When it comes to coming to terms with a chronic or terminal illness, I think we go through the five stages of grief the same way a person in mourning does. We experience anger, depression, bargaining, denial and eventually acceptance. Not everyone goes through these stages the same way or in the same order. For some, it may take years to pass through a single stage. Other people may, by choice, never move past one stage or another, like anger.
When it comes to living with a chronic illness, I feel the sooner we come to accept its reality, the better we will be. Not learning about our illness and how to best take care of our health is dangerous, and in truth it can be fatal.
Living with Sickle Cell is most certainly a challenge. It can be frustrating, maddening, angering, and depressing. It’s filled many days of pain, hospitalizations, and hours of doctor’s visits. It requires we manage our stress, eat healthy, keep ourselves well hydrated, and we always get the proper rest. It places many demands on us that most people can’t begin to understand.
Having said that, LIFE IS STILL WORTH LIVING. You can live well with Sickle Cell. I admit, I have days when I say, “Lord, just take me now.” But those days pass, laughter returns, and I live a fulfilling life. Though much of our illness is out of our control, much of it is in our control. It simply requires disciple and self-restraint.
If any of my readers out feel as though ignorance is bliss; that not learning about your illness is preferable to knowing, I invite you to change how you think. With knowledge comes power. The more you know about your illness, the more control you have in your life.
For instance, I live with a lot daily pain from my back, hips and Sickle Cell crises. However, I’ve learned through study and experience what helps relieve that pain and what makes it worse. As a result, I have a certain measure of control over that pain. Of course there will always be times when the pain from a crisis is worse than other days; but with the knowledge I’ve gained over m life, I can cope with it and stay out of the hospital far more than I ever did as a teenager.
I pray each of my readers chooses to have faith in a power greater than you; chooses to be optimistic about your future; chooses to take care of your body, mind and spirit the best way you can; and chooses to believe you will live a long and happy life.
Be at peace my friends.
Sincerely,
Jon
