Christmas – it’s often known as the ‘most wonderful time of the year’. It is also however, a stressful time of year, with all the preparations that need to be made – the presents, food, decorating the home and so on. Add living with a chronic illness to the mix and the stress is exponentially increased. The fatigue that often accompanies many different chronic conditions makes it very difficult to plan for Christmas, or even to feel the joyfulness of this time of year.
Whilst everyone is making lists of all the material goods that they wish to be under the tree come Christmas Day; we spoonies are wishing to be free of the debilitating symptoms that affect our whole life. Simply, we wish for a cure; a cure that will end the chronic illness in which we live, so we can live a normal life.
Give back to those who help us throughout the year…
This year, however, whilst shopping with my carer for presents for my loved ones – parents, friends that have been there for me throughout the year, and of course my dog, made me very happy. It was then that I remembered the old adage ‘it is better to give than receive.’ And this is true, especially when living with a long-term chronic illness – Christmas allows us the opportunity to give back to those who are there for us everyday of the rest of the year. The presents we give, of course, do not have to be expensive, but they are simple small token of thanks for everything that they do for us.
Speaking to my close loved ones, they often speak of the helplessness they feel; they are not able to take away the hurt, upset and anguish that accompanies chronic illness, and as much as they wish they could cure me they obviously are not able to do so. However, instead they do what they can; they offer to help in the ways that make my life easier such as taking me to places that I need to go, be there for hospital appointments, do the little chores that I cannot do, as well as doing the little things that lifts my mood such as buying me chocolate or putting on my favourite film, and during holidays such as Christmas buying me little gifts to cheer me up as well giving me things that are practical.
Therefore, being able to give presents at this time of year, makes me very happy that I am able to do something, even if it is a small token of gratitude, and give back to those who give so much to help me throughout the entire year.
After all, isn’t giving to others encompasses the spirit of Christmas?
Welcome to the final day of the National Health Blog Post Month Challenge hosted by WEGO Health. Every day during the month of November I will be writing a new blog post related to health and living with a chronic illness based on given prompts provided by WEGO Health.
Today’s prompt reads:
That’s a Wrap! Nominate someone for a Health Activist Award and write a post about why you nominated them!
I nominated someone for the ‘Health Activist Hero Award’ sometime ago.
The person was a very good friend of mine, Anya. Anya also has her own blog ‘The Patient Patient‘. Anya writes about living with several long-term health conditions. However, this is not the only focus of her blog, but she also writes about the self-management of such health conditions, and how patients can and should be involved in their own care.
Not only does Anya write so eloquently and passionately about the issues she discusses in the blog, but she also chosen a career path in this particular field, and also mentors others, as a tutor for Self Management UK (formerly the Expert Patient Programme, and also speaks to healthcare professional and students regarding patient involvement and the biopsychosocial model of disease. But, alongside all this, Anya is a great friend and there for me and others who are experiencing tough times due to long-term health conditions.
In my opinion, Anya is a Health Activist Hero who really deserves to be recognised for all she does; and for helping give patients a more active role in their own care, and educating future doctors to the importance of patients and how they can be an equal participant in their own care.
Welcome to the penultimate day of the National Health Blog Post Month Challenge hosted by WEGO Health. Every day during the month of November I will be writing a new blog post related to health and living with a chronic illness based on given prompts provided by WEGO Health.
Today’s prompt read:
Toot that Horn! Want to hear a secret? You’re awesome! (It’s actually not even really a secret). This is going to be hard for you, O Modest One, but you gotta give yourself props today! Wrote three things you love about yourself – things you’re great at – or just want to share. Don’t you dare signpost or undercut those self-compliments!
Apparently I’m awesome?
I will admit, I have struggled so much with this prompt. I am not one for, tooting my horn so to speak, and struggle with making lists of what I love about myself; or about what I am good at. I even tweeted about this, as I was so stuck:
Preparing the rest of the posts for #NHBPM! Stuck on one where you have to write about awesome you are! Anyone want to write it for me? xxx
The next day, whilst checking my email, I came across an email from Anya, who came up with a list of things that make me awesome. In the email, she writes:
You always support and think of others even during your own tough days
You always tweet kind things
You always rise even after falling
And you rise consistently well!
You are dancing beautifully despite the relentless rain and storm
I am a great friend
I always pick myself up after falls (whether it’s literal or metaphorical falls!)
What do I think makes me awesome, the question asks? Here are some that I finally managed to come up with!
I think that I am considerate towards others; for example, even when I am not feeling well, or even when my legs are weak I will still complete chores around the house to lessen the amount that my Mum has to do around the house. I regularly do the washing-up, when my health allows, even when the trembling is bad so my Mum, who has worked all day, doesn’t have to do it.
