Finding Your Best Life

Living with a Chronic Disease

Many people live with at least one chronic illness.

I am one of those people.

Doctors did not have solutions for me other than medications and therapies that sometimes worsened the pain of inflammation. Getting a Celiac diagnosis helped me to finally find a clearer path to improve my quality of life, but that took 18 years. My journey lead me into the world of “food as medicine.”

Living with a chronic illness can present ongoing challenges, but it is possible to manage many of the symptoms and maintain a high quality of life with the right support systems, lifestyle choices, and coping strategies.

Here are some ideas to consider when navigating life with a chronic illness:

Work with healthcare providers to develop a personalized care plan that includes medications, therapies, and regular check-ups. Go beyond your doctor where they cannot address some of the issues to manage your whole body. For me, finding a specific Physical Therapist that specialized in Therapeutic Stretching and Massage provided relief where I had not found that from the doctors. This was not covered by my health insurance. I had to find ways to give up other things of less value in my life to pay for this support out of pocket.

Learn about your illness and the best ways to manage it. Our bodies are much more powerful to heal than the medical system will discuss at your appointments. Often health care providers focus on accepting your diagnosis, intending to help you find a way to live with it. Not every illness has to be permanent. I challenge you to look at it as a small part of who you are and not get beaten down about it.

Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and therapy can help manage stress. Connect with support groups, either in person or online, where you can talk to others who understand your situation. Counseling or therapy may also help you process emotions.

Writing down struggles often helps to process the feelings and manage them.

Eating a balanced diet tailored to your health needs is essential. This could involve working with a holistic nutritionist to find the best plan for managing symptoms and boosting energy.

Everyone can find benefit improving diet. Our liver will express sharp pain in our upper back when it is burdened with toxicity. Cleaning up your chemical load and cutting out ultra-processed foods can aid in relief.

Sugar, gluten, hormones in dairy and meats can increase inflammation. Certain vegetables can be inflammatory also. Contact me for more information.

Regular, moderate physical activity can improve physical and mental well-being. Work within your limits. Consult your healthcare provider about appropriate exercises, but listen to your body over doctors on what feels good to you.

Do not sit in a chair. Movement is needed for health. All movement is exercise.

It is important to prioritize rest and good sleep hygiene. Be open with loved ones and employers about your condition when necessary. It can help people understand your needs and limitations.

You may need to make adjustments to your work or social life, such as flexible working hours or delegating responsibilities. Women in particular struggle with being able to say no. It is an important part of your health to get better at this practice of saying yes to your needs first.

Managing a chronic illness often involves regular medical expenses. Planning ahead and exploring insurance or assistance programs can help alleviate financial stress. If your illness significantly impacts your ability to work, investigate whether you're eligible for disability benefits or workplace accommodation.

Keep up with the latest information about your condition, treatment options, and any new research or developments.

Lastly, never give up hope that you can find new solutions that will help improve your quality of life.

For further reading, here are some great links:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4062-chronic-illness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKPn0dQJZmc

https://www.wellandgood.com/holistic-medicine-specialist-longevity/

“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take a step.”

Naeem Callaway

For any custom guidance, schedule a free chat to get started with me today.Remember we are all BIOINDIVIDUAL, what works for one does not work the same for another.

For more info on packages and classes with Angie’s Real Food look here:

https://angiesrealfood.com/