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Becoming Lost During a Flare Blog Post
In Chronic Illness

Becoming Lost During a Flare: Revisiting Acceptance

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During my recent foray into revisiting my old posts, I came across this post from five years ago.

In the post, I talk about the importance of acceptance when learning to live with a chronic illness.  It also made me reflect on my current decline in some of the symptoms I experience because of FND.

Once again, the trembling in the legs has worsened.

Significantly worsened in fact.

The Saga of Pain and Trembling Legs

Every day, my legs have felt incredibly unstable and weak, amidst the severe pain that already wracks them.  There is a persistent feeling of incredible stiffness and heaviness.  A heaviness that makes it feel like I am attempting to walk through thick mud.  But, juxtaposed with this heaviness and stiffness is an immeasurable weakness.

A weakness so severe that it continually feels if my legs are going to collapse from under me.

The trembling and this general weakness that exists within my lower limbs is not a new symptom.  So, you would think that I would be used to it by now.  But when confronted by worsening symptoms; they feel anything but familiar.  With worsening symptoms, we are once again thrust back into working through the cycle of grief.

"But when confronted by worsening symptoms; they feel anything but familiar.  With worsening symptoms, we are once again thrust back into working through the cycle of grief." Share on X
Directions of Grief
Five Stages of Grief – Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance via Shutterstock

Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression.  These are the key elements that we battle through alongside the fight we face with our symptoms before reaching acceptance.

"We need to battle through denial, anger, bargaining, and depression before reaching acceptance." Share on X

Accepting a ‘New Normal’

But, before we can arrive at acceptance, we must first deal with the psychological fallout that worsening symptoms create. Since the trembling has worsened, it has also significantly affected my mobility. Standing and walking is problematic as the shaking feels incredibly violent. Anxious that at any moment, I will collapse to the ground.  As a result, I have lost confidence, particularly when out of the house, the fear of having a fall never far from my mind.

It feels that I am drowning.  As though my days are about surviving rather than living. Every day I am tormented by symptoms beyond my control.

"My days are about surviving rather than living…tormented by symptoms beyond my control." Share on X

Symptoms are so severe that I am no longer able to function within the world around me.  People assure me of my bravery and resilience in the face of illness.  However, it’s during such flares that words such as bravery and resilience cease to have any meaning to me.

The Unpredictability and Isolation of a Chronic Life

Ask anyone living with a chronic illness, and they will tell you how unpredictable life can be.  Unpredictability is the very hallmark when living with a chronic condition.  Every day we wake up never knowing how the symptoms are going to impact the new day that awaits us.  When symptoms worsen, we never know whether it is due to deterioration in our condition, or just due to a flare.  And when symptoms do become worse, the fear that it is due to a decline becomes very real.  We already had to come to terms with a diagnosis and the new normal that comes with it.  And with worsening symptoms, we again need to adapt and find another new normal.

"When symptoms worsen, the fear that it is a decline with our health condition becomes very real." Share on X

The Effects the Physical Has On Our Mental Health

Furthermore, when symptoms do worsen, we can often isolate ourselves.  The isolation may be as a result of the symptoms themselves, or because of the emotional consequences, it has on our mental health.  I have recently had experiences of isolation.  Due to the severity of this recent trembling, it has affected every facet of my life, most notably my mobility. As a result, I have been unable and afraid to go out much, and when I do, I tend to go to familiar places; places where I know where I can quickly sit down if I feel they are going to collapse.

When living with such symptoms, especially when they are invisible, itself also causes isolation.  We often hide behind a mask; suppressing our pain and fatigue behind a smile.  The pain, fatigue, trembling, and dizziness does not manifest themselves physically.  No one can see or understand the torment that our bodies withstand.  And that can be incredibly lonely.

"No one can see or understand the torment that our bodies withstand. That can be incredibly lonely." Share on X

By not being truthful about the reality of our current situation, we begin to isolate ourselves further. Recently, I have become quite withdrawn, choosing to turn inward, becoming lost in a descending fog of hopelessness and despair.  Stress and feelings of sadness is a consequence of the physical toll that living with illness has on our bodies and minds.  Stress, however, can also exacerbate the symptoms, potentially causing a flare or making one much worse.