Keeping up with the blog and other social media is pretty awesome! And on top of that I am involved with several project such as Life 4 Living, Neuro Nula and Unseen Magazine. I like to keep busy, and advocate of==for other people with chronic health conditions as well as raising awareness for neurological conditions. You could say that I am helpful?
I still remain positive despite living with a chronic illness, which is pretty awesome as all of you will know living with any illness is hard and difficult, especially during the tough times. I have even designed my own ‘Positivity Board’ with little notes and positive sayings to look at when I am in bed due to illness, and to generally cheer me up when times get tough.
My Awesome ‘Positivity Board’
Those are the things that are awesome about me – through my own eyes and those of a close friend! Are there other things that we have missed, that make me awesome? If you have any then please comment below, and make my day as well as giving me something lovely to read and remind myself when I am struggling or just generally having a bad day…
Welcome to the twenty-eighth day of the National Health Blog Post Month Challenge hosted by WEGO Health. Every day during the month of November I will be writing a new blog post related to health and living with a chronic illness based on given prompts provided by WEGO Health.
Today’s prompt reads:
A Time to Give Thanks: What’s the one thing you’re most thankful for? Write a list of three things that you’re thankful for, excited about, or inspired by.
Although it’s extremely difficult living with a chronic illness, it still is however important to remain grateful and give thanks for everything that is good in our lives. We must do this in order to remain positive and upbeat despite our journey through illness so we remain resilient. So what are the things that I am most grateful for despite living with a neurological condition?
I am thankful for my friends and family. Having material items such as tablets, and other computer devices to stave off boredom and to keep me occupied whilst stuck in bed, however, it is the people in your life that are constantly there for you and make travelling the road of chronic illness so much easier. For example, I blessed to have amazing and supportive parents. Parents who are always there for me; taking me to places where I need to go, or do little jobs that I am unable to do. For example, whenever I am stuck in bed, my Mum or dad regularly comes to my room and asks whether there is anything I need, such as a drink or something to eat, and they will bring them up to me, without any complaints. In addition, a couple of weeks ago, when I was going through a particularly tough time with my illness, and as a result was constantly in tears, my Mum was there for me, whenever I needed her – she would phone me from work to see how I was, or would give me a cuddle, and wipe my tears for me. My parents make it easier to live with my condition everyday, and no amount of words can adequately express my thanks and gratitude to them or how much I love them.
Then there is my dog Honey, and although she can be incredibly cheeky, and naughty at times, she is at other times the most sweetest, caring and loyal dog. For example, whenever I am having a bad day, or feeling depressed, she is giving me cuddles and kisses. Or, if my legs are particularly bad and I am falling over constantly; she is there by my side instantly to make sure that I am OK and not hurt. And then she will follow me around; never wanting to leave me out of her sight until I am safely lying on a sofa or on my bed. Last week, when my parents were out of the house doing shopping and other chores, and I was unable to get out of bed, Honey would regularly run up the stairs and peer into my room to check on me and satisfied that I was fine, she would return downstairs to lie on the sofa. Once I fell whilst on my own, and was unable to get up afterwards, and she lay down beside me the whole time, until Mum came home approximately 20 minutes later, soon as she came through the door Honey rushed to her to alert her that I needed help. She is a super dog!!
And I am finally thankful for my best friend, and surrogate sister Aisha. Aisha has been my rock, and her friendship and support has meant to much to me. Every day she sends me a message on an instant messaging service or via Twitter to see how I’m doing and if I am having a rough time, or need someone to talk to, she is always there. And even during tough times, she always makes me smile with her words, and take comfort in her encouraging speeches. Once, there was a time, where friends were walking out of my life and cutting all contact with me, so I am blessed and grateful that I have found such a wonderful, caring and supportive friend.
Looking back at this prompt, I have learned that it isn’t the little material items that we should be grateful for but instead be thankful for the people (and pets!) that are in our lives and make life with illness easier and more tolerable.
What things are you grateful/thankful for? As ever would love to hear your thoughts so please comment below…
Welcome to the twenty-seventh day of the National Health Blog Post Month Challenge hosted by WEGO Health. Every day during the month of November I will be writing a new blog post related to health and living with a chronic illness based on given prompts provided by WEGO Health.
Today’s prompt reads:
Black Friday and Holiday Shopping: In preparation for Black Friday holiday shopping, give some advice on how to survive the long lines and packed stores. How do you find the best bathrooms? How do you stay comfortable on your feet? Give us some tips before heading to the stores.
Lets’s start preparing for the holidays…
Living with a neurological condition, and the symptoms that go along with it, such as the constant dizziness, weakness in legs and the fatigue, can make Christmas shopping a complete nightmare! Shops are incredibly busy, crowds of shoppers swarm around like flies, and the queues are exceptionally long. So, how can other people living with a neurological condition like myself survive Christmas shopping? Here are some tips to survive this time of year:
Surviving Christmas Shopping with a Neurological Condition…it can be done!
