11 Times 'Friends' Perfectly Described Life With Chronic Illness
I used to be quite the runner. Three miles one day, six miles the next. Even after diagnosis, running helped me clear my mind and maintain a strong body. Then I came off of my biologic due to infection(s). After doing so, I adjusted to new life as a college student, underwent hip/ankle surgery, and entered the recovery period. Between schoolwork, nannying, and maintaining a social life… running got put on the back burner.
That being said, I had big plans for the summer regarding running. I mean huge. Without schoolwork to worry about and my best friends scattered all across the country, I wanted to start training for the half marathon I’ve always wanted to run. I wanted to feel good in my skin again. Then the summer actually arrived. It was filled with mysterious new symptoms and unrelenting pain. In other words… not running. Sigh.
I did start Methotrexate injections and am looking forward to seeing how/if they help me! The injection itself did not burn whatsoever which was pleasantly surprising! Following that injection, my rheumatologist’s PA decided to go ahead and give me cortisone injections in both shoulders. I was stiff and sore for most of the weekend but things are feeling pretty good now… again, pleasantly surprising!
Anyway, while I may not be in any place to get my running goals underway and accomplished, I can certainly do other things… like walk on the treadmill in my room and binge-watch “Friends.” Not all is lost!
Today, in honor of nearly wrapping up the 10th and final season (thanks, Netflix), I present to you “11 Times Friends Nailed What It’s Like to Live With Chronic Illness.”
1. When someone asks how you’re doing and you don’t have time/it’s not the place to go into actual detail…
2. When someone says (for the 6 billionth time) “Get well soon!” or asks, “So, when are you going to be… erm… like… better?”
3. When brain fog messes with your memory and you realize you’ve forgotten to do something (it’s usually of great importance)…
4. When you go in for a routine check up and walk out with a new diagnosis…
5. When you finally give into those prednisone cravings…
6. How prednisone makes you feel after giving into said cravings… #wired
7. When you first wake up and think it’s going to be a good day, but the second your feet hit the floor your body says otherwise…
8. When you’re trying to function normally in society but it’s not working because not. enough. spoons…
9. When you accidentally spend more spoons than you had in the first place and your body begins reacting adversely…
10. When the Methotrexate, Enbrel, Humira, Orencia, etc. hangover gives you the ability to fall asleep absolutely anywhere the day following…
11. How you feel after a high pain day + full day of work, school, etc. surrounded by people who don’t “get it…”
Because otherwise…
Maybe all we need to navigate this chronic life is a good sense of humor and “Friends” (the show and real ones, of course)! Or maybe that’s the pain meds talking… either way, I hope this post brings a smile to your face and reminds you that someone gets it!
This blog was originally published on Life According to Kenz.
Kenzie is the passionate writer and advocate behind the blog Life According to Kenz. Kenzie resides in St. Paul, Minnesota where she currently battles a handful of chronic illnesses and works towards her bachelor’s degree in social work. Connect with Life According to Kenz on Facebook!
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