I wrote this post for my starter blog a few years ago as I reflected upon everything I had to set aside in order to successfully fight Lyme disease. I’m reposting it here to create awareness about living with a chronic complex illness. Nothing is exaggerated.
In my neck of the woods, folks talk about what they gave up for Lent. Think Lent is hard? Try living with chronic Lyme disease. Ask us “Lymies” what we found ourselves giving up for Lyme if you want a new challenge for your next Lenten season.
First, there are the basics, the stuff we all give up and wish we didn’t have to. Things like sleep, energy, regular and effective elimination and the confidence that the medical system has our backs. Things like the ability to think clearly, remember the right words and form functional sentences.
Long ago, most of us gave up our money for Lyme; we said goodbye to basic financial resources like insurance coverage, vacation and college funds, retirement accounts and steady paying jobs. During desperate times, I often check the dryer and the big hole in the armchair, both of which have been known to catch stray coins from other people’s well-endowed pockets.
We’ve also relinquished the social aspects of life: lunch with friends, regular church attendance, reunions, weddings, funerals and family mealtimes. During the worst of it, we Lymies may even hide from ourselves.
Did you give up chocolate for Lent? I gave up chocolate too…indefinitely. I also gave up gluten, dairy, sugar, all processed foods, coffee, alcohol, soft drinks, anything caffeinated, all partially hydrogenated oils and trans fats and anything else that tastes good. Some of us also have to relinquish nuts, fruits, legumes, nightshades (goodbye potato chips and salsa) and leftovers At least we needn’t feel guilty for overindulging.
How about giving up your future expectations for Lent? You know, things like a future spouse, significant other or the hope of having children?
Going a bit too far, are we? Just be glad Lent only lasts 40 days. For some of us, Lyme lasts 40 years!
Maybe you’re living with this reality and you’d like to add a compassionate coach who’s been there to your health team. Or maybe you’d like to speak with a survivor so you can better understand the needs of Lyme survivors in your church, family or business. Contact me and let’s talk!