What I have learned about Making it when you are sick

[HVAC]

1. Trust your inner voice. You know your body and you know when there is something wrong. Do not be afraid to speak up. Be polite and assertive. I knew I had Cancer I just did not assert myself. Not everything is MS if you have MS. You can have other illnesses.
2. Choose a good health care team. You are going to have to work with these folks so you better have a good relationship. Be good to these folks. If you can't work with them get someone new. I know all the receptionists, cleaning staff, nurses, volunteers and , doctors by name at the Cancer Hospital. I gave them individual Xmas cards. I say please and thank you. When I have a problem I work with them. I had one Cancer Hospital where they did not care if I lived or died I left.
3. Know your illness and all your medications. Be on top of diet and exercise and anything you can control. I know what to do to combat nausea from Chemo it can mean the difference between a hospitalization or not.
4. Have a good support team. I have tons of friends. I go to the hospital every Thursday and I have different folks to take me so I do not wear them out. I never pressure them or guilt them into taking me. I do things for them.
5. Concentrate on what you can do not what you can't. I can't run or ride a bike. I can walk and swim.I can't read so I got books for the blind. Adjusting is the key.
6. Think about others. Call others. It is easy to get self centered when you are sick. People do not want to hear about you or about negativity. Ask the other person how they are. Ask about their kids hobbies, or pet. When your spouse comes home turn off TV, phone, computer and look at them and ask how their day was.
7. Believe in something outside yourself. God or whatever. We all need to know we are not alone.
8. Have hobbies. I have a garden. I train deaf dogs. I listen to books. Watch birds. Learn new stuff.
9. Be positive. Life is pretty amazing. I am the happiest I ever have been. I am the sickest too. When I am throwing my guts up last Friday it was six mixing bowls full I reminded myself it was temporary. I got to the hospital and they made me better. I asked for help and I got it.
10. Laugh. I have to have humor or I would not make it.
11. Got to have love. My husband will hold my head when I am sick. That means so much. Or my brother or a friend on the phone.
12. Don't give up. No matter how bad it gets I do not give up. I feel like it sometimes but resiliency is so important.
13. People are not statistics or test results or diagnosis. We are much more than that. I have beat the odds many times. I have had doctors be wrong.
14. The health care system is slow. It took me over 40 years to be diagnosed with MS and at least 4 to be diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. My Primary Care used to think I exaggerated now she sees me immediately if I call.

Alex

[HVAC]

Something good has to come from my journey. If I can help anyone else it is worth it.

Today my puppy amazed me. I am trying to house train her. I had the back door half open. She let herself out the door by pushing it open and went to relieve herself. If she can learn so can I.

Alex

[Lulu54]

Alex, again you have added so much to us here as a community.  I wish there was a way to keep your words as a health page ...

As always thank you for sharing your journey and your lessons.

best, Laura

[Millsinc]

Thank you Thank you Thank you so much Alex. I read this at the right time.

It's all so true. I was having a rough few days and I took this weekend to sit and reflect, find my errors and correct them and step forward on a positive note.

Doing my best that despite my life situation I find the good, I smile and I keep positive.

Thank you again Alex.

~Tricia~

[calamfred]

Little things are often much more important than big things...
C

[HVAC]

Whether you have an illness or a loved one has it make life a little tougher. But is living every day. I spent today with two friends and their 2 1/2 year old and six year old and a bunch of animals. Horses, llama. goats, a donkey , and a sheep. It was a fun afternoon. I do not have kids of my own. I like the little things.

Alex

[calamfred]

I read this, and everything is put in perspective for me, a BIG thank you for that, Alex!! As always, I can't help but admire your outlook on living...and living "well" under not great circumstances...
Regards,
C

[karryon55]

Sorry a poltergeist took over for a moment :D

It should say "should follow when dealing with chronic health conditions"

[karryon55]

Thank you Alex!  What you have said is all very true & definitely something anyone should follow dealing when with chronic health conditions.

God Bless,

Karry.

[Wobbly]

so true.... I sometimes think my GP thinks I'm a nut for worrying about things and it always comes back normal..  

thanks for advise on this..
take care
wobbly

[supermum_ms]

Never truer words said, you really are one in a million and yes always inspirational to those you touch....

Living, loving and still laughing.......JJ

[DianeC61]

THANK YOU x 14, Alex!

[cubbiesfan918]

Kudos, Alex! Your words couldn't be more true. You say it. You live it. Inspirational. You've made your mold on the world; that is the best anyone of us could strive for. Keep fighting the good fight!

Lizzie