The Endless Twisted Journey to Wellness

When a person has multiple chronic health conditions for years, the light at the end of the tunnel seems a million miles away. Frankly, the light can seem non-existent.

Unless a person has chronic health conditions, it is very difficult to imagine or understand what life is like, living with these conditions. Often the disorders appear invisible to others.

The World of Chronic Illnesses

You may know someone who appears fine and then a few hours later, cancels plans with you. They say that are not feeling well or are suddenly ill. With some chronic diseases and disorders there are few or no warning signs before symptoms occur.

Many will look just fine in all appearances. However, state that they are not doing well, at all. High blood pressure, asthma, skin disorders, IBS, GERD, fibromyalgia, allergies, migraines, depression and anxiety and chronic fatigue syndrome are just a few of the invisible chronic health conditions that plague many individuals. Unfortunately, there are sometimes few or no external signs. It is extremely difficult for individuals with these and similar conditions to obtain the empathy and support that they need.

It can be exhausting to not only live with these health issues but to also explain to family, friends or employers what is going on. These chronic conditions can greatly impact one's daily life. A person may feel pain, confusion, a loss of hope, guilt, frustration, sadness and anger. It also takes a lot of energy, mentally and physically to deal with these challenges. It is imperative that those around people with chronic illnesses, learn about the specific condition and be as supportive as possible. It should also be understand that every person and every body makeup is different. How one person is affected by migraines or asthma or depression, can be vastly different than that of another. A supporter cannot and is not expected to cure or fix the situation.

It is vital to just be there, when needed or allow the person suffering from a condition, some time to themselves. It is an ever-changing situation that may be difficult to manage for a variety of reasons. As in my case, I may be on a path to better managing one condition or two, when another emerges or an existing conditions worsens. It can be extremely frustrating.

It can be very upsetting when others continue to tell you to go to the doctor, eat right, pray etc. What they often fail to realize is that you have done those things and more, and you are not magically cured. Medical bills are mounting, multiple doctor visits has its own frustrations. Some doctors are better than others and you are often prescribed additional medication with their own side-effects. Time has been taken from work, school and family and one's faith may be waning.

Some chronic suffers are able to smile through the pain and discomfort. Some rarely miss work, they have learned to just deal with their symptoms and push forward. It does not mean that they are OK. I am sick more often than I am well, but those around me would not be able to tell. I rarely miss work. I live with many of the conditions mentioned in this article and some not mentioned. Where one might think someone with chronic health issues is weak, they are often some of the strongest people, you will ever cross paths with.