Definition of the word chronic -
"(of an illness) persisting for a long time or
constantly recurring."
I have migraine associated vertigo,
which is a chronic neurological condition.
I also have convergence insufficiency, an eye teaming vision disorder,
the severity of which was brought on by my illness.
I got sick in Sept. of 2011. I talked recently with Christina, CBT
(cognitive behavioral therapist), about the difference between getting a kind
of sick that goes away, even if it takes a while, and having a chronic
illness.
Management can be challenging when I
can't control the variables that can bring on symptoms - dizziness/disequilibrium,
sensory overload, cognitive processing difficulty, etc. - and this can mean my
energy threshold is lower.
Management at home, particularly
when I can control the noise, light, and general busyness of my environment, is
easier. My energy/stamina is decent -
though I still have to pace myself.
It's easier when I'm someplace my
body has learned - a space, people, etc. - that has become familiar - as opposed
to completely new. When we got our
kitchen floor replaced 2 summers ago, it took me about a month to learn the
new, porcelain surface - very different from the old linoleum.
Challenging myself - whether on
purpose, or not - is more likely to bring on symptoms. So quality of life, while living with my
invisible disorders, is not just about my neurological rehab, but self-management. Asking for accommodations if/when possible,
and doing the best I can in the moment.
