There’s No Spring Break from Scleroderma

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A few weeks ago, I  had a terrible cold . I was low-energy, stuffy, cranky, and couldn’t  sleep. Thankfully, I got over my cold and I feel ‘normal’ again. If only my ‘normal’ were really normal. For 32 years, I’ve really never felt ‘normal.’ This loss of normalcy is something with which all chronic disease sufferers must wrestle. It’s crippling to contemplate the magnitude of scleroderma and the impact it has had on my life. I thought I came to terms with this years ago, but the truth is, I don’t know if that’s possible. I’ve cultivated pretty good coping skills, but sometimes, I daydream about taking a vacation from scleroderma. On this fantasy vacation I would (in no particular order) ….

  1. Wake up pain-free
  2. Wear clothes that I like
  3. Walk out the door without three layers of meticulously applied makeup on my telangiectasia ridden face
  4. Wear a bathing suit and go swimming
  5. Walk barefoot
  6. Plant and care for a garden
  7. Take a bike ride
  8. Run a mile
  9. Get a massage
  10. Get a manicure and pedicure
  11. Sun bathe
  12. Do yoga
  13. Rock Climb
  14. Sky dive
  15. Take up salsa dancing
  16. Sit ‘pretzel style’ on the ground
  17. Go horseback riding
  18. Buy a whole new wardrobe
  19. Open a bottle of water
  20. Weight lift
  21. Walk through the frozen food aisle without gloves
  22. Play basketball with my son
  23. Take a dance class with my daughter
  24. Go kayaking with my husband
  25. Drink a glass of wine
  26. Go to the dentist without crying

I could go on and on with my wish list. Although I try to be a pretty upbeat person with an attitude to match, sometimes I’m simply sick of being sick! I’m sick of living in a body that refuses to function properly. I’m sick of all the doctor appointments, the chronic pain, and the limitations scleroderma places on my life. I’m sick of finding out I need gum surgery and having to worry about what that means in terms of complications from scleroderma. I’m sick of not being able to open packaging, cram a book onto a bookshelf, or twist off a bottle cap. I’m sick of rarely finding clothes I find attractive and mostly settling on garments that hide as much of me as possible. I’m sick of concealing my face behind makeup. I’m sick of being stared at by strangers. I’m sick of looking in the mirror and not seeing the person I know I am on the inside staring back at me. I’m sick of going to bed in pain each night and waking up in pain each morning. I’m sick of living with an ostomy bag. I’m sick of all the anxiety and uncertainty that accompanies an incurable and chronic disease. I’m sick of fighting a body that’s been fighting me almost my entire life. I’m sick of  feeling guilty for complaining because I know many scleroderma patients would trade places with me in a heartbeat. I’m sick of being upbeat and qualifying everything with the sentiment; well, it could be way worse. I’m sick of the fact that unless we find a cure, fellow patients and I will never ever get a single solitary second’s worth of a vacation from this disease.

Most of all though, I’m sick of this self-pity party I just threw myself. Rant over. That is all.

*This article was originally published on  Scleroderma News 

 

Overcoming Obstacles

10 Comments »

  1. Lisa,

    I wish I was half the writer you were to put to words something smart, heartfelt and caring. I love your post and always want to give you a hug after reading them. I particularly relate to this post. You may notice at many of the boys games, I sit on a cushion or stand. I injured my SI joint over 10 years ago and have pain in my lower back/tush area ( known to Jeff as “my bad spot” that he constantly rubs) and get shooting pain down to my foot most days. I would never attempt to compare this to Scleroderma and what you have experienced. However, I could relate to this post since so many pain days as I walk down the street, I think how nice it would be to be pain free and feel normal. I do have some days much better than others, I hope you do as well.

    Please know, that you are a constant inspiration. You may never get your ” spring break”, but you are always a pleasure to be around and a very special person. Keep smiling. You might have some physical limitations on the outside, but you are still one of the strongest people I know.

    Hope to see you around soon.

    ________________________________

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  2. Love your posts. And it’s so damn tiring to be strong, to keep your chin up, to hear others tell you “it could be worse”, to hear your own self say “it could be worse” or the dreaded “I don’t know how you do it”. Sad that even a momentary lapse makes us still feel guilty. Here’s wishing for a giant “time out” button to add to your list of wishes. Let the world stop for a bit while we breathe. Thanks for writing what so many of us feel but can’t articulate the way you can!

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  4. Oh, Lisa, you deserve to have a pity party now and then! I have a few of your issues…note, a few…and it is frustrating. But, your situation puts my situation in perspective. And I do count my blessings Some things do carry you through…your attitude and sense of humor. I’m sure they help you quite a bit. My heart cries for you, dear one. Take care and hope to see you at the next meeting. God bless you, Mary xoxo

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  5. Pity parties are necessary at times. Also, naps…..they are very necessary. These things help us rejuvenate so that we can be present for our friends and family later. I am also doing my best to have a sense of humor about what is going on with my health. Let’s joke about it together : )

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  6. It is so wearing and you describe it well
    Just a year ago l was so much Weller,l still raced,l looked radiant,l was getting ill but nothing like this now,when internal damage is happening and l cannot get dressed without pain and distress
    I need your blogs to remind me it is possible to face another day and ri cope with all of this!
    Thank you.

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  7. You don’t ever have to feel bad about having a pity party. You are dealing with this disease (which my mother had) and although everyone has some battle they are fighting, it should never be a comparison. I read your book years ago, and it made me laugh and cry. My mother is gone over 20 years and I pray that one day soon you will be able to benefit from a cure. I have followed you and heard you speak. You are eloquent, funny, and an inspiration to so many others fighting Scleraderma and their loved ones. Beauty on the outside is overrated. Your beauty shines beautifully from the inside for all to embrace.
    Be well, and keep fighting. G-d bless you!💗

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