its highly recommended in the chronic illness community that you keep a diary of your symptoms, food intake, etc. I tried this for awhile and it drove me crazy without giving me much benefit so I now only do it if one of my personal doctors asks me to track something.

On the flip side I personally like to make detailed lists for important doctors visits as it helps me make sure all my questions and concerns are addressed. However I know some who find a list too restricting and prefer to not prepare in that way.

The same principle goes for diet and exercise trends. It is great if eliminating foods helped someone else with a similar condition but that doesn’t mean you have to do the exact same thing. *One caveat I will say with all of this is I encourage following your doctor’s advice, I am simply talking about following the advice of others on the internet.*

We are surrounded with information at all times. We are told if we don’t do certain things then we aren’t trying hard enough. Chronic illness is a deeply personal experience. You could have the exact same condition as someone else, be on the exact same meds and diet and still have your lives look completely different. Which is why there can never be a one size fits all approach and anyone who tries to tell you there is is wrong.

Read all the information that is out there, listen to podcasts on chronic illness, interact with others who have your disease, and then at the end of the day figure out what works for you. Don’t allow the pressures of “influencers” make you feel guilty or like you aren’t trying hard enough. Chronic illness is incredibly hard and you are doing a great job.

Disclaimer-

All information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider and/or your insurance provider for your specific situation. This blog does not offer medical advice.