Showing posts with label Chronicittles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chronicittles. Show all posts
I had grown up traveling often with my family - whether it was to a different state or country or even just a weekend day drive to a new place to us in our city. Discovering this again, while I was seriously ill, was a gift that has no words.
One of the main ways that I have fallen in love with travel over the years, is through cruising! Prior to my first cruise in 2014 (to the Caribbean on Royal Caribbean) I had never been on a cruise before! After that cruise (which was a miracle trip in itself considering how sick I was!) I realized the beautiful blessing of how cruising could be a wonderful idea for those who are struggling with chronic health conditions.
One of the main ways that I have fallen in love with travel over the years, is through cruising! Prior to my first cruise in 2014 (to the Caribbean on Royal Caribbean) I had never been on a cruise before! After that cruise (which was a miracle trip in itself considering how sick I was!) I realized the beautiful blessing of how cruising could be a wonderful idea for those who are struggling with chronic health conditions.
As I have continued to do cruises and have several exciting ones coming up that I can't wait to share with y'all I have learned so many tips on how to navigate cruising with a chronic illness that I wanted to share today.
As a disclaimer: Traveling to me is such an amazing adventure that truly has helped keep me focused and excited through different treatment rounds and yet, at the same time though, I have traveled enough while I have been fighting for my health to know that you don't "leave" your sick body and automatically get a "new one" just for a trip (wouldn't that be nice?? *smiles*). Because of this it is so important to understand and prepare ahead of time for any trip when you are chronically ill.
Traveling takes a risk and a courage- especially when you don't feel well. If you haven't struggled with a chronic or long term illness the idea of traveling perhaps sounds strange or foreign. You might even question why people do this if they "feel so sick". I can't answer for everyone but when I was sick for all of those years I pushed myself to live despite being sick. I decided then and there that I was going to grab onto life and experience it. I wanted to grab onto experiences and live bigger than my world of illness "allowed".
Traveling takes a risk and a courage- especially when you don't feel well. If you haven't struggled with a chronic or long term illness the idea of traveling perhaps sounds strange or foreign. You might even question why people do this if they "feel so sick". I can't answer for everyone but when I was sick for all of those years I pushed myself to live despite being sick. I decided then and there that I was going to grab onto life and experience it. I wanted to grab onto experiences and live bigger than my world of illness "allowed".
So if you are taking that risk... if you are stepping out and grabbing onto life in a new way and are going for a cruise while you are ill I applaud you. I applaud you for any small or big steps you are taking as you heal. And today I wanted to share 10 Tips for Cruising with a Chronic Illness and hope that these will help you in your next adventure!
1. Prepare As Much As Possible Ahead of Time
Many people may pack excitedly the week before the cruise, it is wise to spend time preparing and packing as much as possible in the months prior to your trip. While there are certain items that you may not be able to pack till the last minute (different meds with insurance regulations), relieving the stress of waiting till the last minute will help your body. Preparing ahead allows you to really think about each item that you want to bring and also allows you to have the time to make sure that you have all of your medications, supplements, etc. In addition preparing ahead for your cruise can provide a fun opportunity for you to look ahead, discuss with your travel companions the upcoming fun, and look outside the difficult and painful days that you are having.
To help me start the LONG process of preparing for a trip, I usually go "old school" and write everything out by hand! THIS is one of my favorite journals to do this in - I love the beauty of it and the practicality of easy to write on and that is hard cover! If you are looking for an equally beautiful old fashioned notebook, y'all THIS one is simply gorgeous.
2. Face Your Fears and Choose to Be Courageous
I won't even begin to start listing all of the fears that I have when I go on any trip as I leave my family who are my caretakers, my doctors, the hospitals that I am familiar with, etc. Living with a chronic or serious illness can be extremely difficult and when we go to change up that routine it can cause a lot of fear. The mind can play incredible tricks on us and in the months and weeks and days leading up to your cruise you might be thinking, "what if this happens, what if that happens, etc." I think C.S. Lewis' words in this situation are best:
"Courage, Dear Heart".
"Courage, Dear Heart".
No one on your cruise might know what a act of courage it is to step out, leave your surroundings that are helping you fight for your health, and take this cruise, but know that you can do it. Take the cruise. Take the time to celebrate life. Take the time to remember what you are fighting so hard for in your fight for your health. You can do this.
If you are looking for a book that I have found helpful in struggling with anxiety of over health related items- especially related to travel, THIS book, "What if it's Wonderful?" is beautiful. While the author is not discussing chronic illness directly, the concepts are encouraging and inspiring.
