Chronic Illness Writings by Other Authors Plus a Book

While I strongly advocate exercise where at all possible, there are many other aspects to suffering from chronic conditions. Today I am sharing some of the non-exercise related writings I have been reading recently that I hope readers may find interesting and helpful. We are all on a road, treading a path – sharing our journeys can be very worthwhile. Also –  you deserve a break from my lengthy ramblings!

Sam Moss is a fellow Australian experiencing far greater disability than I am – we are at opposite ends of a very wide spectrum. Sam had a very successful, award-winning career until she was unexpectedly forced to medically retire.

Sam recently wrote a terrific article I highly recommend, Is Acceptance Just Resignation? Readers may remember the ‘A’ in the PACT pain management program I attended. The ‘A’ was for Acceptance. Sam draws a lovely distinction between acceptance and resignation. Sam builds on that article in a follow-up, Loves and Losses. I do like the 5 G Change Model.

The second piece of writing I am highlighting today is They’re called liars and malingerers because they face pain you can’t see by reporter Julie Power about a longtime Twitter co-follower. Andrew did not fall sick or inherit a condition like so many, he was the victim of a car accident. While many of us are able to at least produce blood tests, MRIs or other diagnostic test results to substantiate our situations, Andrew cannot and has suffered as the headline indicates. Some chronic condition patients suffer similarly, such as fibromyalgia patients. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) used to be similar – I have a very dear friend who had CFS/ME back in the days when many still thought it was “all in the head”. Now research is proving it is very definitely real. Andrew’s experience has been complicated by the legal issues surrounding seeking compensation for his injuries, but the negativity he faces is something many with chronic diseases face.

Harmoni Raie is another Australian chronic illness patient who really struggled with the mental health aspects of learning to live this new spoonie life. Harmonie recently wrote, Change Begins With Us – Be A World Changer! which is uplifting.

Lastly, there is a book I spotted in the work library one day, When Doctors Don’t Listen: How to Avoid Misdiagnoses and Unnecessary Tests. I am in the process of reading it and I am finding it extremely interesting. Although written in the context of the USA health system, there are lessons for Australian patients and Australia’s health system. It is written by doctors, expressing concern about the modern cookie-cutter, recipe approach to medicine. My doctors are all great, very good listeners. The fact I am reading this book must NOT be taken as a criticism of my own doctors, I am reading it out of interest!

Don’t give up on the exercise though! Call, text or email if you’d like to discuss how exercise may help you.