Comments on: A day in the life of chronic illness

By: Julie

Julie — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 23:14:00 +0000

I am so looking forward to your new book coming out, Chocolate and Vicodin. I am into my 19th month of a unilateral migraine, unresponsive to triptans, or anything. I found your website the same day I came home (in tears) from an appointment to the 4th neurologist I had seen last year. I had waited 3 months to get an appointment with this neurologist that was suppose to be the best in our area. She said to me with a tone of irritation “What do you expect me to do about it?” Uh, suggest something, being the specialist–that would be a start. Kind of thought that was the idea of going to see the professional. Good thing your website was there, and I just stumbled onto it, as I needed to laugh that day in a very desperate way.

I have found a new Dr., still no solutions, but reading your posts provide delightful distraction. Distraction is my best relief.

Hoping you better days, and looking forward to your book (my next big fix!).

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:24:40 +0000

> I am so sorry to hear about your headaches and know exactly how you feel. I have severe sinus pain that makes me feel on bad days like I have concrete weighing down on my cheeks to the back of my neck. (It is chronic, due to polyps and has robbed me of all sense of smell and taste.) I have gained 10 pounds this year. Just like you, sometimes I wake up supermotivated and can go for a run (which does help me feel better, once I get there), on bad days, I slump on the couch and watch TV. Have you thought about trying celexa? I am on anxiety/depression medication and it does help a little to lift my mood, although the joy of chronic illness is that there will always be bad days and good days.

By: Tiffany S.

Tiffany S. — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:01:48 +0000

I hope you really know deep down in your heart that on any given day when you even feel well enough to type or pick up the phone, there are a bunch of us out here who’d be happy to hear you bitch, moan, and cry if it would make you feel better for one second.

When I used to have migraines, the thought of just standing up vertically would make me vomit. I’m just sayin’…for those days when you’re a little more coherent…we’re out here for you.

By: Jo

Jo — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:40:00 +0000

I am almost finished reading your book, which I have equally laughed through and been inspired by, and just today logged onto your blog for the 1st time! I lost 140 lbs. (to goal) about 5 years ago and have re-gained about 50 lbs. I am desperately trying to get a grip and get back on track.

My heart goes out to those of you who deal w/ chronic physical or emotional pain and can only imagine how difficult it must be to add the weight issue to your list.

I don’t have any health issues and have no excuse whatsoever for letting my old eating habits take over. I am humbled by what you’ve written. Thank you for being honest and so transparent with us.

By: Sally Parrott Ashbrook

Sally Parrott Ashbrook — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:41:48 +0000

@rebecca – I love this wisdom you share, Rebecca. Just what I needed about right now. :D

By: Theresa

Theresa — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:03:59 +0000

Just a thought. Who said thirty pounds lighter was where you were supposed to be with weight anyhow? Maybe this is where you are supposed to be for now. It’s just a number.

Here’s hoping today is a better than average day for you. :)

By: emma

emma — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:44:03 +0000

Jennette,

Thanks for your honesty.

Headaches like you have are killers. I hope yours will go away someday and never come back.

And depression, well, as far as I know, that may come and go throughout one’s life.

You are a beautiful, inspiring person, and a wonderful writer. You are still so young, I guess there are lots of good days around the corner for you.

By the way, I’ve read every blog post you’ve ever written. Why do I keep reading? Mostly because I, too, struggle with 20-30-pound weight gains and losses (been doing it for 45 years now, with no end in sight). I read your blog because you can articulate struggles (wins and losses) I’ve experienced but can’t put into words. I’m excited for your new business endeavor, too. I love to read about entrepreneurs (sp?).

I just wish you didn’t have those terrible headaches.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:50:09 +0000

OMG. This post totally spoke to me!

I had major back surgery last fall and have lost significant functioning in my legs & feet as a result. I’ve gained 30 pounds during my recovery from lack of exercise. This is after I’d just lost 20 on WW over the course of 9 months.

Dealing with the recovery from this has been arduous, frustrating, humbling, daunting…you name it. I would also love to lose that weight I put on but at some point you have to just accept today and keep going. It will come off when it’s ready. I need to worry more about functioning like a normal human again.

Thank you for posting this. You can’t imagine how much better I feel now.

By: Widgett Clark

Widgett Clark — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:55:34 +0000

So I just need to say one thing. You are more of an inspiration to me now that you have said you are not focused on weight as much anymore. Illness or not, as a person who has now lost 81 pounds and plans to keep going, it is nice to hear that I will be able to move on mentally. I don’t want to think about weight and food and exercise constantly like I do now. Thank you for focusing on life, as it should be.

By: Abby

Abby — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:58:49 +0000

I don’t have a chronic illness and still completely relate to your post. I’m most likely going to be laid off at the end of the month, so soft serve from DQ always sounds justifiable these days. Good luck with your head and keep writing. You tickle my giggle spot.