3. Be Realistic About What You Can and Can't Do
When you are booking your shore excursions be realistic about what you can and can't do. My mom, dear friends, and my medical team (whom I run everything by before any trip) are kind and compassionate sounding boards gently saying sometimes, "do you think that you can realistically do this?". While I could choose to be offended by their words, I instead knew that they were coming from someone who knows that my heart wants to go on that 10 mile hike, followed by a whitewater rafting trip and ending with the zipline through the mountains for 7 hours, but my body is just not physically able to. Take the time to be realistic about what you can and can't do and you will end up enjoying your preparations for your cruise and the cruise itself fully!
4. Plan Your Shore Excursions Wisely
Following along with #3, make sure to plan your shore excursions wisely. Think about the timing of the shore excursions and what times are best for you in the day. Think about the amount of energy each shore excursion will take and how that will look in your overall cruising adventure.
Don't forget some important details like talking with the cruise line that you are going with about how transportation will work to the shore excursions, etc. (For example some excursions don't include actual walking on the excursion itself, but do require a half-mile hike to the start of the excursion!) Taking the time to plan your shore excursions wisely will ensure that you have fun, not just for one day, but for the entire cruise.
Don't forget some important details like talking with the cruise line that you are going with about how transportation will work to the shore excursions, etc. (For example some excursions don't include actual walking on the excursion itself, but do require a half-mile hike to the start of the excursion!) Taking the time to plan your shore excursions wisely will ensure that you have fun, not just for one day, but for the entire cruise.
5. Plan, Prepare, and Pack All of Your Medications, Supplements, Etc.
One of the things that can take a lot of time in preparing for a cruise is planning, preparing and packing all of your medications, supplements, etc. Honestly it can take a bit of maneuvering (and a lot of patience) to make sure that you have all of your meds before your trip. As much as it is possible try to let your doctors know in advance that you will be going on the cruise and that you will need meds (and extra meds depending on your situation) for the duration of your cruise. I can't encourage you enough to work on this ahead of time as some medications can only be purchased with insurance at certain intervals so you will want to work this out with your doctor and insurance company. Think about what won’t be accessible on the cruise even in a shop or pharmacy stocks that might cater to guests, such as the best ointment for hemorrhoids. Also, check with the cruise line as many cruise lines require that your medications are in the original containers not just in random pill containers.
Don't forget to pack all of your supplements and any other alternative meds you might use for your situation. I don't like wrapping my supplements and vitamins in aluminum foil, but for traveling I have found it so helpful to pack my pills in aluminum foil already separated out for the times that I take them. (For example: breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning snack, evening, midnight, etc.) Having my pills already prepared allows me to easily have my supplements available and also allows me not to bring along my hundreds of supplement bottles. In addition this saves me time in the mornings as I just pick up what I need for the day and head on out!
**Don't forget to check with your cruise line ahead of time (guest relations department) if you are needing to bring on board any special products. Different cruise lines have different restrictions and you will want to know this before you arrive. I recommend dealing with this two months out from your cruise, that way if the cruise line needs special documentation from your doctors office you have time to gather all of the documentation you need. I have found that this takes a lot of time to prepare in this way, but this will prevent you from having any issues when you embark onto the boat.**
6. Plan Your Travel To and From the Cruise Wisely
The last thing that you want to do is exacerbate your symptoms or start off or end your cruise on the wrong foot. Think through your travel plans carefully so that you can fully enjoy your cruise!
7. Make Use of Cruise Assistance if You Need It
If you are not familiar with cruise assistance, it is similar to airport assistance in that the cruise line will offer to help people who are disabled or chronically ill to help them get around the cruise and embark or disembark from the cruise.
Sometimes the reality is that embarking on the cruise the first day and disembarking the last day can create a lot of stress and strain on those who are chronically ill. You can spend a lot of energy walking, standing and waiting, and pain trying to get your bags, yourself, etc. on and off the boat. Making use of the cruise assistance can be a blessing and something to consider if you need it. If you think that you will need to use this contact the cruise line ahead of time, explain your situation, and ask them how to best go about this.
8. Speak Up to Those Around You
On my first cruise I wanted to "get away from sick world" and asked my traveling companion not to share that I was ill. Let me be honest- I hate being the center of attention so in some ways this worked fabulously to allow me to "get away", but it also created a ton of awkward situations and eventually led me to apologizing for not being up front more with my health to the friends I made on the cruise as they were apologizing to me for not knowing!
I am not suggesting that you can't have a vacation "away" from your fight for your health, but I am suggesting that you can quietly set the tone when people ask why you need assistance and then move on. This is what I started doing on my second cruise and from every trip since then. Lots of times those of us with chronic illness struggle to explain our invisible illnesses and this is an opportunity to learn how to share, advocate for yourself, explain that you have a long term illness and might need help, and then move on to enjoy your cruise.
