30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know

1. The illness I live with is: chronic migraine and other chronic pain.

2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2006 at the age of 18(chronic migraine).

3. But I had symptoms since: 4th grade at about 10 years old.

4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: working and getting through life with or without a migraine or pain of some sort.

5. Most people assume:  that I really am not hurting because I can go about my day and act like I don’t hurt.

6. The hardest part about mornings is: getting out of bed when your head and neck hurt so bad they are weighing you down.

7. My favorite medical TV show is: E.R.

8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is:  my computer.

9. The hardest part about nights are: working with a migraine. I work night shift and there are many days that I would rather be laying in my bed with an ice pack on my head and neck trying to sleep. Usually my migraines wear me out so much that all I want to do is sleep.

10. Each day I take 0 pills & vitamins. This varies, at one point I was taking up to 6 pills a day. I try not to take medications but rather use alternative treatments when possible.

11. Regarding alternative treatments I:  love them if they work. Massage, chiropractic care, TENS units, and hot/cold therapy have all been essential elements of dealing with chronic migraines.

12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose:  I think I would choose a visible illness because people wouldn’t assume I was “faking” anymore.

13. Regarding working and career: I love my current job, except for working at nigt. I am currently a student working on a BS of Psychology with a minor in Health Science Concepts. I try to make the most of my work even when I don’t feel like being there.

14. People would be surprised to know:  I only show my pain when I can’t take it anymore.

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: no one is able to take away the pain no matter how bad I want them to.

16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: gain strength to keep striving daily.

17. The commercials about my illness:

18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is:  not having to worry about what might trigger my pain today.

19. It was really hard to have to give up: listening to loud music, riding roller coasters, and going to concerts and standing near the stage.

20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: sitting in quiet places and enjoying nature. I did this before but it has become more enjoyable now.

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: first Thank God for it, then climb on a mountaintop and Proclaim It to the world, and just in case that wasn’t enough Facebook It, take a picture then Pin It, and Blog about It.

22. My illness has taught me:  that I am my biggest supporter and that no matter what others say I am strong, I am smart, and I am important—or I wouldn’t be here.

23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: when they ask me a million times if the medication I just took 5 minutes ago is helping. Heck, when you hurt does your pain go away within 5 minutes of taking a pill. If so you probably didn’t need it in the first place. Also, when people assume I am weak because I am in pain. Realize it or not I am probably one of the strongest people you will ever meet.

24. But I love it when people:  empathize with me about my migraines and try to help keep me relaxed.

25. My favorite mottos, scriptures, quotes that get me through tough times are: 

Isaiah 40:31--Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.

Philippians 4:13--I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

John 16:33--These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

Matthew 11:28-30--Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.

“Out of life's school of war: What does not destroy me, makes me stronger.” --Friedrich Nietzsche, The Twilight of the Idols (1899)

26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them:  it is not the end of the world and what doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger.

27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is:  that although it may be difficult I can go on with life. This illness is not a death sentence.

28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was:  give me a massage and hold me until the worst part of it passed.

29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: I want people to better understand what I deal with on a regular basis.

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: encouraged and hopeful.