The Unwelcome Transition To a Chronic Illness
The Unwelcome Transition To a Chronic Illness
Transitioning from a fast-paced, demanding job to a slower-paced life due to chronic illness can be a significant change. The shift in responsibilities, daily routines, and priorities can be challenging to adapt to, especially when lifestyle changes are necessitated by conditions like chronic fatigue and chronic pain.
Having spent over a decade as an international project manager, juggling a fast-paced career and raising four kids, one with a disability, my life took an unexpected turn. Now, living with chronic fatigue syndrome and conditions like myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) and spinal stenosis, my life abruptly slowed down; my world got smaller, compelling me to focus on pain management.
My days have transitioned from corporate meetings and presentations to regular doctor and hospital appointments, along with receiving necessary healthcare treatment. This new routine underscores the importance of managing my health conditions
The focus of my daily tasks has shifted from preparing reports and presentations to diligently filling out health questionnaires and forms, an essential part of my healthcare support system and routine medical tests.
Where I once stayed up late preparing for meetings, reports and presentations, I now find myself awake in the late hours, trying to manage fatigue and pain relief strategies to cope with extreme fatigue (exhaustion).
The contrast in my life is stark: from having little time, consumed by work emails, meetings, and reports, to having all the time in the world, yet finding myself engulfed by the challenges of chronic pain and fatigue, which demand careful energy management.
Gone are the days when I took my laptop on holiday to stay on top of work emails. Now, I don't bring my laptop at all, having replaced it with a 7-day pill box that's a testament to the lifestyle changes and medication management necessitated by my condition.
Accepting the Transition
Now that I've embraced my disabilities, I've found a sense of emotional health and self-esteem that brings peace to my life, a journey that wasn't easy but was made possible by my incredible support group. My amazing husband, kids, mum, and life-long best friends have been pillars of strength, fostering my disability acceptance. I’m lucky in that aspect, but unfortunately unlucky with my health.
I enjoyed the corporate job I held, and the buzz it brought, but with my chronic illness, I very much appreciate the slow pace and quietness. Finding fulfilment in the present moment and appreciating the positive aspects of my life, such as my supportive family members and fulfilling activities like selling online and blogging, have contributed to a sense of contentment.
While there may be moments when I miss the excitement and energy of my previous job, viewing it as a phase of my life and recognizing that my life has taken a different direction due to my health is a healthy perspective. Embracing the slower pace and quietness provides me with opportunities for self-reflection, self-care, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
Here are some of my tips for coping with chronic illness:
Shift your vocabulary to put the illness into a positive realm
Create a life that makes managing your illnesses easier going forward
Allow yourself happiness and fun
Minimise stress by letting go of unnecessary obligations
Get the support and rest you need
Manage all the symptoms you can
Make little goals
Focus on quality of life
Let the illness make you stronger
Finally:
Adjusting to a slower-paced life due to chronic illness (long-term illness) can be a significant shift from a bustling work life to a routine filled with GP appointments, treatment and health questionnaires. The impact on mental health is undeniable, but with a strong support system and mastering the art of pacing, it's possible to enhance quality of life. Embracing the small delights and adjusting priorities are essential steps in this journey.
To help navigate the complexities of chronic illness, there are support resources such as counselling available. It's crucial to practice self-compassion and to be kind to myself, taking life one step at a time and reminding myself that self-care is paramount.