"By not being truthful about the true nature of our health we are further isolating ourselves." Share on X

Arriving at Acceptance

Reaching acceptance, although the journey is long and arduous, makes coping with chronic illness more manageable, arriving at acceptance, however, is difficult.

For many, it means resignation or giving up.

Acceptance instead is more about learning effective ways of coping with this new reality and quietening negative thoughts and feelings.

Acceptance and having a positive attitude isn’t a cure for chronic illness, but they can help make it easier to overcome the challenges and limitations that we may encounter.

"Acceptance and having a positive attitude isn't a cure for illness, but they can help make it easier to overcome the challenges and limitations that we may encounter." Share on X

One thing I have learned along the way, however, is that achieving acceptance is difficult.  When we think we’ve accepted everything about our illnesses, something happens such as worsening symptoms, and once again, we find ourselves back to the start.  Much like a revolving door, we often travel round and round the different stages until we locate the exit and reach acceptance.

Perhaps, when living with a chronic illness, there is no such thing as ‘complete’ acceptance.  If recent experience has taught me, coming to terms with a chronic illness involves a continuous journey between denial and acceptance, and so many other emotions.

"Coming to terms with chronic illness involves a continuous journey between denial and acceptance." Share on X
arriving at harbour after storm
Reaching acceptance can feel like arriving at a safe harbour after a storm

And as I now find myself amidst a torrential storm of pain and trembling, and days spent trying to survive the impending floods.

But, I hope soon that I once again find a safe harbour that is acceptance.

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Behind Closed Doors: Life With A Neurological Condition
In Chronic Illness

Behind Closed Doors: Life With A Neurological Condition

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In The Darkness & Behind Closed Doors

Life with a neurological condition is spent in the darkness.

We live with the symptoms behind closed doors.

Behind closed doors where no one can tell how much pain we are in, or the suffering caused by the many other symptoms that comprise our everyday life with chronic illness.  Our days are spent behind closed doors living with these symptoms.  When we do go out, we do so behind a mask.  A mask that consists of make-up to conceal the effects of living with illness every day.  Effects such as dark circles under the eyes and a general pale complexion that make us look ill.

We live with chronic illness in the darkness. We live with the symptoms behind closed doors. Share on X

But we don’t want to look ill; it’s more than enough to feel so every day as it is.  And so, we don our mask to conceal our ‘sick’ identity.  However, the masks we wear only often leads to suspicion from others who know us.  They are unable to fathom how we can still look ‘good’ and yet claim to be chronically ill.  Many believe we must be exaggerating our symptoms to gain sympathy and attention.

But we don't want to look ill; it's more than enough to feel so every day as it is.  And so, we don our mask to conceal our 'sick' identity. Share on X
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Often neurological conditions come with pain; pain that is can be constant and unrelenting

But they can’t see.  Nobody can see the destruction that living with constant and relentless symptoms has on our bodies and our ability to function in the world around us.

Life With A Neurological Condition: Pain Often A Constant Presence

This week, in particular, has been hard; the pain has been my alarm clock.  Today, for instance, I woke just before six o’clock, sleep interrupted by a wave of crippling pain in my legs.  Pain that feels like legs trapped in a vice that refuses to loosen. Pain has not only been disrupting my sleep but has also been keeping me up late into the night.  Nights where the pain has been my only companion.

But Pain Is Not Always The Source of Frustration and Despair

As a result of my diagnosis, it is not only pain that torments my legs.  I also endure stiffness and weakness in both of them.  As a result, it takes a considerable amount of energy to get out of bed.  Once I do; however, my legs give way, and I end up in a crumpled heap on my bedroom floor. Unable to do anything else, I manage to haul myself up back into bed.  In bed, I burrow beneath the warm duvet, which provides comfort and security from the cold, which only seems to aggravate the already horrendous pain. Incapable of doing anything else, I catch-up with the world I am currently unable to be a part of via social media, or watch funny videos on YouTube to in a bid to distract me from the pain and trembling that is ravaging my legs.

laptop in bed in the dark
The internet, social media such as YouTube can be a great distraction day or night when symptoms are at their worst

Eventually, usually after a couple of hours of resting, I can get out of bed and continue with my day.  Often, more often than I’d like to admit, I go without breakfast, my stomach protesting at the very thought of food due to nausea.  On days, I can manage to eat, I grab a breakfast bar, something quick and easy and requires no preparation.