Take lots of breaks when out shopping
As Christmas shopping, and generally being at shops during this time of year, can be very stressful and demanding, it is important therefore that a person living with a neurological condition paces themselves. Instead of visiting shops during the busiest times, such as on a Saturday, perhaps it is best therefore to consider doing your Christmas shopping on a weekday instead. In addition, as Christmas often means a lot of presents to buy, it is important to take regular breaks so that it doesn’t all become too much. Find benches or seats to sit down on, or treat yourself to a hot drink at your favourite coffee shop every so often. By taking breaks, and going to the shops when it’s quieter will be firstly less stressful, and is a sure way of conserving much-needed energy,especially if fatigue is an issue for you. Also, you will be less likely to burn out and become unwell, which certainly would spoil your Christmas Day.
Wrap up Warm during shopping trips to avoid unnecessary pain…
Wrap up warm…
Many people with neurological conditions, such as mine, or other conditions such as MS, for example, can exhibit symptoms such as neuropathic pain in various parts of the body. Additionally, many people report that their neuropathic pain, worsens during the cold weather. Therefore, if this sounds like you, I would advise that you wrap up warm when Christmas shopping as it can be very cold walking around all of the shops, and wearing thermals and other warm clothing such as scarves, hats and gloves will help not to worsen the pain.
Use a ShopMobility Scheme to help conserve energy and help you get around this Christmas
Consider hiring a wheelchair or mobility scooter, or take your own to help you get around…
With the neurological condition that I live with, I experience severe weakness in the legs, and as a result of this my legs can suddenly give way, causing bad falls. In addition, to the weakness; fatigue can also be an issue for me and other people living with neurological conditions. To prevent yourself from becoming too tired or you find that you are unable to walk far because of pain, weakness or fatigue, it may therefore be worthwhile in taking your wheelchair during trips Christmas shopping so that you can stay out for longer, and not become as exhausted as you would normally. If, however, you do not have your own wheelchair, you may instead consider hiring a wheelchair or mobility scooter from a branch of Shopmobility. Shopmobility is a scheme which lends manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and powered scooters to members of the public with limited mobility to enable them to still visit leisure and commercial facilities within local towns, cities or shopping centres. Furthermore, the scheme is for anyone – from the young to old; from temporary to permanently disabled.
To find out more and find where your local Shopmobility scheme is; you can visit their website at www.shopmobilityuk.org or by phoning 0844 41 41 850.
Planning is key for an organised and stress-free Christmas…
Be organised…
If memory issues are as a result of a neurological condition, it may be advisable to make a list of all those you have to buy for, and perhaps even ideas for gifts to buy them for Christmas. This not only ensures that you don’t gorget anyone you have to buy a present for, but can also save time whilst out at the shops. For example, if you already know what you want to buy them, then when you go to the shops you just have to find the items and then pay at the till – saving you time and much needed energy. If you do not know what to buy them, but already know what shops they like, then you can even use the internet to research for gifts before heading to the shops. By thinking ahead, you also reduce the amount of pressure and stress placed upon you during the season.
If the stress of Christmas particularly gets to you, then perhaps one of the best pieces of advice for anyone with a chronic illness is to start as early as possible. Perhaps even starting your shopping for the next year in January when there are massive savings to be had during the sales. By doing this and buying little things during the year, means there is much less to do when Christmas season does start.
If mobility and fatigue are a real issue for you..then save your legs and feet and surf the internet for all your gifts!
If all else fails…turn to the internet…
If however, heading to the shops, with all the crowds makes you tired and stressed, or if your mobility problems are so severe that you cannot walk far, you may want to avoid the high street altogether. If you have the internet at home, then why don’t you log-on and browse all your favourite stores whenever you want and at your own leisure? Enjoy looking at the product and gift ideas for Christmas whilst snuggled under a blanket, with a mug of your favourite hot drink and chocolates. Alternatively, you can browse mail order catalogues, and are another home shopping option that will help save energy – look out for special offers, free delivery and online-only deals that could also save you money, as well as conserving your energy levels. The internet, is also a great opportunity to find gifts that are unusual and may be hard to find on the high street. For example, I have just discovered a gorgeous online retailer, that sells some unusual and beautiful gifts for every member of the family (even well-loved pets!) and which suits all budgets. Find out more by logging on to ‘Not On The High Street‘.
Alternatively, you can also use a ‘Click and Collect’ service that many online high street stores now offer; and then ask a loved one if they wouldn’t mind heading to the shops and picking your shopping up for you!
So, those are my tops tips for surviving Christmas Shopping with a neurological condition! Do you have any other tips that could help people survive shopping during the season holidays whilst living with a chronic illness? As ever please feel free to add any comments and suggestions below…
