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Chronic Illness

The Difficulty of Weight Change Caused by Chronic Illness

by Joanna No Banana July 18, 2020

Chronic illnesses can affect the body in an extremely wide range of ways, but the one that seems to get a lot of attention is weight…

Chronic illnesses can affect the body in an extremely wide range of ways, but the one that seems to get a lot of attention is weight changes. Weight loss and weight gain can severely impact not only the way that we view ourselves but also how others perceive us. When someone’s weight changes due to their chronic illness, it’s very likely that their weight is not within their control. Medicine, birth control, restricted diets, and much more are linked into this complicated situation. Something to note is that this is a common experience for those with chronic illnesses. Whether you lost or gained weight outside of your control, it’s a difficult experience, especially when those around you react in certain manners.

Personally, my chronic illnesses have caused me to lose weight. My mast cell activation syndrome heavily crossed out many foods on my safety list. I have allergic reactions to most foods. My histamine intolerance further decreased that list. My SIBO makes it difficult to even drink water sometimes. My weight loss isn’t pretty or inspirational. It’s a lot of pain, both physical and emotional. It’s being proud that I was able to eat something without any reactions but then my stomach wanting to throw up. It’s eating food that should be safe, but then having an allergic reaction. It’s not being able to go to any restaurants due to airborne reactions that can put me in a flare for a week or even longer. As someone who has dealt with an unhealthy relationship with food in the past, this experience has been extremely emotionally triggering. Those old disordered thoughts of “not being worthy of food” creep their way back into my mind. So when I have someone point out my weight loss, especially as an accomplishment, you can only imagine how much it further allows my mind to creep into that narrative. Whenever this happens, especially if someone knows that I’m sick, it feels as if they’re saying that my worth as a slimmer figure is better than the much healthier body that I used to have. In my heart, I try to explain to myself that’s not the case, but it still hurts. It’s a struggle for me to keep my weight up. It’s a struggle to not faint from lack of calories. I’m trying my best every single day to help my body thrive as much as it can. My chronic illnesses that cause my weight loss aren’t “lucky” or something to be desired. It’s a constant physically and emotionally straining struggle.

For those who gain weight due to their chronic illness, they’re also treated in a way that hurts them. Pointing out something that they can’t control, especially talking about it in a negative manner, is extremely damaging. I took certain medications that I needed to be able to function at all. Guess what? I gained weight daily from them no matter how little I ate. That’s just how some bodies respond to certain medicines. Stop pointing out what you think is wrong about someone else’s body. Even if you’re not doing it to be inherently rude, it’s still likely to come across in a harmful manner. Not everyone is able to follow some sort of weight loss plan, especially when chronic illnesses are involved.

A lot of people deal with chronic illnesses that affect their weight and other aspects of their appearance as well. Weight is an extremely sensitive topic for many people. Calling those whose bodies are forced to lose weight as “lucky” or those whose bodies are forced to gain weight as “not trying hard enough” promotes extremely problematic ideas about the worth of human beings equating to how slim they can become. Your weight doesn’t determine your value. In general, especially when you don’t know the person extremely well, it’s best to not point out changes about their bodies. Allow people to embrace their bodies as you never really know what someone else is going through.

July 18, 2020 1 comment
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Double tap if you can relate! 💛 Let's take a m Double tap if you can relate! 💛

Let's take a moment to explore the unique way chronic illness shifts our perspective on what it means to feel good. 

Picture waking up with a collection of sensations that others might categorize as distressing, yet finding a sense of accomplishment in the midst of it all. 

We rewrite our definitions of wellness by learning how our bodies function and when they need healthcare, rest, etc.

We learn the language of our bodies, speaking in hushed tones of self-care, and shouting with pride at our victories, no matter how small they may seem to others. 

What symptoms do you experience on the daily which are normal to you but would worry others if they experienced them? I would love to hear about your experience! 💛

Follow @joannanobanana for more posts about chronic illness!

#MastCellActivationSyndrome #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #MCAS #EDS #Dysautonomia #PotsSyndrome #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #ChronicIllness #Spoonie #InvisibleIllness #CranioCervicalInstability #Dysautonomia #PotsSyndrome #ChronicPain #Heds
Which symptoms of your Ehlers Danlos Syndrome do y Which symptoms of your Ehlers Danlos Syndrome do you find most frustrating? 💛

These are some aspects of my skin and nails related to my Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. 

