http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2007/12/30/a-cold-reminds-me-that-my-body-still-rules/ Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:13:58 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2007/12/30/a-cold-reminds-me-that-my-body-still-rules/comment-page-1/#comment-1660 Chronic Health Blog » Archive » 102 Chronic Illness Resources Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:25:40 +0000 http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2007/12/30/a-cold-reminds-me-that-my-body-still-rules/#comment-1660 [...] 24.  Women, Work & Chronic Illness.  A cold reminds me that my body still rules. [...] [...] 24.  Women, Work & Chronic Illness.  A cold reminds me that my body still rules. [...]

]]> http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2007/12/30/a-cold-reminds-me-that-my-body-still-rules/comment-page-1/#comment-1556 Rosalind Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:52:36 +0000 http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2007/12/30/a-cold-reminds-me-that-my-body-still-rules/#comment-1556 Here's my take on it. When I was very young (before CI), I hated getting sick - it made me really grumpy. I found when I was sick a lot from chronic illness, I had no patience for normal illnesses like cold or even flu. I would literally find myself thinking, "I don't have time for this." But I had a lot of resilience and patience for the CI. Now that I'm better for several years, I feel almost glee when I experience a normal setback, like cold or a virus. I find myself minimizing it to others by saying , "It's no big deal. I know this will get better!" It goes to show how much we learn about ourselves living with CI. Here’s my take on it. When I was very young (before CI), I hated getting sick – it made me really grumpy. I found when I was sick a lot from chronic illness, I had no patience for normal illnesses like cold or even flu. I would literally find myself thinking, “I don’t have time for this.” But I had a lot of resilience and patience for the CI. Now that I’m better for several years, I feel almost glee when I experience a normal setback, like cold or a virus. I find myself minimizing it to others by saying , “It’s no big deal. I know this will get better!” It goes to show how much we learn about ourselves living with CI.

]]> http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2007/12/30/a-cold-reminds-me-that-my-body-still-rules/comment-page-1/#comment-1555 Diana Brice Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:18:50 +0000 http://keepworkinggirlfriend.com/2007/12/30/a-cold-reminds-me-that-my-body-still-rules/#comment-1555 I think that colds and other "minor" illnesses serve as a reminder to us that no matter how much we want to be, and usually feel that we are, we are not in control. For those of us with chronic medical conditions I think it is especially important that we don't live under the illusion that we are in control. The best we can do is to manage our illness by paying attention to our bodies and taking appropriate actIon (pulling back) when necessary. I know that I forget how really cold and snowy weather affects my ability to cope until I'm right smack dab in the middle of it and wondering why I feel so rotten. It really saps my energy and makes just getting through the day an uphill battle. When I finally come to my senses and take appropriate actions like putting some things on hold for the duration and getting more rest I feel better (not any more energetic) because I understand what's going on. I have made a promise to myself to really nuture myself, primarily by not overscheduling and getting a lot more rest for the next three months because I know that cold weather is not my friend and I can't move to a milder climate right now. I live in Chicago and our winters can be brutal. I think that colds and other “minor” illnesses serve as a reminder to us that no matter how much we want to be, and usually feel that we are, we are not in control. For those of us with chronic medical conditions I think it is especially important that we don’t live under the illusion that we are in control. The best we can do is to manage our illness by paying attention to our bodies and taking appropriate actIon (pulling back) when necessary. I know that I forget how really cold and snowy weather affects my ability to cope until I’m right smack dab in the middle of it and wondering why I feel so rotten. It really saps my energy and makes just getting through the day an uphill battle. When I finally come to my senses and take appropriate actions like putting some things on hold for the duration and getting more rest I feel better (not any more energetic) because I understand what’s going on. I have made a promise to myself to really nuture myself, primarily by not overscheduling and getting a lot more rest for the next three months because I know that cold weather is not my friend and I can’t move to a milder climate right now. I live in Chicago and our winters can be brutal.

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