What is it like to have an invisible illness, and how can I help?

What is it like to have an invisible illness, and how can I help?

What is it like to have an invisible illness, and how can I help?

I was talking to a friend about invisible illness recently. Few people know just how much I suffer at times.  Why? Because I choose to not live in a world of self-pity.

Because I sometimes forget on the great days! I choose to be determined to live the richest life my body allows. I choose to HOPE that someday I’ll get better.

But perhaps, I also do a disservice by not bringing light to invisible illnesses.

To not do my part in helping people understand what they can mean. To remind me again, and again, to stop feeling guilty for being a burden on my husband (something he has NEVER said, just that I fear).

This week, I’ll be open and share. Especially, in light of the recent diagnosis that my own child has received. Because I want her to know there is no shame in the struggle. That is a lie.

 

Chronic invisible illness

I am Christa. I’ve had CFS and fibromyalgia, for 23 years. For four days I’ve been in an excruciating cycle of pain and fatigue.

This is an example of a “cycle” FMS-ee’s  might experience…

My veins feel as though they are filled with cement; my body refuses to function and my days are spent with very little movement.  I feel as though someone took a baseball bat to me, head to toe.

purple rose close up

You don’t look sick!

My cognitive abilities are impaired, and I struggle to remember your name…even if I’ve known you for YEARS. And yet, I still wonder to myself, “Hmm, what is going on here?”

But I, and others like me, are NOT our disease. It brings us dis-ease, but it doesn’t define us ♥.

On the days we can live well…live with wild abandon with me! I love it. On the days I can’t, forgive me when I try to hide it…I’m performing Jedi mind tricks to embrace the life I am given that day. To find the good. And those days, it is hard.

But I believe in change and am always working toward what I CAN do towards it.

Trust me, the people who have mental illness or permanent disability?

They are always researching, experimenting. They don’t choose this life, but they can live well in SPITE of it. This is a piece, not the whole puzzle.

What is the spoon theory?

It is super helpful to check out the Spoon Theory (spoons represent energy)...it makes it easily understandable why people who look “fine” might be using ALL their energy to fake it.

Because they WANT to spend time with you and not seem flaky. But, it costs dearly.

invisible illness quotes spoon theory

(you can download a free printable PDF of the Spoon Theory by clicking here)

If you hear people talking about “how many spoons they have left”, they are referring to being REALLY close to tapping out. It can happen with no notice, and be drastic.

You probably don’t see that side of your people that often. That is due to them rationing their energy to the best of their ability.

Please remember that this is truly beyond their control. It sucks and is embarrassing, if you can roll with it? Not make a big deal? They will be so grateful.

Oh, and if you hear the term “spoonies”? It is a nickname for people who must operate under this set of parameters.

 

Invisible illness awareness

If you have people you love who live silently with silent illness? Here are a few suggestions to help:

Bring meals or send a gift card. It is so hard to ask for help, so we eat crappy sometimes because pride dictates our meals. We really “think” we’ll be just fine.

Don’t be upset if our plans need to change suddenly. It is never personal. We just don’t know that our body will change our plans for us, suddenly. And phone calls can be so hard, to think through, please know you are valued, even if/when we can’t tell you

Send a card or something small…that mailbox is a serious joy bringer. Share things you know we’d enjoy that don’t require us to use our hands to hold them. A song, a book on tape etc.

Give us the best gift. Empathy, not pity. Remind us of who ELSE we are on those hard days. Let us know you “hear” us, and then allow us to just “be” with you.

Love on our family. The nagging guilt we feel at our spouse sacrificing so much is a huge part of the battle. No one wants to feel like a burden. These front line responders give every.single.day.

Be sure that our kids pay an extra toll, everyone does more when one of the team is down. People think of us, but usually, don’t understand how much they give. Invite them out for a while, give them a break.

We will give you our undying gratitude. (read this about parenting a child with chronic illness)

Pray. It is so vital to our Spirits

Resources for chronic illness?

Is there anything I can share with a loved one who suffers with invisible illness?

Heck yes! I am delighted to share a few here I know of, but do a Google search on the challenge specific to YOUR loved one. There is so much hope to be found.

Here are a few encouraging places on the web I’m hanging out at…

The Power of “No” When You Have A Chronic IllnessChronic Illness In A MarriageThe Spoon Theory,  Inkblots of Hope, and Grace Is Sufficient.

You can see my whole Pinterest board for Health and Wellness by clicking here…and check out the Faith Through Chronic Illness board here.

invisible illness quotes

What are some invisible illnesses?

Some of the more common ones are: Cancer, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (FMS), Lupus, Lyme disease digestive issues, and POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome).

Knowing what issues might not be visible to us, helps us to understand our loved ones better!

Thank you so much friends and family for all the love and support.  George Bailey was right regarding people who care about us, and allow us to care for them are a gift.

It truly is a Wonderful Life.

Resources for living with an invisible illness

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10 Comments

  1. Thank you for sharing this! I loved what you said about supporting a struggling friend or loved one through empathy. Yes, you are more than your pain!

    1. Hi Jessica, so glad you are here today. I hope you found something encouraging to take away. Welcome!

  2. I am so glad that you wrote this post!!! I have multiple sclerosis. Some days I have a good one. So, I will go out to the store. I use the “mart-cart” (motorized wheelchair offered by the store) to go through the store. However, I have gotten many stares from people who think I shouldn’t be using this. However, even if I’m walking ok that day, I can’t walk long distances, even on a good day. And, if I didn’t use the cart, I would be so exhausted by the time I got home that I wouldn’t be able to do anything else. I also have a wheelchair tag for in the vehicle for the same exact reason. The extreme summer heat and winter cold cause my symptoms to act up as well. My one pet peeve is stores that don’t have enough “mart carts” or those that don’t have any. Thank you for sharing your story!!! I hope that you don’t mind that I shared mine!! God bless you for all that you do!!!!

    1. Jennifer, thank you for sharing what must be a very frustrating part of your normal life! I am proud of you for staying strong and doing what is right for your body! Blessings, Christa

  3. Christa, thanks for sharing this. Oh, I am so guilty of hiding how I am really feeling. I just do not want to be a burden to anyone. I am pinning this to my fibromyalgia board so it might help others as well.

    1. Thanks for sharing, and I am SO delighted to know you are wanting to express more about how you feel. I TOTALLY get it about the burden part, it is such an ugly stepsister of fibro. Please, fight hard to focus on all the joy you bring to the world in countless other ways ♥

  4. Thank you for this. I totally agree with you. I myself am a stroke survivor. Looking at me, you would never know that I’m suffering from anything. But, sometimes my left side does not want to listen to me. I can’t go up and down the staircase anymore. Some people can’t seem to understand that. Having this “invisible” disability has really opened my eyes to what others may be suffering from. Just because they’re not in a wheelchair, or have any visible disability, does not mean that they are not suffering quietly on the inside.
    I love your suggestion of what to do to help.

    1. Hello Ivy! Bless you in your challenges and circumstance, that is very hard indeed. Two suggestions that have been helpful…1. Find a community of support that is specific to your needs. Our “regular” friends and family might not be able to understand like people who have been there, or are there. Make sure they are actually supportive and not having pity parties. I’ve notice a difference in ones that want to encourage a beautiful life in SPITE of our challenge vs. venting sessions and complaints. 2. Serve others in any way possible that doesn’t hurt you. For example, when I felt I had little to offer, I started a mini card ministry. People love mail and many don’t have the “freedom” of time 😉 to write them. I hope that helps, and may you find continued healing!

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