Life With A Neurological Condition: The Invisibility

By looking at me you would not believe that anything was wrong with me, however, for me, it feels as though my legs are working overtime to be able to do everything that others take for granted. Taking a shower, getting dressed, doing household chores and preparing meals is extraordinarily challenging. The continual trembling of my legs, it can feel as if they are no longer strong enough to be able to support my body.

There are not enough words to adequately describe the weakness and fatigue I experience when continuously living with pain and trembling.  Everything is a struggle, and as such, forced to take breaks in between having a shower and getting dressed.  Or between chores that need doing around the house.  Just standing is problematic for me because of the continual trembling, feeling as if I’m attempting to balance on jelly. On the worst days, being able to achieve anything at all is exceptionally challenging.

With a body that can do very little, my day consists of resting on the sofa or my bed in my sanctum watching one of my many TV boxsets or an uplifting film on Netflix.

With a body that can do very little, my day consists of watching one of my many TV boxsets. Share on X

The scenario above is a small snapshot of a typical day.

Life With A Neurological Conditions: Days are Unpredictable

However, as anyone living with a neurological condition can attest, there is nothing typical about our days.

Our days are unpredictable; no two days are exactly alike…Things can change instantly. Share on X

Our days are unpredictable; no two days are exactly alike.  Even minute by minute, things can change instantly.  I can feel fine one minute, and suddenly I am lying on the floor after my legs unexpectedly give way.  Or a sudden bout of vertigo overwhelms everything, knocking me off balance. I found a quote from an old blog post, that resonated with me.  It reads “Life with a chronic illness can change instantly within a blink of an eye, one minute the symptoms are in the background, calm and peaceful…and the next they are wreaking havoc upon your body and impacting your life and routines.”

quote from blog crashing violent waves background

The Unknown Of Life With A Neurological Condition

The quote sufficiently describes life with a neurological condition.  Plans for going out or accepting invitations to weddings or other social gatherings are problematic to accept.  Why?  Because we are unable to check our diaries, unable to discern how we are going to feel on a particular day. Never knowing the state in which our bodies are going to be on a specific day.

One minute the symptoms are in the background calm and peaceful…the next they are wreaking havoc. Share on X

We are in a constant state of being stuck in the ‘unknown.’

The road ahead of us contains only a giant question mark.  Not knowing what lies ahead of us tomorrow, next week, next year or even further ahead in regards to our health.

Being chronically ill we are in a constant state of being stuck in the 'unknown'. Share on X

But unlike most people, we in the land of the sick learn to love every second, every minute, and every hour, of any of those good days because we know that the bad seconds, minutes, hours or days may be just around the corner.

As unpredictable as life with a neurological condition may be, however, our lives are still an adventure with infinite possibilities waiting for us to explore.

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How To Self-Care While On A ‘Deserted Island’

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WHAT IS SELF-CARE?

Self-care refers to the actions and attitudes which contribute to the maintenance of well-being and health of the individual.

[Tweet “Self-care is the actions that contribute to the maintenance of health and well-being.”]

When living with a chronic illness, this includes taking prescribed medications, regularly exercising, eating healthily and attending appointments with your doctor.

As equally important is to maintain positive emotional health and well-being.  For me, what has helped cultivate a positive attitude is the development of a positivity board.

This positivity board consists of positive and inspiring quotes and favourite photographs.  And anything else which helps me remain positive and content despite the effects that living with a neurological disorder has on my life.  I have also made myself a comfort box.  A box containing items that bring me comfort and support when symptoms are remarkably severe.  By keeping this box next to my bed provides me the opportunity to self-care when I am unable to get out of bed.

How to Self-Care When Travelling With a Chronic Illness

However, how can we still participate in self-care when stuck on a deserted island.  I don’t mean a literal deserted island, but rather how can we take care of ourselves when away from our daily routines and everything else that provides comfort and safety while living with a chronic illness.

