I’ve been feeling rather sad and isolated the last few days. I think a lot of it comes from the stress of dealing with chronic illness and chronic pain. Anyone who has chronic illness is probably familiar with spoon theory, an illustrative way to describe why you have to choose carefully how to use your energy to do things when you have very limited physical ability.
In other words, sometimes you have to choose whether you would like to go out and socialize for a short period of time, spend that energy getting some much-needed housework done, work on a hobby or personal interest, or even simply take a shower…because you just don’t have the energy and the physical ability to do them all within the same day like a healthy person could.
Most of the time I end up choosing to spend my “energy” and limited abilities to either spend time with my husband, work on my art/writing/blogging, or take care of personal hygiene or light housework. Prioritizing these things leaves no extra energy or time to socialize on a wider scale or do much outside of the house, other than maybe occasionally going out for dinner or doing a little necessary shopping. Even the thought of going to a movie is often too exhausting to contemplate.
All of this makes me sad, especially when I remember how I used to enjoy so many other things I can’t do any longer. I used to love hiking, playing tennis, roller skating, bowling, dancing, working, swimming, being a foster parent, and going out to various activities with people I know or share interests with. I’ve pretty much lost all of that for good. And that is depressing.
Maranda Russell 
30 responses to “Isolation and Loss from Chronic Illness”
That kind of loss is so hard to cope with, yet I suspect that it’s something that’s overlooked by a lot of people who don’t have chronic illness.
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Yeah. Quite honestly, my chronic pain journey started when I was 19 and ruptured my plantar fascia, and things have just slowly went downhill since then. It is hard to see things being slowly stripped away from you and fear that even more will be lost in the future.
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I understand, I watch my daughter do the same. In Prayer for you both.:)
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Thank you so much ♥
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:))
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Cheer up sweetie pie. We are all here for you.
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Thank you ♥
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You are welcome, my dear🤗
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It’s hard I understand .. I can relate I use to do a lot of the same things and now it’s about maintaining what I have and it’s the top part you said spending time with your husband . Getting yourself together . Things around the house. But the upside I’m happy it’s all about the little things I have come to see now and that is what is important . Your doing fine . Hugs❤️
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Thanks ♥
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💕
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It is depressing!!
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Indeed 😦
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I was thinking the other day… I used to clean the whole house in a few hours. Now it takes a week to get it done or at least manageable.
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Yeah, my husband does the majority of it, but I try to take on a few tasks to lighten the burden on him.
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Hey I’m there with ya. I feel ya. I’m not so much in chronic illness, however, as for me it’s all a mental game. What I’m putting my attention on, organising, planning, coordinating, considering, thinking, feeling, trying, whatever the hell I am trying to do.
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So much grief, and that would crush some, but you are talking about it, and you are living wisely, which is inspiring.
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Thank you.
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You are most welcome.
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I am so sorry. Sometimes it isn’t the death of someone else that makes us grieve, but the death of a part of ourselves or our lives.
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So true.
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Stay connected with those you love and who are your friends. Do only as much as you can and DO express your feelings.
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Blogging about it all does help. That is why I use precious energy to do so 🙂
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That’s true. Take care
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Dealing with low- or no-spoon days is really hard. The grind of it can’t be relentless. And I hate how unpredictable it is. I’ve gotten to the point where I rarely make commitments for fear that, when the day comes, I won’t be able to do what I’ve promised. I hope things improve for you soon.
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God bless you! I’m sorry for all this. I feel certain that your writing about it is therapy for you and may also be therapy for others. Sending you some virtual energy and positivity… ;-)))
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Maranda, I am sorry that you have to be selective in your daily tasks. I hope that you can find some strength from the words of prayer and support from others. God bless!
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I’m sorry you’re having a tough time. I’m completely with you on these feelings. You describe it very well. I feel like this very often too. Sometimes I dream of running again and when I wake up to crutches and a wheelchair my heart drops inside me. I get very frustrated as well sometimes.
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I can empathise with you and words can never make up for what you miss. Yet, may be, some day, and if not completely, things will get better. Love and wishes 🙂
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Thank you so much for your kind words.
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