We are so glad you have enjoyed getting to know the daily life of our devotional writers even better. We are honored to be able to share Diane’s 30 Things Meme today.
30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know
1. The illness I live with is: Sphincter of Odi Syndrome, severe colitis and IBS, Fibromyalgia, Neurocardiogenic Syncopy.
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2009-2011 (it took till 2011 to find the sphincter odi at shands)
3. But I had symptoms since: 2008
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: constant pain and drastic diet changes
5. Most people assume: I am healthy, as I look healthy and am thin. When I’m out is because I’m having a somewhat good day.
6. The hardest part about mornings are: constant bathroom issues and never knowing if can plan ahead.
7. My favorite medical TV show is: New York ER, I like it cause it is real life and I see the work that the doctors and staff do to try to help others in a time of great need.
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: my computer!
9. The hardest part about nights are: the pain and fatigue. It usually starts by 3 in the afternoon, and continues to increase by evening to an high level.
10. Each day I take 21 pills and vitamins. (No comments, please)
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: am currently seeking help through a nutritionist in hopes of receiving some valuable info to relieve some of my issues.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: invisible
13. Regarding working and career: I have not worked since my cancer diagnosis in 2008. Following treatment I was cancer free, but the damage from the chemo has made it impossible for me to be able to have a regular schedule.
14. People would be surprised to know: I still try to go on mission trips each summer. I was unable to this year, but am hoping the Lord will again allow me to next summer.
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: That I may never be able to eat like a normal person and have the energy to do the things I had done most of my life until the last 5 years.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: continue on mission trips to the Navajo Nation.
17. The commercials about my illness: there are none for Sphincter Odi, but the colitis and fibromyalgia, medication ones are not encouraging as the meds cause so many side effects.
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: going out to dinner with my family.
19. It was really hard to have to give up: church on Wednesday nights. I’m usually just so fatigued by evening and have to take medicine that makes me drowsy so I can’t drive.
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: art class. I love it! We do all kinds of art, painting, ceramics, paper painting art, etc. I love the interaction with others and it takes my mind off the pain.
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: spend it enjoying the time with all my family. Doing something we used to do, go to a water park! We had so much fun doing it before.
22. My illness has taught me: to cherish the times I have good days with lower pain, and to always remember that God is with me. I may not have chosen this path for myself, but I believe that through Him I can still have a full life and be used by Him in many ways!
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: “How are you feeling? You look great!” LOL. Not that I don’t want a compliment, but I feel like they really don’t want to hear how I feel. I’m learning to give very brief answers that don’t really disclose much unless they really look in my eyes and say, “how are you really?”
24. But I love it when people: when a friend calls or stops in just to say hi and visit for a bit, especially when I’ve been down for a few days or weeks without going out.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: 2 Corinthians 1:4 “He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort god gives us.”
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: “Try not to look at it as something all bad, you will have times that are good and times that are tough, but you will if you choose, draw much closer to the Lord, seeing Him in everyday activities, more than you ever have before.”
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: finding out how many other people also deal with invisible illnesses.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: drive me to the doctor when my husband was unable to do so.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: I want others to be encouraged and given hope, knowing they are not alone.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: Encouraged and hopeful that each of us care about one another and desire to grow together as individuals and as a group! Let us each extend our hands, hearts and lives to be lights and reflections of those who choose to live life as full as possible and to share those lives with others around the world.
Diane….how I related to so much of what you had to share even though I don’t have the same illnesses but they are invisible also. Your list was so good that now I am going to write my own 30 things that someone may not know about my invisible illnesses (fibromyalgia, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, chronic migraines, herniated discs and lumbar scar tissue). Your writings were so encouraging and positive! THANK YOU!
Jean so glad it was an encouragement to you. I’m glad your going to write up your 30 things also. I think it helps others understand us just a little better. Maybe even helps us understand ourself better. I pray that God will minister to you, both in your health and spirituality. Thank you for taking time to read my 30 meme, and for your encouragement to me. It really means so much to know that someone receives what God has shared in my life and helps them also. God bless Diane.
Thank you for sharing, Diane! My life is somewhat similar and then again different since we are all unique. My cancer still remains since there is no cure, but the treatment has worked and my numbers have remained at a good level. In addition, since I moved to Florida, my new arthritis MD, has been using sevella for my fibro pain. Despite the weeks of constant nausea during adjustment, it is starting to work well enough that I can actually do more in the afternoon. I do wish you well.
Joan tha k you so much for your comments and encouragement. I’m glad that your cancer At least staying at good level. I pray that God will grant you strength comfort and His healing touch. I hope you like Fl. I have lived here my entire life. (Only sont like Aug, too hot!) I’m glad that your having some improvement with new medication. I know being a le to get out and function means a lot. May God continue to hold you in His callable hands. Blessings Diane
Thank you for sharing with us and I am sure I speak for many that we so enjoy getting to know our writers! It is humbling that you serve us; I pray God in turn blesses your heart as you hear (and all you writers) how much Glory this brings to the name of Christ. I am somewhat a newbie to RM, and am reveling in the love, support and fellowship. And… I feel so normal around here! 🙂
Thank you, and I look forward to reading more of your writing!
Debra thank you so very much for your kind words of encouragement. I’m so glad you have joined us here at RM. I too have found it to be such a loving and welcoming place for each of us. I am so grateful for Lisa, and all her work along with many others, to keep this precious gift going. It amazes me how many individuals are touched by this ministry and how God uses it to not only encourage but to love on those who are ill. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts and kind words. I pray God will be with you and hold you in His hands as you persevere. Blessi gs to you diane
Sooooo good to get to know you a little more Diane. Sorry for all that you deal with. You’re a blessing to me. God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn ♥
Kerryn tks so much. You are indeed a blessing also with not only your talent as a writer but also your graphics you post to be an encouragement to each of us. Your thoughtful and kind words always mean so much. I continue to keep you in prayer. As well as your son that he will conti ue to grow stronger and God will continue to heal him and allow him to keep progressing. Many blessings sent your way diane
Thanks Diane! ☺Lotsoluv Kerryn ♥