{"id":828,"date":"2013-09-09T22:46:02","date_gmt":"2013-09-09T22:46:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/gooddaysbaddays\/?p=828"},"modified":"2013-09-05T23:10:43","modified_gmt":"2013-09-05T23:10:43","slug":"chronic-illness-sometimes-its-the-little-things","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/gooddaysbaddays\/2013\/09\/chronic-illness-sometimes-its-the-little-things.html","title":{"rendered":"Chronic Illness: Sometimes It’s the Little Things…"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Image<\/a>
Image courtesy of dexchao\/FreeDigitalPhotos.net<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Paper cuts, ear wax build up, a common cold, a brief bump against a table that bruises a leg.<\/p>\n

For many people, these things are inconveniences that pass quickly. Oh, but we who have chronic illness most probably know differently. The “little things” can quickly become like that sneaky waterfall, where calm waters lead to a violent, uncontrollable cascade of problems.<\/p>\n

Many of us who have lupus, for example, have to take drugs that suppress our immune systems. Speaking for myself, I have not “just” had a cold for years – no, I get sniffles that go into, at the very least, bronchitis, and usually the whole illness takes a month or more to recover from.<\/p>\n

I’ve know lupies and others who have chronic illness get a “little” paper cut or other “owie,” and they end up with MRSA or some other nasty infection that takes months and course after course of strong antibiotics to get over.<\/p>\n

Prednisone has saved many lives, but the side effects can be tough to deal with, such as the deep and ugly bruising that can come from even a slight bump.<\/p>\n

Perhaps, though, it’s not so much the existence of “little things,” but rather the hesitancy of bringing them up to doctors or loved ones. Surely, you might think, it’s not worth worrying about a scratch or a sniffle? But, it could be important to address it; as I mentioned, those little things can snowball at times, so best err on the side of caution.<\/p>\n

The other part about the “little things” that is tough to live with is that we are living with so much else already. It’s hard to explain sometimes that excessive ear wax can be the tipping point to bone-numbing fatigue, but if you’re dealing with harsh joint pain, multiple meds, and fevers that spike, that one, little inconvenient trip to the doctor to flush out wax build up so you can hear can truly be the proverbial straw.<\/p>\n

If you are reading this and you feel silly when “little things” derail your day, please don’t. These stressors have an impact, and when you have serious health issues besides, they really can amount to more than a mole hill.<\/p>\n

Go easy on yourself. Don’t be afraid to bring up “little things” issues with your doctors – they’ve probably heard it all before, and are ready to help you with them, as well as larger health issues. And as for your loved ones, don’t be afraid to talk with them, too. People who truly love you will understand. And, when the “little things” are properly corralled and taken care of, you’ll feel the stronger – and healthier – for it.<\/p>\n

Blessings for the day,<\/p>\n

Maureen<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Paper cuts, ear wax build up, a common cold, a brief bump against a table that bruises a leg. For many people, these things are inconveniences that pass quickly. Oh, but we who have chronic illness most probably know differently. 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She expected to be writing scripts. God had other plans. A few years after her graduation, Maureen was diagnosed with a life-threatening case of organ-involved lupus. Her life turned upside down as she grappled with the effects of the illness and other health conditions that ensued. She was no stranger to serious health challenges; even as a child, Maureen had survived numerous bouts of pneumonia, flu, and other infections. But lupus made her take a fresh look at her life goals - and took herlifelong, strong Catholic Christian faith and writing in a direction she'd never imagined. Today, Maureen writes and speaks about walking with the Lord while living with chronic pain and illness. Her most recent book is \"Don't Panic!: How to Keep Going When the Going Gets Tough (Franciscan Media). She is also the author of, \"Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain & Illness\" (Image Books\/Randomhouse), \"Beyond Pain: Job, Jesus, and Joy\" (Twenty-Third Publications), \"The First Year: Hypothyroidism, Second Edition\" (Perseus) and \"Taking Charge of Lupus: How to Manage the Disease and Make the Most of Your LIfe.\" She writes the syndicated column, \"Living Well,\" for Catholic News Service, and has also written for Saint Anthony Messenger Magazine, Journey for Women Magazine, The Upper Room Magazine, LupusNow, and Arthritis Today. Maureen's health continues to be a challenge, however she feels honored to be able to bring her perspective, from experience and knowledge, to others. \"Good Days...Bad Days with Maureen Pratt\" is a new way for Maureen to reach people who carry the burden of illness and pain in their lives, or who care for someone who does. 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