Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired? When you are poorly on top of your chronic condition, how do you cope?

Living with one condition is hard enough. Whether it’s arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, fatigue, and/or chronic pain – being able to cope with this from day to day – is not easy. When you then throw in something else – you’ve come down with a cold, flu, covid, or viral infection – a bad cough, fever, body aches and headaches – then what? It can feel completely overwhelming and disheartening. Or maybe you have an upcoming operation, or another diagnosis, or dental issues, whatever it might be, and it is an extra load that feels heavier when you already deal with something else from day to day (eg. Arthritis!). 

This last month or so has been particularly hard for me health wise. My arthritis, well this, this I can cope with, and I have all the tools to deal with it, so, it is all the other things on top of that, that have left me feeling quite down and fed up. Can you relate to this? You’re not alone. Yesterday, I posted this video on my Stories, and it really resonated with so many people, which is why I posted it permanently today.  

Living with arthritis, or any long-term condition, takes a lot of mental and physical strength at times, and when something else is going on – on top – well, it’s hard. I’ve had a few setbacks health wise, and I’m basically sick and tired of feeling sick and tired – and that’s NOT including my arthritis – funnily enough I just would like the other things to go away. Of course, it goes without saying that my arthritis and joint pain has been worse, and it always is when I’m poorly/stressed/low on sleep (what a combination!) 
  
Luckily, my employers have been so kind and understanding, which has been so helpful, as have my partner, family, and friends, who have been so supportive, and I appreciate it so much. But I can’t help feeling like I’ve not been my full self for weeks. And it’s not like me. Nobody likes not feeling like themselves.  

Here are the three things I am trying to remember, as I get back to full health (currently managing a viral infection, toothache, and period pain!). 
 

3 Things to Remember When Sick

1 – It Won’t Last Forever

This sounds pretty rudimentary, but when you are in the middle of feeling at your worst, it can often feel like it is going to last forever… But, like most things, they do pass. They will pass. Even if it feels like they won’t at the time. Of course, this does not apply to having a chronic condition, but when you are feeling unwell with something else alongside! That being said, arthritis flare ups have their moments too, and can also feel never-ending when you are in the middle of one. But they don’t last forever either. See my blog post here, on the 10 Top Ways to Soothe an Arthritis Flare-Up. “This too shall pass” is a Persian adage translated and used in several languages. It notes the temporary or transitory nature of the human condition — that neither the bad, nor good, moments in life ever last forever. 

2 – Stay Patient and Present

Whenever I am poorly, I find myself really practising the art of being patient – patient with myself, with my body, and with how I am feeling. Being in the present moment, and allowing myself to accept that I am unwell, is the best way to recover. Slow gentle recovery is the way to get better quicker. Rather than willing it to go away, sitting with it, staying present with it, by resting, eating well, sleeping and recuperating, gives your body the calmness it needs to heal. Remaining calm, present and restful, reduces stress and helps your body to relax when it is feeling fragile. Rushing and stressing yourself out to get better quicker, is going to do the opposite, and will probably mean that it takes you longer to mend. Stay present by having a bath, lying in bed watching a favourite film (one that boosts your feel-good hormone oxytocin if you can), reading a book, or cuddling your furry friend can help you to rest and stay in the moment. Recovery takes time, so let your body know that you know this. 

3 – Be Kind to Yourself 

Life can wait. It can wait until you are feeling better again. Be kind to yourself when you are unwell and do not push yourself too hard. Laundry does need doing, but it can wait. So can any other task, cleaning job, house, family, or work admin on your to-do list. It is time to prioritise you and your recovery from how you are feeling. Allow yourself the grace, generosity and kindness that you give so freely to others. And ask for help and support. Lean on your loved ones as much as possible and allow them to take care of you. I say this because, sometimes we do not like to admit how ill we are feeling, or how bad things really are. But when we are kind to ourselves, and connect with what is happening, we are able to let others understand what is occurring too, so that they can find the best ways to support us and look after us. 

Final Note

I’m trying to take my own advice, be patient, and kind to myself, and know that it will pass, and things will get better. If this is you right now, and you feel like sharing, comment below and maybe others might feel less alone. Thank you everyone for all your messages and support too. I love the kindness of this community. If you’re new here, you can find me on @ArthritisFoodie, and for community support we have the free private group on Facebook called the ‘Arthritis Foodie Forum’.