1. The illnesses I live with are: IBS, Gastroparesis, GERD, Barrett's Esophagus, Heital Hernia, Hypermobility, Asthma, Allergies
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: Most of it was this year - 2009
3. But I had symptoms since: The allergies and GI issues I've have since childhood. The others have been within the next 10 years.
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: I've had to learn to pace myself and balance activity versus rest.
5. Most people assume: They assume that I'm lazy or make excuses.
6. The hardest part about mornings are: IBS flares and pain/stiffness.
7. My favorite medical TV show is: Don't have one, unless Bones counts.
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: My laptop - it's my gateway to the world. So, I can connect and share with others.
9. The hardest part about nights are: Falling asleep.
10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please) Way too many... About 10 a day.
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: Think that they complement medical treatments and can be helpful.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: Visible, because then no one would say "It's just in your head" or "It's just nerves."
13. Regarding working and career: I wish I could find something with better benefits and a more flexible schedule with a chance to advance.
14. People would be surprised to know: I get scared, unsure, and feel lost/uninspired sometimes.
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: That the plans I had for my life may not happen and the absence of physical support.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: Buy my own house.
17. The commercials about my illness: I haven't seen many, but the ones I've been make it look like everything would be perfect if you take the drug they're selling (yeah right!).
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: Going out to clubs with friends.
19. It was really hard to have to give up: Eating junk food (I'm still not perfect at it, but I try.)
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: Blogging.
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Go to NYC, see a show, visit some of my Fabu Friends, and go to Sisters nightclub.
22. My illness has taught me: Patience (which I am still learning).
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: The suggestions they give - "If you just did this..."
24. But I love it when people: Listen, really listen.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: I'm still looking for it.
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: Don't blame youself.
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: Who is supportive and who turns away.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: Bring me flowers.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: It's affects me and people I know personally.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: Glad, grateful.
1. The illnesses I live with are: IBS, Gastroparesis, GERD, Barrett's Esophagus, Heital Hernia, Hypermobility, Asthma, Allergies
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: Most of it was this year - 2009
3. But I had symptoms since: The allergies and GI issues I've have since childhood. The others have been within the next 10 years.
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: I've had to learn to pace myself and balance activity versus rest.
5. Most people assume: They assume that I'm lazy or make excuses.
6. The hardest part about mornings are: IBS flares and pain/stiffness.
7. My favorite medical TV show is: Don't have one, unless Bones counts.
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: My laptop - it's my gateway to the world. So, I can connect and share with others.
9. The hardest part about nights are: Falling asleep.
10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please) Way too many... About 10 a day.
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: Think that they complement medical treatments and can be helpful.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: Visible, because then no one would say "It's just in your head" or "It's just nerves."
13. Regarding working and career: I wish I could find something with better benefits and a more flexible schedule with a chance to advance.
14. People would be surprised to know: I get scared, unsure, and feel lost/uninspired sometimes.
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: That the plans I had for my life may not happen and the absence of physical support.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: Buy my own house.
17. The commercials about my illness: I haven't seen many, but the ones I've been make it look like everything would be perfect if you take the drug they're selling (yeah right!).
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: Going out to clubs with friends.
19. It was really hard to have to give up: Eating junk food (I'm still not perfect at it, but I try.)
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: Blogging.
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Go to NYC, see a show, visit some of my Fabu Friends, and go to Sisters nightclub.
22. My illness has taught me: Patience (which I am still learning).
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: The suggestions they give - "If you just did this..."
24. But I love it when people: Listen, really listen.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: I'm still looking for it.
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: Don't blame youself.
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: Who is supportive and who turns away.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: Bring me flowers.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: It's affects me and people I know personally.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: Glad, grateful.