Would you agree that living with a chronic illness, such as arthritis, has good days as well as bad? Which do you experience more, the good or the bad? How many would say their days are equally good and bad? For example, do you start every day with pain and stiffness that gradually gets better as the day goes on? Have you ever felt so good when evening comes you avoid going to bed because you don’t want the day to end?
These are just a few of the up and down emotions we experience on a daily basis. Chronic illnesses have a tendency to rule our schedules and interfere with daily/weekly activities. Having good days can be a Catch 22 for me because I will push myself to the limits knowing in the days ahead I’ll be down (and in many cases, out!).
When put in the position to decide if the goodness of a good day should continue or come to an end, I often look at my schedule to determine whether or not I can afford to take a leave of absence from life. I also ponder the affect my down time will have on other commitments or those counting on me to fulfill an obligation.
One of the toughest strategies about arthritis is predicting what will happen next. Figuring out how our bodies will respond to ‘pushing the limits’ can be difficult – even for arthritis veterans. Being aware of abilities and knowing our limits are helpful, but not always the right tools to prepare for the unknowns. There have been times when I’ve expected to be down for days, but when the time comes, it’s not so bad. Then there are times when I think sleeping in will suffice, yet when I wake up, I’m unable to move – let alone get out of bed.
Over the years, I’ve been repeatedly asked, “How do you stay positive? What’s it like to live with an illness day in and day out? How can you be sick when you look normal?” My answers vary depending on who’s asking, the time involved and my mood (yes, ‘moodiness’ determines a lot! *grin*).
If the questioner is valid, I’ll explain using ‘the budget method’. For years, I’ve used this method as a coping strategy and for the most part, it’s useful. Since arthritis is not a science, it is not exact, but what budget is?
It goes without saying most of us have busy schedules and rely on a calendar of sorts. When calendaring events or activities, I often view the days or period of time in the same manner as I do finances. If I only have ‘so much’ to spend, it has to be spent wisely.
Whether it’s a typical week filled with work, chores and caring for others; vacation; recovery time or a combination of all; I consider the physical and emotional demands, what can and cannot be avoided, the energy and strengths needed, then set aside specific amounts of ‘my time’ based on what I have to spend. And I stick to it!
Have you ever tried to pay for something and realized you were short on cash? Borrowing from the future is not an option because it’s not there. Not too mention, when ‘that’ time comes, you’ll have less, making it more difficult to live within your means.
Leave a Comment