Lessons Learned from Chronic Illness

and advice for those recently diagnosed

I thought it might be helpful to put together a quick newsletter with some advice on dealing with chronic illness. I know that when I was first diagnosed, I needed a list like this! Hope it helps! 

First, depending on your type of illness, you may get blood drawn a lot. This presents an opportunity to collect dozens of pieces of bloody gauze and tape in the side compartment of your car’s driver side door when you’re driving home from doctor’s appointments. It’s best if you collect so much bloody gauze that your car should require a biohazard warning for anyone who gets into it. 

Next, if like me, you have no concept of linear time, being chronically ill provides a perfect excuse to be late to every single thing in your life. In New Orleans, it takes exactly 20 minutes to get anywhere. A good rule of thumb is to leave your house exactly when your engagement is scheduled to begin so that you’re perfectly 20 minutes late to everything in your life. 

Third, food is the best medicine. For this reason, it’s important that you eat a diet that consists exclusively of dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets and Kraft mac and cheese. I have nothing more to say on this topic. 

Next, there will be numerous times when you’re forced to tell people about your chronic illness. If you’re a relatively young person, this news will invariably be met with “Oh, but you’re so young!” and then the question, “Do you have a family history?” When you receive these comments and questions, simply open your mouth and scream. 

Finally, if you’re lucky enough to have dedicated time for rest and recovery, the best way to use this time is by watching the 50 episodes in each season of Love Island UK. Your future self will thank you for how well you have taken advantage of this season in your life. 

What other pieces of advice do you have for chronically ill people? Comment below!