**Try not to let any silent or critical judgment or words about your health spoil your trip. I heard a couple of very hurtful and rude comments on my first cruise when people saw that I had a handicap permit with me but wasn't using a wheelchair. There were also several comments about I couldn't be "that sick" if I was on the cruise. People can truly be mean and not understand what a fight it is for you to have made the decision to come on the cruise. Don't let any inconsiderate and rude comments or silent judgmental looks ruin your vacation. If you are looking for more inspiration on this specific suggestion, check out my post: Answering the "But You Don't Act Sick" Statements by clicking HERE!**
9. Expect Difficult Times and Have a Backup Plan
It can be hard when you are cruising to accept that sometimes your body might struggle and have difficult times or days. I am sure so many of us have heard- "just think positively and you will have a wonderful cruise-you won't feel pain or sickness at all". That would be awesome, but the reality is that many times we will experience pain or sickness because we are still in our bodies. That is okay!
Don't let times of sickness and pain ruin your cruise. On my first cruise I remember having a breakdown the first day on the shore excursion because I realized that I needed to sit and not explore all of the Atlantis property. It was frustrating, sad, and hard to realize that I still had limitations even though I was on "vacation". Having the opportunity to cry and release some of those expectations allowed me to enjoy the rest of the cruise with a more realistic lens. The next day, when friends were going snorkeling in Coco Cay (something that I loved to do before I got sick) my heart wanted to jump and join them but I quietly declined and watched from my chair. Instead of wallowing in self-pity though I watched with joy as my friends explored the water and thanked God that I was well enough to have even got off the boat to enjoy a very special day with my friends. What was a "typical or normal day" to many people was the highlight of many months to me.
The amazing thing also was that when I went back to Coco Cay two years later I was able to do all of the things I had dreamt about doing the years before. Time... healing... and more time are often the greatest gifts.
The amazing thing also was that when I went back to Coco Cay two years later I was able to do all of the things I had dreamt about doing the years before. Time... healing... and more time are often the greatest gifts.
My best advice is to accept your limitations, cry if you need to, find the joy in the day and the time, and have a backup plan. Take some extra time to rest and relax and join up with your cruising companions later in the day. Most importantly, take a deep breath. Nothing is ruined- keep the joy and faith, even in the difficult times.
10. Contact the Cruise Line Ahead of Time about Food Allergies
Many people dealing with a chronic illness also deal with a myriad of food allergies and sensitivities. Even though food on a cruise is always available, the food that is available might not be something that you can eat. Take the time to call the cruise line ahead of time, discuss your food allergies, and make necessary preparations ahead of time for what you will need. I also recommend carrying an allergy card and giving this to your waiter the first evening so that they are prepared and knowledgeable about your allergies.
What about you? What tips do you have for cruising with a chronic illness? Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and read today! If you are looking for more tips on traveling with a chronic illness you can find some more posts listed below!
5 Imporrant Tips for Traveling with a Chronic Illness
10 Tips for Thriving on Road Trips with a Chronic Illness
10 Tips for Enjoying Disneyworld With a Chronic Illness
4 Tips for Enjoying Animal Kingdom with a Chronic Illness
5 Imporrant Tips for Traveling with a Chronic Illness
10 Tips for Thriving on Road Trips with a Chronic Illness
10 Tips for Enjoying Disneyworld With a Chronic Illness
4 Tips for Enjoying Animal Kingdom with a Chronic Illness
Happy Monday friends! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! I am absolutely OVERWHELMED in the best possible way by all of your sweet love and support for the 12 Things to Pray Book that released on Friday!! If you missed it you can read more about the book HERE!
It was truly overwhelming to receive the notice that it was the #1 new release in the christian prayer section on Amazon. Thank you so much to each of you that have purchased a copy and to the person who was kind enough to leave a review!! Reviews are such incredible blessings to indie authors- so thank you! Also- thank you to each of you who have called, texted, messaged, and shared about this book! Y'all are the absolute best! Seriously I am so humbled and grateful for your sweet support!! Thank you again friends!
If you are interested in purchasing your own copy of 12 Things to Pray you can find the book HERE!
"12 Things to Pray: For Yourself, A Loved One, The Spouse, The Parents, The Children & The Caretakers Dealing with Chronic Health Conditions" Ebook Release!
April 27, 2018
I am so excited to share that my new E-book, "12 Things to Pray: For Yourself, A Loved One, The Spouse, The Parents, The Children and The Caretakers Dealing with Chronic Health Conditions" released today!
This book is for those with a heart and desire to pray for those struggling through the confusing and difficult road of a chronic health condition. Often people say, "I am praying for you" but don't know how to pray for those with chronic illness and pain. While this book doesn’t address every idea of what to pray and is not a "formula", it is a good "jumping off point" for you to be praying for yourself or those whom you love that struggle with chronic health issues & their loved ones.
