You never really know what someone living with chronic illness is going through. Hopefully, with some insights into what a flare-up is really like, we can find more understanding and compassion for those living through it.
Transcription:
Things People May Not Realize We Do Because of Sudden Flare-Ups
Need a distraction from chronic pain?
1.“Leaving texts as ‘unread…’
I saw it, I want to reply, but I’m just not capable of people-ing right now.”
2. “I get really distant
talking as little as possible and giving short answers. I’ll start to avoid eye contact and focus on something other than people.”
3. “I get super cranky
from being absolutely exhausted and/or nauseous.”
4. “Walking slowly.
Half the time you can only tell how unwell I am compared to my friends when we walk as a group and I’m a good few feet behind them.”
5. “I’ll be resting or practicing self-care.
Any major activity that needs to be done will not be done quickly or right when it’s convenient for you.”
6. “Changing position a lot.
Sitting to standing, standing and leaning on things, stretching when I can.”
7. “Watching my breathing.
I have to focus on it to stay calm.”
8. “It’s like my body puts itself in energy-saving mode for recovery.
Talking to coworkers only when necessary, prioritizing my workload and saving what I can for tomorrow.”
9. “Being on edge.
I really can’t help but be tense when I’m having a flare.”
10. “I drag my hand against posts or solid structures.
Can’t trust my vision or sense of balance so I touch things to remind me the world isn’t moving.”
11. “I cannot do face-to-face much anymore,
but I do thrive online.When things get extra rough with pain levels, fatigue or even breathing, I pull back and become rather quiet.”
You never really know what someone living with a chronic illness is going through.
Hopefully these things can give some insight into what a flare-up is really like, and we can find more understanding and compassion for those living through it.
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