Busy

Work, physical therapy, appointments, kid events, performances, shopping, volunteering, parties.  This time of year is notoriously busy.  I find I like to stay busy, and the Nov/Dec holiday rush makes that easy.  But, juggling that with chronic illness is becoming more difficult as my symptoms become more demanding.  I don't want to say, "no," but the risk of extreme physical fatigue made it important for me to learn.

Staying busy is a coping mechanism for me.  Having a schedule and knowing what I need to do gives me something to focus on besides the ever-present pain. I feel productive and useful.  Carefully balancing mental and physical activities allows me to rest my body and use my mind.  Some days I am better at this than others, so I take each day as a learning experience and use my successes and failures to improve my ability to stay busy.

I feel guilty when I say no to an invite or activity.  Yet, I feel worse when I say I'll do something then have to cancel because my body is too tired.  I see others my age and older able to be busier than me and feel I should be able to balance my activities that well, too.  But, I cannot.  Because EDS makes me different, unique.  Because my symptoms are not as predictable as I want them to be.

Life with a Chronic Illness

So much has happened since my last post four years ago.  Children aging and being diagnosed.  Me aging and learning more about EDS and its co-morbids.  My husband learning to be my care giver, while both of us adapt to my changing physical abilities.

Ready to join me on my continuing journey?  I welcome you whether you've followed me in the past or are new to the adventures.