This book is for those with a heart and desire to pray for those struggling through the confusing and difficult road of a chronic health condition. Often people say, "I am praying for you" but don't know how to pray for those with chronic illness and pain. While this book doesn’t address every idea of what to pray and is not a "formula", it is a good "jumping off point" for you to be praying for yourself or those whom you love that struggle with chronic health issues & their loved ones.
The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.
-James 5:16, the Message-
You can purchase "12 Things to Pray: For Yourself, A Loved One, The Spouse, The Parents, The Children and The Caretakers Dealing with Chronic Health Conditions" on Amazon by clicking HERE!
When I first became ill and was forced to move out of state and back home with my parents in 2012 because I desperately needed help, I read a book that I believe changed my entire course of how I have walked this health journey. I have definitely failed, it was a flawed process in many ways, but the book encouraged me to live out the concept that illness was not going to rob me of who I was or how I treated those around me. The book, Being Sick Well, was written by Jeffrey H. Boyd and it was a book that I have read at least a hundred times in this journey. Filled with lots of stories it encouraged me (as the title stated) to approach illness with dignity. In the midst of the book there are a ton of helpful suggestions and here are eleven things that I have definitely taken away from the book and tried to implement in these last six years. (If you are interested in purchasing the book you can find it HERE.)
(1) Be Upfront and Clear with Your Limitations...
No matter the response you receive make sure that you are upfront and clear about what your limitations are with your illness. To be honest this was a hard thing for me to learn at the beginning of this journey as my heart wanted to go and live like I had been before I got sick. Unfortunately when I wasn't clear everything ended up more of a mess and usually resulted in me crying. Learning to be upfront and clear about my limitations helped me to put down boundary lines that have truly helped me heal. I know that sometimes this can be hard to do, especially if you don't receive the support you hope to, but continue to be firm but kind with your limitations. I promise that overtime this is one of the best things you can do to live well with a chronic illness.
(2)Accept Help.
(3) Share Specific Things that Others Can Do to Help You.
The difficult thing with illness is that often times loved ones truly don't know how they can specifically help someone in a health crisis. Find ways to lovingly share specifically what your loved ones can do. A friend of mine who struggles with extreme back pain due to a failed surgery found that asking her for help with her laundry saved her countless days in bed after she attempts to do it. Personally for me I have been so grateful for my dad helping me with changing Scamper's litter. It might be something small or it may be something bigger on a routine basis, but think through ways that others can help and then as mentioned in #2, accept the help.
If you are someone who is looking to help a friend with a chronic illness I have written several posts over the years that you may find helpful:
(4) Be Vulnerable With Your Tribe
It can be hard to be vulnerable when you are feeling so sick and tired with pain and sickness. I know that a lot of us want to put on a brave face with those that we encounter, but having the courage to be vulnerable can be a life-changing situation for living well with a chronic illness. Having this courage can help prevent a lot of awkward issues from occurring during this journey. Take the leap of faith and express your heart.
(5) Be Patient With Explaining The Health Lingo
As patients we become so familiar with spouting off all of the different terms, nicknames, meds, supplements, cell interaction, cell pathways, symptoms, etc. that it can be hard to remember that our friends and family can be left feeling overwhelmed and dizzy by the amount of things we are talking about. Even though our lives may revolve around the sickness aspect, theirs revolve around us. They want to understand and they do care, but we may need to extend some patience as we have to explain something again and again. Be patient and understand that they are doing the best they can.
(6) Be the Best Friend and Family Member that You Can Be.
It can be hard to keep up with all of the important dates in people's lives since you became ill. Sometimes we are just trying to cope with the day let alone remember to purchase a card or a gift for someone. Despite the way that illness has changed you fight to still be the best friend that you can be. This may look different than before you got sick, but still take the time to connect with others, make phone calls, send cards, and deepen your friendships. Stay connected in every way possible to your tribe. Honestly, I haven't done the best job of this over the years. Maybe you feel the same way. It is never to late to re-start. Take the time today to make a phone call or write a letter. I promise you will be glad you did.
(7) Do the Best You Can to Attend Events
You may not be able to attend them all or even a handful, but try to attend all of the important events that you can. Even if you don't feel or look the best, people will be thrilled to see you and it is great for your life.
(8)Understand That This is a Season
There will be beautiful days again. Hold on to the hope that there are far better things ahead than we could ever imagine.
(9) Acceptance
For every single person struggling with a chronic illness this is going to mean something different, but Amy Carmichael was right: "in acceptance lies peace".
