Chronic Illness Chronicles
March 28, 2007 by laura
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
There are many really great reasons for writing CFS Squared. I am forced to read articles about the latest happenings and discoveries regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The people that have correspond with me via this blog are outstanding and out of this world, and I feel very lucky to have you all in my life. I feel like I have a whole bunch of new best friends. And I have missed you all, this past month.
However, there is one very important reason why I keep writing here. One of the uses of this blog for me, is that I am able to journal how I am feeling, and my health care team has easy access to it. Without fail, when I go see a doctor for a check up, the answer to how I have been feeling, will almost always be “I have been good” or “not bad”. You see, when I am feeling good, I totally forget that I have been sick….even if it happened just 2 or 3 days ago. I just can’t remember. It’s an interesting way to live. I often think that I am doing so well, and then I read the archives on this blog to realize that I have had the flu 4 times in the past six weeks, that I am suffering from pneumonia currently, that I have weird neurological issues, and have had weird little stress illnesses and a bad case of mono, all in the past 6 or 7 months. Without this blog, I would remember almost none of it.
So while this year feels like its been much worse than previous ones. It really is my first year of chronicling my health, and so to be fair; I don’t really have an accurate account of my past to measure it against. Well with the exception of the bronchitis years…I seem to remember those well (and right about now, am missing them).
I know what you mean about visiting the doctor and saying “I feel fine” … I have to book my allergist so far in advance that six months later, what is there to say? But for my seasonal allergies (e.g. mould worse when it is damp, dust worse when the windows are closed in the winter), I’ll feel just as crappy six months after the appointment than six months before.
The only thing I’m wondering is do you blog as much when you feel crappy as when you feel great? That might skew your results?
The thing about blogging for b5media is that you need to post regularly. Certain exceptions apply, like lack of internet access….which thankfully has now been remedied. But still, While I don’t always write about how I am feeling here, I do it often enough to have an accurate measuring rod.
The long lead time regarding specialist appointments is a challenge, that I also deal with. Usually though, by the time I see them – I forget why I had the appointment booked in the first place….mostly because I have become used to the symptoms that were giving me problems.
I am so glad you write this blog! And I wish you swift recovery and swifter forgetfulness!
AWWWW!
Jennie,
you just made me blush.
thank you.
I just found your blog today–thank you so much! It can be isolating to have CFS/FMS.
I am going through similar health issues, as I’ve had a cold, 2 bouts of bronchitis, mono, and now possibly bronchitis again–since January
I’ve had CFS for 12 years, and this is how I felt when I first got it…just plain sick and tired. I long for the time when I “just” have CFS/FMS.
Hang in there, I hope you’re feeling better soon!
Angel, welcome to the craziness!
Glad you are liking it here.
Sounds like you and I are having the same kind of year. On top of my current bout of neverending pneumonia, I caught another cold yesterday….and not being able to breathe through my nose and my lungs being totally filled with fluid…well I probably dont have to tell you that this is an entirely new kind of pain, to me. One that I don’t ever want to experience again.
I hear you, on the familiar thing. This is probably the worst I have felt in 9 years, when I first had cfs.
here is hoping that we both have speedy recoveries