Matt blogs about his faith in Jesus and serving others on his bog, Jesusluvsall. I hope that you follow along his journey, as I have found him to be nothing but encouraging, uplifting, and inspirational. I found a connection with Matt because we both battle chronic pain, and share that we find comfort and strength through our journey’s from Jesus. I love his witness, his encouragement, and his intelligence.

Matt was recently interviewed by funniebunnie_ on Instagram, and if you are a fellow spoonie, it’s worth a listen! Here is the link to his post and the interview, and below that, you will find my take aways from the interview.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CFnFsQ0l9F8/?igshid=r6gvlo6wax0q A few months ago, I felt the Lord impressing on me to share about chronic illness in my…

Interviewed on Instagram about Chronic Illness

1. Journal. Keep a journal, or just a simple calendar of your symptoms, your overall health, activities, and your diet. All of this information can help you to determine patterns and help your providers partner with you to determine treatment plan. It can also, equally important, help you to determine your limits in regards to activity levels.
2. Be your own advocate! Very few people in your personal life are going to truly understand what you are struggling with. Especially if you have more good days than bad, or only put those good days out to the world! It’s OK to say no. It’s OK to question a health care provider. It’s OK to set limits and personal boundaries! YOU know your body and what you can tolerate better than any physician, nurse, instructor, friend, family member, test, etc…
3. Find a doctor that will listen to you. I’ve heard it over, and over again, and experienced it myself: “The doctor wasn’t lisstening,”, “he brushed past that,” “she blew it off like it was just normal,” “I feel like they think I’m crazy/a hypochondriac/a drug seeker.” Listen, very few spoonies actually WANT to take more tests, or more pills, or see more doctors! What we need most is REST, and as much NORMALCY as possible! If we’re reaching out for help, we NEED it. If your doctor isn’t listening, isn’t hearing you, or isn’t HELPING you, it’s time to move on and find another one. I know, I KNOW – that process in itself is EXHAUSTING! But, I assure you, it’s WORTH IT! Trust your gut. Find someone who will take this journey WITH YOU and see you more as an another appointment to get through.
4. Know your family history. Often, chronic pain and illness runs in families. If you can, get to know your families history. I have been absolutely amazed with the similarities between myself and my personal struggles and those of other family members. Knowing these things can help you to get to the root cause of your issues.
5. Depression is real. Whether your depression is your main struggle, or a result of other conditions, it’s real. Don’t dismiss it. Learn to know the signs, learn to recognize what happens to your mind and body and how you need to combat it. Be open with your family and care givers about your personal struggles with depression. The last thing anyone wants is for you to feel hopeless and alone. You are NOT alone!
6. It’s not in your head! Especially at the beginning of your journey with any chronic illness, you might feel like you’re losing your mind and be tempted to not trust your thoughts, feelings, your body, your physical symptoms. Pay attention! You’re not crazy! Whether there is an easy fix or not, what you are feeling is VALID and important! Don’t dismiss it.

Now, I’ve added many of my own thoughts to my take aways… please take the time to listen to Matt’s interview! He has MANY years of experience with chronic pain, with doctors, with God, and with other people that are struggling. I hope that you will connect with us on this journey and that you are able to find YOUR best outcomes and live your absolute best life!

Much love, and many blessings!

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