(10) Let Friends Go
Let the people go who are not willing to walk this journey with you. Let them go freely and give your blessing. Forgive and live in joy. Wish them well, let go of the bitterness, and walk the road in front of you with dignity. Stick to the Code. (Yes, I did feel like I was quoting the Pirates of the Caribbean saying that. hahaha, but seriously, Stick to the Code,)
Also- a side note here... it can be hard to deal with comments like "but you don't look sick" or one that I continue to receive is, "but you don't act sick". It is hard not to get offended by these comments, but take the time to understand that this is a learning lesson for everyone involved. Some will understand and get it and some others won't. Let the ones go that don't with dignity and move forward. I wrote a post back in 2015, answering the but you don't act sick statements, that was incredibly powerful and freeing for me to write. Maybe consider doing the same thing for you and having a mantra when these statements come? Live with dignity and let the people go who don't support you.
(11) Find Joy in Every Day.
There is joy to be found in every single day if we look for it. Look for it. Search it out. Fight for it. You will never regret finding joy.
Looking for things to pray for yourself in this journey of chronic illness? Check out my newest Ebook: 12 Things to Pray EBook which is now available on Amazon! You can find it HERE!
Looking for things to pray for yourself in this journey of chronic illness? Check out my newest Ebook: 12 Things to Pray EBook which is now available on Amazon! You can find it HERE!
1. Offer monetary help if possible.
(I know, I know... I mention this in every single post related to gift ideas for friends and family but it is because it is so important.) Even with insurance those with Chronic Illness spend thousands and thousands of dollars trying to get healthy every single month. Many people with Chronic Illness have already gone through all available resources. These types of gifts do not have to be large. Truly money and gift cards are wonderful if that is an option for you to give!
(I know, I know... I mention this in every single post related to gift ideas for friends and family but it is because it is so important.) Even with insurance those with Chronic Illness spend thousands and thousands of dollars trying to get healthy every single month. Many people with Chronic Illness have already gone through all available resources. These types of gifts do not have to be large. Truly money and gift cards are wonderful if that is an option for you to give!
2. Purchase Pet Items.
Does your friend have a pet? Consider purchasing a gift card to their vet, paying for a pet "check up" (or grooming), or giving them a gift basket of necessary food and litter, treats, or toys. Even a Removable Pet Door Panel Insert can be worth buying for them.
Does your friend have a pet? Consider purchasing a gift card to their vet, paying for a pet "check up" (or grooming), or giving them a gift basket of necessary food and litter, treats, or toys. Even a Removable Pet Door Panel Insert can be worth buying for them.
3. Purchase (or create) holiday cards to send out (and give them a book of stamps).
Consider blessing your friend in this way. (Concerned that the extra stamps will go to waste? Don't be. Almost all medical bills still have to be sent out the old fashioned way - your friend will use those stamps one way or another!)
4. Help your friend address Christmas Card Envelopes.
Sometimes the energy to address the cards can be an issue. Offer to address the cards (and mail them!) for your friend!
Consider blessing your friend in this way. (Concerned that the extra stamps will go to waste? Don't be. Almost all medical bills still have to be sent out the old fashioned way - your friend will use those stamps one way or another!)
4. Help your friend address Christmas Card Envelopes.
Sometimes the energy to address the cards can be an issue. Offer to address the cards (and mail them!) for your friend!
5. Give the gift of not asking, "have you tried..." at the family/friends get together.
When you offer unsolicited advice, it can come across as a lecture- even if that is not your intent. Someone once said: "Assume that we have heard all of the tips on living healthier and leave it at that." I couldn't have said it any better.
When you offer unsolicited advice, it can come across as a lecture- even if that is not your intent. Someone once said: "Assume that we have heard all of the tips on living healthier and leave it at that." I couldn't have said it any better.
6. Give a gift card for "unmentionables".
If your friend hasn't had the money (or the energy) to buy new clothes in a while consider giving them a gift card to purchase the necessities that they probably need.
If your friend hasn't had the money (or the energy) to buy new clothes in a while consider giving them a gift card to purchase the necessities that they probably need.
7. Support your friends current "money making endeavor".
Those with Chronic Illnesses often have had to leave a job that they loved and have tried to find a way to make money in a new capacity. Support their endeavor. Do they have an Etsy shop? Purchase gifts from that shop and spread the news about their shop via social media. Do they make things and sell them on the side? Help spread the word!
8. Pay for a Doctors Visit.
Lots of Chronic Illnesses have specialized doctors and not all are covered by insurance! Consider paying for one of your friends doctors visits. This will be an incredible blessing!
Those with Chronic Illnesses often have had to leave a job that they loved and have tried to find a way to make money in a new capacity. Support their endeavor. Do they have an Etsy shop? Purchase gifts from that shop and spread the news about their shop via social media. Do they make things and sell them on the side? Help spread the word!
8. Pay for a Doctors Visit.
Lots of Chronic Illnesses have specialized doctors and not all are covered by insurance! Consider paying for one of your friends doctors visits. This will be an incredible blessing!
