Send Me More Stories About Chronic Illness
When you’re first diagnosed with a health condition, it can sometimes feel like the end of things. But even in the face of challenges, the nature of being human is to continue, and to persevere.
That’s why, for this week’s Community Round-Up, we asked Folks‘s Twitter followers: What’s something you never thought you could accommplish when you were diagnosied, that you now do?
The answers we received ran the gamut, from people telling us about how diagnosis spurred them to get married, travel new places, and finally sit down and write that book they were thinking about. But other responses we got were deeply honest and human, explaining that, for them, diagnosis didn’t have many bright sides, and we thought it was important to include those too.
For next week’s roundup, we’re asking our followers: “Some people identify as disabled. Others don’t. How do you identify and why?” We’d love to hear your thoughts, so follow Folks on Twitter (@folksstories) and let us know! We’ll post our best answers next week.
What’s something you never thought you could accomplish when you were diagnosed, that you now do? @spwarriortweets @farrahgarland @BeingCharisBlog @JediMaster941 @serenebutterfly @KatAMacfarlane @Aoiferocksitout @Imani_Barbarin @MortuaryReport @fabledcreature_ @ChronicFinance
— @folksstories (@folksstories) February 23, 2018
Afters years of feeling lonely and isolated, I never thought I would find my ‘tribe’; a place where I would feel accepted and where I’d be comfortable being myself without judgement. Also never thought I could write a blog that people would be interested in reading!
— Rhiann Johns (@serenebutterfly) February 23, 2018
For me it's been more about realizing what I can do, even if it means giving up my previous hopes or plans.
I used to sing, dance, and act. I spent most of my life onstage. It's something that I'm not likely to do again.
But then I found writing and was able to fill the void.
— Spoonie Warrior (@spwarriortweets) February 23, 2018
I think an important thing is recognizing that there may be things we can't do anymore, but that's ok. It's ok for plans to change.
Maybe one day I'll be able to do those things again, but I also need to build new hopes and dreams that are rooted in my current abilities.
— Spoonie Warrior (@spwarriortweets) February 23, 2018
I thought I would never be able to travel anymore. But now have discovered cruising and I absolutely love it! And have been able to experience beautiful countries like Norway!! Looking forward to going to Iceland as well this year
— Rhiann Johns (@serenebutterfly) February 23, 2018
Appreciate the disabled community shoutouts, but this kind of q is depressing. My dx was age 1. My story is about realizing what I can’t do.
— Kat Macfarlane (@KatAMacfarlane) February 23, 2018
It's hard to have one of those illnesses that doesn't let you rise above and be the Survivor and Conquerer society has come to admire as the 'abled' disabled. I am Surviving, not a Survivor. No ribbons or applause. Happy for those who beat it. #unrestfilm #sickkids
— Fabled Creature (@fabledcreature_) February 24, 2018
I'm glad you said this.
I feel the same way. I was super capable when I was DXed and years after. Every year I lose more.— Jed Finley (@JediMaster941) February 23, 2018
That’s my experience too. I worry that we mask real emotional struggles when we spin it this way. Resilience is impressive, but not a given.
— Kat Macfarlane (@KatAMacfarlane) February 23, 2018
I'm a patient advocate, I am learning how to become a better advocate and activist. I am part of a real community,something I never thought would happen. I love the #disability community here, say it all the time. I never thought these things would be possible living w/ illness
— ???????? Aoife ♿???? (@Aoiferocksitout) February 23, 2018
I never thought that I would get married. I am married to my best friend. We have been married 16 years.
— Jennifer Lothamer (@jennaloth1975) February 25, 2018
Run several businesses.
Get my doctorate (in my final year).
Ride a motorcycle.
Live to see 30 (2 weeks away!).♿????
— Farrah Kaeser (@farrahgarland) February 23, 2018
Creative Commons photo by Kristoffer Trolle. Additional reporting by Josh Andrew.