One such example is travelling.

Travelling when living with a chronic illness presents its own set of challenges regarding self-care. Being away from our usual routine and everyday life is difficult.

It’s this change and not knowing what to expect that can make it difficult when travelling with a chronic illness. It’s this change and not knowing what to expect which makes it’s difficult to anticipate, plan and manage our symptoms.  In my experience after four cruises, self-care can often be more difficult when on this type of holiday as when we begin to feel unwell we cannot just pop to the nearest store for the items which can help ease whichever symptoms decide to grace us with their presence. Which means, careful and considered packing before we leave on our adventures.

[Tweet “Travelling with a chronic illness presents its own set of challenges regarding self-care.”]

Go On An Adventure

So, how can we practice self-care while we are away?  How can we ensure that we enjoy our relaxing time away and not let our symptoms get in the way of having a good time?

BEFORE LEAVING

The first piece I would give to anyone wanting to travel while living with a chronic illness is to accept yourself for who you are today.  Recognise and accept the limitations that now exist, and assess your particular needs. Once you know them, then you can start planning around your new roadblocks to find a location and type of holiday that is best suited to your particular needs. For example, if you are planning a city break and you have difficulties with mobility then perhaps find a hotel located near the sights that you want to visit during your stay.

[Tweet “Knowing your limitations and needs make it easy to plan and find the holiday best suited to you.”]

I recently read an excellent article about travelling with a chronic illness. It recommended that before starting to pack is to keep a log of your daily activities to better prepare for your needs while away.  Note things like medications, equipment, and anything else that you might need to help look after yourself while away and especially if and when a flare in your symptoms occurs.  It might also be an idea to start packing a few weeks before your departure; this year, I admit I left some things until the last minute, and the packing left me feeling weak and fatigued.

[Tweet “To prepare for your self-care needs, keep a log of your daily activities before leaving. “]

And find the space to pack your essential self-care items such as books and magazines, a favourite pillow or cushion that you find comfortable if pain is an issue for example.  When I am in a lot of pain, I often find distraction the best way to cope, taking my mind away from the source of my discomfort with something such as a funny and heart-warming film.  As such, I always ensure that I pack my iPad loaded with my current favourite films and TV shows (with headphones as not to disturb my travel companions; useful when pain wakes you up in the middle of the night).  It can also be helpful on days confined to bed because of a sudden flare in the severity of the symptoms to entertain one’s self when everyone else is out enjoying their time in a new country.

smartphone entertainment and travelling

Hydration is also essential, even those not living with a chronic illness. Make sure to carry a water bottle and snacks in your carry-on luggage in case of delays in the airport.  Dehydration and exposure to the sun both can exacerbate fatigue. To avoid this, drink plenty and limit your time in the sun.

Meditation is also very useful in helping ease the burden of symptoms when they are a nuisance.  There are plenty of apps available for smartphones or tablets that focus on meditation and mindfulness.  The exercises can be done anywhere – even busy airports and they are excellent at settling the mind and reduce stress.  If you find travel difficult and stressful, then perhaps investing in an app like this might be beneficial.

[Tweet “Meditation apps are beneficial for settling the mind and reducing stress – and can be done anywhere!”]

DURING THE HOLIDAY

When sampling a new country, we want to do and see everything it has to offer.  We want to push through symptoms like pain, so we don’t miss out on anything.  But by doing so may not be the smartest move as it may exacerbate then even more.  So take a break.  Perhaps limit your activity to only doing one fun thing a day, giving you the opportunity to rest for the remainder of the day.

[Tweet “Pushing through symptoms so we don’t miss out is not smart and may exacerbate them further.”]

If planning energy-consuming activities alternate your days.  For example, have an active day followed by a day of rest.  Doing this will allow your body time to recover and eliminate the stress and disappointment of potentially missing activities.

[Tweet “To eliminate disappointment of missing out alternate your days between active days and rest days.”]

Travel is good for the soul

And this doesn’t have to mean lying in your room while everyone else is having fun.  Book a spa day as an alternative.  Or treat yourself to a day next to the pool with a good book.