9. Pay for the Co-pays.
Is your friends doctor covered by insurance? Their co-pays aren't! Most people pay an average of $15-$50 for their co-pays. This might not seem like a big deal unless you regularly see your doctor. Statistically a chronically ill person sees their doctor 15 times a year. That means that they will spend an average of $225- $750 for Co-pays. Consider covering their co-pays for a year. What a blessing that would be!
Is your friends doctor covered by insurance? Their co-pays aren't! Most people pay an average of $15-$50 for their co-pays. This might not seem like a big deal unless you regularly see your doctor. Statistically a chronically ill person sees their doctor 15 times a year. That means that they will spend an average of $225- $750 for Co-pays. Consider covering their co-pays for a year. What a blessing that would be!
10. Give a gift card to their "alternative" treatments.
Most people with Chronic Illness use alternative treatments and these can be an expensive but necessary "addition" to their cost. Consider giving a gift card to their reflexologist, acupuncturist, massage therapist, chiropractor, etc. (Side note- this is not the time to give them a gift card to some place that you feel they should go - simply a time to come along side of them. (Unfortunately that is a true story...)*smiles*)
11. Give them the gift of becoming an advocate of their disease.
I suggested a couple of weeks ago to ask your loved one what books that they would recommend on their disease and to read about it. Do this. Become an advocate on what ails them. Isn't it wonderful that there are so many walks and "government supported" funding for certain illnesses? That came about in part because of friends and family rallied to bring awareness. What about your loved ones disease? Do you know how to spell it? Do you know what is happening in Congress or at the state level in regards to it? Become an advocate for your loved one and for the thousands of others that might not have loved ones who care.
12. Give them the gift of a day at a salon.
You know how you spend a lot of money on having your hair cut, nails done, etc. for the holiday season? Your loved one who is suffering from illness would love that to but would never dream of spending the money on something like that anymore. If this is something you can give to a friend- it would be an incredibly blessing.
Most people with Chronic Illness use alternative treatments and these can be an expensive but necessary "addition" to their cost. Consider giving a gift card to their reflexologist, acupuncturist, massage therapist, chiropractor, etc. (Side note- this is not the time to give them a gift card to some place that you feel they should go - simply a time to come along side of them. (Unfortunately that is a true story...)*smiles*)
11. Give them the gift of becoming an advocate of their disease.
I suggested a couple of weeks ago to ask your loved one what books that they would recommend on their disease and to read about it. Do this. Become an advocate on what ails them. Isn't it wonderful that there are so many walks and "government supported" funding for certain illnesses? That came about in part because of friends and family rallied to bring awareness. What about your loved ones disease? Do you know how to spell it? Do you know what is happening in Congress or at the state level in regards to it? Become an advocate for your loved one and for the thousands of others that might not have loved ones who care.
12. Give them the gift of a day at a salon.
You know how you spend a lot of money on having your hair cut, nails done, etc. for the holiday season? Your loved one who is suffering from illness would love that to but would never dream of spending the money on something like that anymore. If this is something you can give to a friend- it would be an incredibly blessing.
13. Create a relaxing atmosphere.
Do you have a loved one coming to visit for the holidays? Consider setting them up somewhere that they can retreat to rest and relax when they are feeling sick. This will give them an incredible blessing amidst the "hustle and bustle".
Do you have a loved one coming to visit for the holidays? Consider setting them up somewhere that they can retreat to rest and relax when they are feeling sick. This will give them an incredible blessing amidst the "hustle and bustle".
14. Remember the caregiver(s).
I have often said this but me being ill is often harder on my parents then myself. To see people that are constantly hurting and suffering and not be able to do anything about it is excruciating. Reach out to the caregivers and you will touch the heart of the person who is ill too.
As I have said countless times here on the blog, realize that your friend or family member with a Chronic Illness is the best gift this season. Their illness is forcing them to set limitations but the gift to you is remembering what is truly important in the holiday season. Celebrate people. Not things or activities. At the end of the day people are the most important thing not whether or not you were able to buy every single gift in the world, decorate your house the best, or have the cutest pinterest worthy decorations. People are what matter friends!
Looking for other posts on how to help friends with an illness during the holiday season?
Check out these other posts:
Happy Thursday friends! I hope you are having a wonderful week!
I have often said this but me being ill is often harder on my parents then myself. To see people that are constantly hurting and suffering and not be able to do anything about it is excruciating. Reach out to the caregivers and you will touch the heart of the person who is ill too.
As I have said countless times here on the blog, realize that your friend or family member with a Chronic Illness is the best gift this season. Their illness is forcing them to set limitations but the gift to you is remembering what is truly important in the holiday season. Celebrate people. Not things or activities. At the end of the day people are the most important thing not whether or not you were able to buy every single gift in the world, decorate your house the best, or have the cutest pinterest worthy decorations. People are what matter friends!
