internet Archives

Another day, and that means a brand new post as part of the WEGO Health ‘National Health Blog Post Month’. Today, is a diversion from discussing life with a chronic illness and health, as the prompt that I have chosen (as we get a choice between 2 prompts) asks us to discuss our favourite thing that is not health related nut likely improves our life.

For me, my favourite thing, and one which improves my life is my brand new iMac. It really has become the centre of my universe, and one which I spend the majority of my time! Although, admittedly many of the reasons are health-related!! 😉

I am sure those of you reading this and who are too suffering from a chronic illness or disability will ne able to relate – when one is sick, the computer, whatever the make and model, becomes a real lifeline. I know there are a lot of people, many of those who are completely healthy that also claim that their computer is their ‘lifeline’, but in my opinion it is more true for us who are crippled by illness, often we are unable to go out and instead stuck indoors, often alone and without company.

In this instance, my computer has really become the centre of my social life! Not being able to go out, particularly alone, has meant that through my computer and the internet, on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, as well as Skype I am able to keep in touch with friends and family. The computer and internet, also allows me to write this blog, as well as finding any pieces of information regarding my condition – any tidbits of information that I can gather to not only to learn everything there is to know (which isn’t a lot!! – pitfalls of living with a rare condition) but to also find anyways that I can help myself to get stronger, or any treatments that may help control the symptoms that I experience.

And then there are the opportunities to connect with others with similar difficulties that I face, the opportunity to join and explore different support groups; to connect with others, whom although might not have the exact condition as myself, but know exactly the difficulties I face, and can relate. This is support really is invaluable source, as it enables you to talk to others who are going through similar experiences whom you can vent to, from others who understand and can give you great advice when you really need it.

Finally, as I am not able to go out that much, or if I do, am often unable to spend a lot of time out, so the computer and my internet connection allow me to browse all my favourite stores and brands. If I need something, or need some new clothes, I can shop in the comfort of my own hom; without the worry of the possibility that my legs may give way, or struggling with the dizziness. I don;t have to carry heavy bags around, that cause the discomfort in my arms; I can safely buy what I need (or want!) and can have it sent directly to my home. This is one aspect where my computer really makes my life much easier!

Not only my iMac is great for going on the Internet and connecting with others, but on those bad days; the ones where I am stuck in bed as my legs are so weak that I can hardly stand, the computer can transform itself into an entertainment centre!! Recently, I purchased software for my iMac; software which has the ability to turn on my computer into a TV!! Thanks to a USB dongle, I am able to receive Freeview channels, and also have the ability to record programmes that I wish to watch. And there is good all iTunes!! I have quite a few series saved onto the hardrive that I have downloaded direct iTunes – so I also have the option to watch one of these when I am stuck in my bed. Of course, there is always the DVD player; to play the endless number of films and television boxsets that I own. All these are great for keeping me entertained whilst unwell; often feel that when I watch these I have company and don’t feel so alone.

So, these are the reasons for my iMac being my favourite thing that I own and although not health-related makes my life easier and probably happier for it!

What is the one item that you own, which is your favourite, and why? Would love to hear you stories…

Think back fifteen years, its 1997 and the internet was still in its early infancy and was just starting to take off. Being chronically ill or housebound must have been really lonely and isolating – being stuck indoors with only daytime television for company…

Fifteen years on however, the internet is just another part of our everyday life, a lifeline for ‘spoonies’ everywhere; it’s a connection to the outside world, a place where we can meet and talk to others. The internet is an invention that has meant that the chronically ill and housebound need no more have those feelings of loneliness and isolation.

We need no more rely on others to go shopping for us – it can all be done with a few clicks of the mouse, which can then be delivered to our front door. Even those who are chronically ill and are able to go out but are easily fatigued can access online shopping and save their spoons for other chores that need to be done.

Another advantage is the explosion of social media – sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and others are a fantastic opportunity to connect with others, or stay in contact with friends and family if you do not get the chance to see them regularly. It’s a lifeline for those nights plagued with insomnia, unable to sleep, and unlikely to be able to due to the severity of the symptoms, before it would mean sitting alone with a mug of hot chocolate in front of the television, but since the invention of social media you can always find someone online to talk and vent your frustration with. It has become so easy to find new friends with sites such as Facebook, and since starting this blog and taking advantage of social media; I have met and made contact with a lot of fantastic and beautiful people, each battling with different illnesses but meanwhile writing and spreading awareness for their particular cause. I have also come to love sites such as Pinterest, which allows the opportunity to ‘pin’ those images that you love to pin boards – I often use this tool for saving certain crafts that I love the look of and would love the opportunity to try them for myself – also giving me something to keep myself occupied during those times when I am alone in the house and looking for something to do

And online health communities are definitely an advantage for those of us battling chronic illness – it provides somewhere to connect with others with the same condition, or perhaps neurological conditions in general, as an example. Connecting with others on particular online health communities can also mean for the newly diagnosed they can find information and tips for living well with the illness from experts – other patients! Certain health communities such as ‘Patients Like Me’ even offer the option to track your particular health condition by filling out questionnaires on how you are feeling and by detailing the severity of the symptoms being experienced. This obviously offers many advantages, one of which is being able to easily spot any deterioration in symptoms experienced, and noting any progression in the condition, especially if it is one that is degenerative.

There are so many wonderful reasons why I love the internet, social media and online health communities – these tools for everyday life has simply transformed the lives of so many, making life more enjoyable and less isolating!