Last week I was told I shouldn't do something because of my Addison's. This person was well meaning but does not know me or the disease very well. At first, I was really hurt by this comment. People don't generally tell me I shouldn't do things, even people who know me well like my husband and my physician.
This comment got me to thinking about all the other people with Addison's who are told they shouldn't do something because of their health. It hurts to be told you shouldn't, it's a little soul crushing. I can see how it could really change the direction of a person's actions depending upon who tells you that you shouldn't.
Well...don't listen to the person who tells you that you shouldn't. Remember that they don't or can't possibly understand your situation. You need to educate yourself about your disease, wear your Medic Alert bracelet, take your meds in the right doses at the right times, sleep well, eat well, have an injection kit and make sure people around you know what to do in case of an emergency.
The next step is to HAVE FUN and GO FOR IT!
Prove the "shouldn't people" wrong and show them why you deserve to life the life you choose. Show them through your actions that you CAN and you WILL succeed. When you are able to prove them wrong, make sure the "shouldn't person" knows so you can save someone else from being told they shouldn't.
Even if you have Addison's or any other chronic illness, you can do whatever you want to do. Where there's a will, there's a way. Set your goals HIGH and go for it!!
I wouldn't call this a rant, Dusty. I'd call it a coach's locker room pep talk! Thanks! I needed that.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was dx'd with Lyme, then CFS my doc told me I would have to give up running. So, I did what any logical person would do...I took up Ultras! :) Yes, we definitely have additional obstacles and issues we ahve to take into consideration but we can still get out there and do our thing. *Shouldn't* is definitely not in my vocabulary :)
ReplyDeleteI have severe degenerative disc disease (condition) Back in my 30's a couple of Drs. in Canada had told me 1) not to ride my horses 2) not to run anymore and 3) one Dr actually said if an activity "hurt", don't do it!!!
ReplyDeleteThis isn't in the same league as Addison's, but I sometimes think I'd like to visit those Drs. and let them know all I've done in the last 20 years!
I think for the most part we know our own bodies best -- you are a terrific example of being smart and getting the most from yours!!
Dusty, I too have Addison's Disease and have just started a blog as well - you entry has hit home with me. We can't be scared to the point of not living a full life. Keep going - some people concentrate more on the "label" than on the person. I'm going to enjoy reading your blog!! I am at www.FindingLana.blogspot.com Lana/I'll be in touch!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's so cool that there are so many of us living our lives to the fullest despite road blocks and obstacles!
ReplyDeleteYou go girls!!!
Lana, I will check out your blog and link it to mine.
:) Dusty
Glad to hear you found someone else to hold your hair!!
ReplyDeleteLoved the pictures of the moose and you and Zane.
MOM