During my recent time away, I experienced a day filled with excruciating pain.  Instead of wallowing in self-pity and misery I phoned my best friend as a distraction from the pain.  I found this useful and made my day brighter.  Perhaps you can think about having your person standby in case you need them.

But perhaps the most beneficial part of self-care for anyone is sleep! So try and get a good night’s sleep and nap whenever you feel like you need it. Sleep is perhaps the best form of self-care there is.

[Tweet “Sleep is the best form of self-care there is!”]

COMING HOME

In my experience, travelling can be extremely taxing.  Take a few free days to allow yourself to settle back into your routine and allow your body to recover. Spend the time to pamper yourself and catch up on your favourite TV programmes. Or reminisce while flicking through your photographs from your incredible trip.

Oh, and plenty of sleep, trust me your body will thank you for it!

[Tweet “Allow some free days after returning from your travels to allow your body to recover.”]

And most of all – congratulate yourself! You made it outside of your safe comfort zone. Not allowing the baggage that you carry because of chronic illness from stopping you from seeing the world.  And no letting chronic illness rob you of the excitement and enjoyment that travel offers!

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I Still Want Adventure In The Great Wide Somewhere
In Chronic Illness

I (Still) Want Adventure In The Great Wide Somewhere

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As Illness Becomes Permanent the Person We Once Were Fades Into Oblivion

Anyone living with a chronic illness is all too aware of the constant impact that comes from the day to day persistence of symptoms such as chronic pain, and fatigue can have, as we watch the person we once were fade into oblivion. Symptoms that first started as mild, seemingly benign, suddenly become invariable. Their presence, not a result of a brief illness but a permanent and life-changing condition. Over time, these symptoms take over our body and mind. The purest pleasures that we once so enjoyed suddenly becomes unattainable. Once something like going on holiday was pleasurable and now invoked anxieties when travelling.

Perhaps it was different for me. The neurological condition that I eventually diagnosed with is as a result of a problem that arose during my birth. As such has left its permanent scar on my life since. Although the symptoms were at first insignificant have become progressively worse since.  As such, I have never been an adventurous or outdoor person. Sports, for example, has never been my thing, proving myself to be more of a clumsy and uncoordinated person. Growing up, and struggling to fit in with others, I was quite happy to stay at home, tucked away in my bedroom to read or watch a favourite film.

Preferring the Safety of the Familiar

Even when I ventured on my own to attend university away from home, I eventually returned after several weeks. I found myself unable to cope away from the comfort and safety of familiar surroundings while navigating mysterious and unexplainable symptoms. Although never a strong passion of mine, I always enjoyed travelling. Whether it be visiting other parts of the UK or soaking up different cultures abroad.

However, as time passed, these symptoms grew in intensity. The culmination of which was preventing me from living life. Anxiety, pain, fatigue, and vertigo were taking over my every day, slowing becoming my new normal.  Endless trips to see consultants and specialists proved fruitless.  Until the diagnosis of a neurological disorder. A burden that I must now carry with me wherever I go.

Were my days of travelling finished?

When the symptoms began to deteriorate, I thought the days of travelling was over.  Feeling the constant effects of such debilitating symptoms, it seemed safer to stay within the comfort zone that my illness has enforced. Afraid that like my illness, this limiting comfort zone is permanent.  My world had become limited, whereas the symptoms became more pronounced and took a more significant part of my life.

"Feeling the constant effects of such debilitating symptoms, it seemed safer to stay within the comfort zone that my illness has enforced. Afraid that like my illness, this limiting comfort zone is permanent. " Share on X
quote life begins at the end of your comfort zone

Life Begins at the End of Our Comfort Zones

But there came a time when I wanted to see more of the world.  Thanks to funding from our local authority, I was able to employ a carer to take me out for a few hours a week. As I  began to visit new places and learned to push through the effects of such debilitating symptoms, my confidence increased. It was only then I  decided to go on holiday for the first time in I can’t remember how long.  Due to the severity of the dizziness, vertigo and perceptual difficulties that come along with them, we decided to try a cruise to avoid the long waiting in an airport terminal.