Looking for other posts on how to help friends with an illness during the holiday season?
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Happy Thursday friends! I hope you are having a wonderful week!
If you read my October 25th post from last year or the year before or you know me well you know that October 25th is a very special day to me. It holds incredible meaning and significance as 12 years ago I had a life-changing surgery that changed the course of my life and this was the day that the Lord healed me after doctors told me that there was "nothing" that they could do. (You can read more of my story with my battle with Endometriosis HERE!)
I shared three years ago the different ways I have celebrated this anniversary over the years. While some of these days and moments have been photographed over the years, many of them have not. The precious memories that my mind remembers today are of sacred moments of telling my story to my students over the years as I testified about the Lord's mighty healing power, the laughter between family and friends, the precious phone calls and texts from friends who prayed for the miracle to happen and never stopped believing, my sister calling to celebrate with me, long walks thanking the Lord on year two, and the quiet celebration in my heart every time I see the calendar approaching this special day when doctors said there was "no hope" and yet the Lord spoke differently.
As I think about year twelve today I have been met with a mixture of emotions. Extreme gratitude and thankfulness and tears at the Lord's mighty healing power and a humble gratitude that even though over the years I have wondered why the Lord hasn't chosen to heal me the same way in this health situation (a question that I think so many people have asked behind the scenes (and some of the brave have cried with me))... I am now seeing healing slowly and surely take place in new ways.
I recently received another email from the same reader that I shared about three years ago. This reader wanted to know if my response to their question from three years ago would be any different as I am turning another year on the calendar date. (You can read the original question and response HERE and my thoughts from two years ago HERE.)
As I told this reader, it's really not. I don't know why healing hasn't come in such a "mighty and easy way" this time and why it is a long and slow healing process. I really don't. What I do know though is that I have a choice every single day on whether or not to trust the Lord and walk in this trust over my feelings or spend precious energy questioning things. I choose to trust. I choose to trust the difficult and unknown path before me is the path that the Lord has me on. Where I might think I am better used or life would be better is not where the Lord has me. I humbly trust that "and if not He is still good" to all of my questions, all of my deepest hearts longing... and that is enough for today. Circumstances, if we let them can be refining windows into our hearts shining a light on what we believe. The "and if not" parts of life...even if I am never healed, never see my dreams come true, or if the secret longings that are deep inside of me never happen ...it is okay. It doesn't change who God is or His goodness.
I promise, readers that despite any circumstances God's goodness is NOT changed. I can attest in new ways and in more marvelous ways then I could years ago. And as I celebrate this 12th anniversary I am brought to my knees by God's goodness. His faithfulness astounds me and His mercies meet each new day.
Surrendering to God's goodness comes the opportunity to fall more in love with Jesus and who He is and what the Bible states and promises. NOT what I want it to state or promise but what it actually states and promises. And this 12 year anniversary is incredibly significant to me - especially as this Lyme journey continues on.
Did you know that the number 12 in the Bible holds special significance? There are 187 references to the number 12 in the Bible. In the old testament we see that there were 12 sons of Jacob and those 12 sons formed the 12 tribes of Israel. In the New Testament we see that Jesus was 12 years old when he was questioned at the temple and that He had 12 disciples. There is a clear significance to this special number in scripture.
*smiles* Okay, so you might be asking what does this have to do with me celebrating my 12 year anniversary and why are they significant to me?
First, scripture is completely true - every single word holds unique and special importance. Thinking through the specific ways that the number 12 is used in both the Old and New Testament reminds me that this is a unique and special anniversary to be celebrating.
Second, our all powerful God shows His complete power by offering eternal life through Jesus and His death on the cross. In this act of unmeasurable love we not only are given the opportunity to accept Jesus as our Lord and be saved but on the cross Jesus conquered EVERYTHING. Including illness. EVERYTHING was conquered on the cross.
Third, Jesus speaks to us through scripture and knowing this I have a choice to make... every single day... I can choose to act in faith and trust the Lord completely or I can respond to my circumstances sinfully and grow bitter and angry at the ways of the Lord.
There is absolutely no question in my mind of my choice.
Even on the days that I feel discouraged I choose to run to my precious Heavenly Father and lay everything at His feet. The reality is that this anniversary shouts to me in the dark and reminds me of God's ultimate power and who He is. And friends, as I spend more time with the Lord and continue to run to Him with all of my questions, fears, disappointments, hurts, and every other emotion He lovingly speaks to my hurting heart. And I am reminded on this 11th anniversary of His incredible grace, His good gifts, His undeserving ways, and the gift of love that He gives.
And the best gift of all? Is the gift that the this 12th anniversary serves as a beautiful reminder that the Lord offers not only beauty, but incredible hope. Hope of a future that the Lord has in store... Hope of beautiful healing here on earth or in Heaven... Hope of living joyfully despite difficult circumstances... Hope of a loving God who loves us abundantly... and Hope of celebrating another 12 year healing in the future...
healing from Lyme Disease and all of its complications.