Lessons Learned From Cruising

Last month, I returned from my fourth cruise.  And ever since, I’ve come to reflect on my experiences of travelling while living with a long-term health condition.  Before the trip, I had been experiencing increasing neuropathic pain in the legs. The excruciating pain often had me sobbing with the intensity of the torment it inflicts. Pain so severe it even made me physically sick as a result. It, unfortunately, continued throughout the cruise. The pain forced me to submit to the painkillers, prescribed to me in case of such debilitating pain. It, however, only added to nausea I was already experiencing due to the motion of the ship.

Where we are is irrelevant; pain is pain. It will be there no matter where we are

But it made me realise, that location is irrelevant.

Pain is pain.

Symptoms are symptoms.

"Where we are is irrelevant. Pain is pain. Symptoms are symptoms. They will be there no matter where we are." Share on X

They are going to occur no matter where we are. Being crippled, writhing in pain, crouched over the toilet at home is no different from being debilitated by pain in the cabin of a cruise ship.  Yes, it’s easier to manage and plan for symptoms when in the security of familiar surroundings but can be achieved even when on the move.  It just requires careful planning, packing essential items that will help manage symptoms when they do occur.

"Yes, it's easier to manage and plan for symptoms when in the security of familiar surroundings but can be achieved even when travelling. It just requires careful planning." Share on X

As this realisation became reaffirmed after each trip I took, it became easier to depart on further cruises.  As flares occurred before a trip, however, inevitable doubts crept in. Doubts which questioned whether I could cope with travel while enduring such severe symptoms. But as the holiday was already fully paid for, as Queen once sang “The Show Must Go On.”

Over time, I have evaluated the limits that the neurological disorder and its symptoms have on my life and adapted my travel as needed.

"Over time, I have evaluated the limits that the neurological disorder and its symptoms have on my life and adapted my travel as needed." Share on X

For the Love of Cruising

I know that places with high ceilings trigger severe episodes of vertigo, hence why cruising has become so appealing.  The trembling of my legs and the lack of warning before they give way means that I am unable to walk far. As such I have particularly enjoyed the Norwegian Fjords as many of these ports are within the towns themselves and they tend to be easy to navigate by yourself.  Also, cruise companies offer some lovely excursions and all itineraries details the total length of the tour and how much activity (like walking) there is so that you can choose one best suited to you and your particular needs.

"For successful travel, we need to evaluate our limits and adapt our plans accordingly." Share on X

As chronic pain is a constant companion of mine, before our cruise, we’d booked a trip to the incredible Blue Lagoon in Iceland. The warm mineral water helps melt away pain and stiffness.  And it worked!  The whole time we were in the beautiful blue water, my pain levels markedly decreased.  We booked a couple of other trips in several of the other ports on the itinerary. All under four hours and had minimal walking involved but still allowed me to appreciate the fantastic sights that Norway and Iceland offers.

The luscious and relaxing water of the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, Iceland

The Anxiety of Being Outside Our Comfort Zone

Before a trip, of course, the monster that is anxiety rears its ugly head. I begin to question whether I am strong enough to cope with constant and debilitating symptoms while travelling.  However, I have survived and at times even thrived even while away from the safe and familiar. Although there were difficult times, I got through them.  I even became stronger and resilient as a result.  I since, have been able to reassure myself with the mantra “You can do this.  You’ve been through worse, and got through things you thought you couldn’t but did.”

"Despite the difficult times, travelling has helped me become stronger and more resilient." Share on X

You become resilient when the intense swelling of the sea, constantly upsets your sense of balance, making it difficult to walk. And you become resilient when crippled with severe pain that feels as if it will never end.  You’re resilient for enduring continuous and unrelenting symptoms and still getting up and enjoying all a holiday has to offer.

The Great Unpredictability of Illness is Much Like The Great Unpredictability of the Weather

This year, reminded me of the great unpredictability of the weather. Unfortunately, high winds prevented the ship from docking in two of the ports scheduled on our trip.

It told me that like the weather the symptoms of chronic illness is also unpredictable.  But as it reminded me, unpredictability doesn’t have to ruin fun or enjoyment of plans; it just means finding ways around the restrictions like the weather or our symptoms.

As much as travelling can be stressful, and that anxiety will be a part of future travel plans, I pledge not to let that stop me. I believe that travel is something that has me happier, stronger and more resilient.  Despite the limitations that the symptoms have on my life, I still want adventure in the great wide somewhere.

"Despite the limitations that the symptoms have on my life, I still want adventure in the great wide somewhere." Share on X
belle quote beauty and the beast adventure in the great wide somewhere
A post about why I crave travel and adventure despite living with constant and often debilitating symptoms of a neurological disorder
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The Benefits of a Spa Day for Those With Chronic Illness

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After Mum and I enjoyed a spa break for my 30th birthday, we decided that whenever we had time, we would book a spa day for us both.  Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we have been unable to enjoy a spa day together for almost a year. But with my impending birthday, we thought that it was time for some much-needed R and R.

Excitement and anticipation soon start after phoning our local spa, for a day pass. The pass includes one of their luxurious treatments and a heap of other benefits. Benefits which include full use of the spa and leisure facilities, two-course lunch buffet and complimentary towel, robe and slippers.

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A spa day is a lovely and relaxing treat for anybody, but especially those with a chronic illness

A relaxing spa day is a sublime treat for both myself and the person with whom I’m going. And provides something to look forward to beyond the daily life of managing unpleasant symptoms like chronic pain.

A spa day is something to look forward to beyond the daily life of managing unpleasant symptoms like chronic pain. Share on X

However, not only is a spa day something lovely to look forward to. But as someone living with chronic illness, I have found that I benefit immensely from it.

And I think a spa day would be beneficial for those living with chronic illness; and here are some of the reasons why:

A SPA DAY ALLOWS YOU TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH LOVED ONES

Before my symptoms became disabling, my Mum and I loved nothing better than to travel to Cardiff. To spend the day together for some retail therapy, and perhaps even take the opportunity to eat out.

However, now as my mobility has worsened, my legs so weak that they give way easily and with no warning.  These days out together are no longer possible, not only because of the debilitating physical symptoms but also due to energy limitations.  I just don’t have the energy to do these type of high-energy activities anymore.  Not without paying a hefty price afterwards. Punishments such as a significant increase in the severity of the symptoms I already have to endure.

Like many of us living with chronic illness, it means that I often have to miss out on social gatherings. Something that is one of the most upsetting and frustrating things about living with a long-term health condition.  However, a spa day allows you to spend quality time with a friend or loved one. One that is thoroughly relaxing and low-energy, perfect for those of us with chronic illness

A spa day is thoroughly relaxing and low-energy, perfect for those of us with chronic illness. Share on X

SPA DAY: BEING ABLE TO UNWIND, DESTRESS AND INDULGE IN SELF-CARE

Like many others living with chronic illness, the condition and its constant and unrelenting symptoms cause me stress.  And never more so when I am experiencing a severe flare, much as I have done recently.  By going on a spa day, however, gave me the opportunity to escape the day-to-day stresses of living with chronic illness. Providing an opportunity to unwind and relax.  As all of us are aware, stress can often exacerbate our symptoms; by going on a spa day, it allows you the opportunity to focus on you and your needs.

A photo of the Relaxation Zone at the Vale Spa in South Wales

Like osmosis, the calm and relaxing atmosphere of the spa itself seeps into my body making me calm and relaxed despite any pain or discomfort I’m experiencing.  Hell, I become so relaxed that I end up catching on any missed sleep in one of the Relaxation Zones. Bliss!

By going on a spa day, it allows you the opportunity to focus on you and your needs Share on X

THE TREATMENTS ON OFFER ON A SPA DAY CAN HELP REDUCE CHRONIC PAIN 

There are a variety of treatments and massages on offer in spas like the one I frequent.  For those who can tolerate touch, as some suffering from allodynia would not benefit from such treatments.  One of my favourite treatments is the aromatherapy massage. But a hot stone massage may also be beneficial for those suffering from chronic pain. Research has found that the therapy eases muscle stiffness, increases circulation and metabolism. It also increases blood flow throughout the body as the hot stones help to expand blood vessels.