One of the things to do when fighting Lyme Disease (and any illness in my opinion) is to examine the role of detox in your life. At the beginning of this journey I had a really hard time detoxifying and it was a learning game over the years to figure out what worked with my body without being to harsh.
I have shared before about the the benefits of dry brushing (which you can read about HERE) and today I wanted to update and share a bit more about detox baths. For a LONG time my life consisted of two detox baths a day to help in the role of healing.
To be frank, I am not sure why I didn't start doing detox baths before November 2014. I used to take a relaxing bath once a week when I was teaching, but I never really investigated the arena of detox baths until 2014. After several of my Lyme symptoms continued to flare and worsen and become debilitating, I was desperate to find relief and a friend suggested Epsom salt baths.
I researched a ton about it, talked with several other "Lymie friends", discussed it with a naturopath doctor, talked with my physician, and continued to research some more. After about 4 weeks of intense research I thought it was worth a try and could help me on this journey. Frankly I have never regretted it or looked back.
The benefits that I have found plus the benefits to my health and help in healing have been priceless. For a long time I was asked if I really kept up with 2 a day detox baths and the answer was a definite YES. I did them every single day- even on holidays and continue to do them even though I don't always do two a day at this stage in my healing journey.
One of things that best things that a detox bath does is help my body remove unwanted toxins. Due to the fact that I do have the MTHFR gene my body struggles (more than the "normal person") to detoxify. Having added toxins is never good for your health but especially when you are fighting Lyme (or any other illness) you do not need to carry additional toxins. These baths are a simple aid that I can use to help my support this detoxification process.
A second thing that a detox bath does is to help strengthen my immune system. When you are seriously ill detox baths can be a simple way of allowing you to absorb some things that you might not be able to otherwise do through your skin. Some of the products that you can use in your detox bath can help strengthen your immune system which can also be a wonderful help!
So as I mentioned before I take Epsom salt baths (as my base).There are so many benefits of Epsom salts which include:
(1) improving heart health
(2)reducing blood clots
(3) lowering blood pressure
(4) improving the body's ability to use insulin,
(5)reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes,
(6)Flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells
(7) easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances,
(8)Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes and more."
I add to the Epsom salt baths a 1/3 of a cup of raw apple cider vinegar (you can read about the benefits of apple cider vinegar here), a 1/3 of a cup of Aloe Vera Juice, and then certain essential oils that I have researched and found to be helpful not only with my symptoms but also help in the healing process of Lyme Disease. [I have also been known to add in additional kinds of Aloe Vera juice, probiotics, and even water from stems of greens].
There are so many different detox bath recipes that you can find online or in doing research. Kris Carr has created a detox bath recipe which you can find by clicking here. The wellness mama lists three different detox bath recipes on her website which you can find by clicking here. (Honestly I could list about a thousand so I would encourage you to talk with your physician and do lots of research!)
As far as the temperature goes I actually vary the temperature every day with every bath. It takes a crazy amount of planning but I take the time to really think through and map out my baths and their temperatures. There are a couple of reasons for this.
First, many people believe that very hot baths are the best at killing toxins. I believe that there is merit to this, but there is also research coming out of Japan (Kyoto Prefectural University) that states that there is some correlation between extreme hot baths and heart attacks. Due to this (and I don't think this can be stressed enough) it is VERY important to consult with a physician before beginning baths.
Second, I also vary the temperature because there is some research that states that taking a cold shower can actually improve your immune function. All of that to say it is best to consult with a physician to come up with a detox bath schedule that works best for you!
At the end of the day there are some negative side effects of detoxing (which again is why you want to consult a physician) and I would encourage you to go slow. Anyone who has done any type of detoxing knows what I mean. Last year when I first was set to begin I researched a bunch, didn't talk with a physician and jumped right into doing several different detoxifying things. I was sick as a dog for several weeks and it was awful.
When I started the research process again I did things more slowly (even with the amount of the ingredients that I use) and slowly starting adding different detoxifying methods in. At the beginning it felt that I was doing absolutely nothing, but now, years later I can't believe all that my body is doing.
So take things slow... and especially if you are seriously ill take things even slower. Treat your body like the warrior that it is and honor it with taking things one step at a time. Drink lots of extra water and rest more. Detoxifying is a process and it is not a sprint so take your time and you will get there!
I would love to know if you take detox baths and what you put in yours! Do you find them helpful?
ALL of this information is only to be helpful and I can't stress how important it is to follow the path of a doctor in your detoxifying process. Detoxifying is a necessary part of healing but must be done under the care of a knowledgeable physician.
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