Furthermore, massages have also been found to release the same ‘feel-good’ endorphins that you get from working out.  The release of endorphins acts as a natural pain reliever.  The more your body produces these endorphins, the quicker it learns how to release them.  Therefore, regular massage therapy helps to stop the buildup of toxic blockages that hinder the flow of oxygen around the body causing pain and inflammation and to also help the body’s response to it.

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An aromatherapy massage as well as having the same benefits as listed above is also said to ease headaches, improve sleeping problems, lowers feeling of anxiety and improves mood.  The practitioner can tailor the aromatherapy oils depending on you and your symptoms.  During a previous massage, peppermint oil was used on my body, including my stomach. I found that this really helped ease nausea I experience as a side effect of the medications that I take.

I also love having a facial, which is just as relaxing as any of the other treatments already mentioned. Afterwards, my skin is glowing making me look healthy and radiant. A natural healthy glow instead of the pale and unhealthy complexion which has become my norm. And when I look good, I also feel good.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF THE OTHER FACILITIES ON OFFER 

As well as delivering ultimate pampering treatments, most spas also have jacuzzis, saunas, and steam rooms to use during your stay.  Jacuzzi’s are excellent for those like myself who suffer from neurological conditions. The warm water decreases joint stiffness, normalises muscle tone, as well as promoting muscle relaxation all helping to relieve pain. I love spending time in the spa’s jacuzzi, and feel relaxed and rejuvenated doing so. And experiencing a reduction in the amount of pain I am experiencing.  I find it so beneficial that it’s difficult getting me out of there!

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There are plenty of benefits for using jacuzzi’s and steam room, both popular in spa resorts

There are also many benefits of using saunas and steam rooms.  Saunas, for example, are great for detox, as sweating is one of the best ways to remove toxins from the body.

Saunas and steam rooms are although not suitable if suffering from heat intolerance which many suffering from neurological conditions do.  However, even a few minutes in the steam room or sauna can be beneficial. In addition to detoxing, they may also help to reduce inflammation and pain.

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Furthermore, it’s important to reiterate that spending time in hot water and facilities such and saunas and steam rooms can be as good as exercise.  Great news for those who find exercise difficult because of their condition. But it is still important to pace yourself especially for those who struggle with fatigue.  Also, if you have a high blood pressure than you need to consult a medical professional as it may be unsuitable.

A SPA DAY: NO PRESSURES AND A DAY OF NORMALITY 

We all have pressures in our lives whether it comes from work, family, or friends.  When living with chronic illness, we may often feel pressure to do things that we might not feel physically able to do, others not understanding why we can’t because we look healthy on the outside.  Them not understanding how we can still be in pain, or feel so fatigued.

A significant advantage of a spa day is that there are no pressures from others or any need to places any burden on ourselves to do this or that because we feel we should be doing something than resting and looking ourselves. On these days, there is nothing to do but care for ourselves, listen to our bodies and instead do what we need to for us.  A day not continually checking social media, and worrying about what is going on around us.  A day just for us.

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A DAY IN WHICH THE LIMITATIONS OF CHRONIC ILLNESS DO NOT DEFINE ME

At the spa, I feel completely safe and at ease in the environment, which is not always the case because of my neurological condition.  But there, I can take everything at my own pace, even being left alone in one of the relaxation areas while my companion goes to another part to do what they want. It’s, in fact, a spa day is one in which I almost feel ‘normal,’ a day which I am not defined by the limitations of my condition. A day with no ‘I can’t’ and being stopped by the symptoms that I endure because of said condition.  All there is to do is lie back, relax and enjoy!

…I almost feel 'normal, a day which I am not defined by the limitations of my condition. Share on X

There are just a few of the many reasons why a spa day can benefit for those living with chronic illness.  I always come away feeling tired, but still incredibly relaxed, happy and even in less pain.

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My local spa has become a ‘happy place’ to me

I definitely feel and enjoy the benefits of a spa day and would recommend it to anyone.  Plus, it provides a fun and relaxed day out. One that I can actually enjoy and feel comfortable in my surroundings, and allows me time to spend with Mum away from home. I cannot wait until our next day whenever that will be!

Have you tried a spa day?  What did you think?

Let me know in the comment box below or let me know via social media!

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