(Please note that this is just me sharing my experience. You may have the same symptom but it may not be due to EDS. How EDS presents itself can be very individualized including depending on which form of EDS a person has. To my knowledge I have hEDS but I will be ruling out other forms with a genetic test in the near future.) 

#EhlersDanlosSyndrome #EDS #EDSAwareness
Double tap if you experience this too! 💛 In th Double tap if you experience this too! 💛

In the tapestry of life, the threads of our health can sometimes be woven with complexities that challenge our sense of balance. 

Living with a chronic illness has its own dance of better and tougher days.💃

One moment, we might find ourselves embracing the sweet relief of a better health day, where your symptoms subside. In those moments, it's like you're catching a glimpse of what life used to be and/or could be.

On these relatively better days, the urge to pack in all the missed moments, postponed plans, and unfinished projects becomes almost irresistible. It’s a reminder to seize the moment, because who knows when this opportunity will come next time? If it’ll come again? 

We push ourselves, oftentimes a bit too far, striving to capture all those moments in a net of enthusiasm. 

That’s okay. Don’t be too harsh with yourself for doing this. It's a journey of learning to cherish the energy we have today while keeping an eye on the energy we'll need tomorrow. It's a delicate equilibrium between seizing the day and nurturing the body. 

So here's to those of us who haven’t quite figured out that delicate equilibrium yet! May life allow us some relatively better health days filled with rest, excitement, and no errands to run! 💛

How do you manage on your relatively better health days? Do you have any tips to not overdo it? I would love to hear your insight!

Follow @joannanobanana for more posts about chronic illness! 💕

#ChronicIllness #MastCellActivationSyndrome #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #MCAS #Spoonie #InvisibleIllness #ButYouDontLookSick #CranioCervicalInstability #AutonomicDysfunction #InterstitialCystitis #Dysautonomia #PotsSyndrome #ChronicPain #Heds #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome
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Double tap if you can relate! ❤ It's so easy to Double tap if you can relate! ❤

It's so easy to fall into the trap of comparing our progress to others and feeling like we're somehow behind in this grand race of life. 

But here's the truth that we often forget: We can't be behind others when we're all on different paths, each with its own twists and turns, challenges and triumphs. 💛

Life has a funny way of throwing us curveballs and surprising us in ways we could have never anticipated. I know it's tough when our carefully laid-out plans don't unfold the way we envisioned them. 

It's okay to feel disappointed, frustrated, or even heartbroken by the detours life presents us. Those emotions are valid. ❤

Amidst all the unexpected shifts, let's also remember the magic that lies within these uncharted territories. 

The setbacks might just be setups for the most beautiful comebacks. The rerouted paths might lead us to breathtaking destinations we hadn't even dared to dream of. ✨

So, as we embrace the present moment, let's release the notion of being 'behind.' 

Let's celebrate the progress we've made, the battles we've fought, and the resilience that resides within us (even when it's not fair how much resilience we must hold in order to survive.) 🌻 

Each of us is writing a story that's uniquely ours. The best chapters of our stories are still unfolding, and I can't wait to see what wonders they hold. 🥰

For more posts like this follow @joannanobanana

Do you find it difficult not to compare your progress to others? If so, have you found anything that helps you to not compare yourself to others? I would love to hear your insight!

#ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness #Spoonie #ChronicPain #ChronicLife #ChronicWarrior #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #Migraine #MastCellActivationSyndrome 
#PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome
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P.S. Check out the NJ Safe Passing Law to learn more about giving cyclists enough room (4 ft.) when passing!

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Double tap if you can relate! 💛 Life's journey Double tap if you can relate! 💛

Life's journey takes us on unexpected detours, leading us to places we never imagined. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Becoming chronically ill (or even becoming sicker when you're already chronically ill), whether it's a gradual progression or a sudden change, introduces us to a world of complexities and emotions we might never have anticipated. Among these emotions, grief takes a prominent place. 😔

Grief is not only about losing what was, but also about mourning the possibilities that could have been. It's about holding space for the dreams and aspirations you had before your health took a different turn. 

Each day, as you confront your new reality, it's okay to acknowledge the sadness for the life you imagined – the life that could've unfolded without the weight of illness.

In the midst of it all, there's also grief for the future you once imagined. The uncertainty of what lies ahead can be daunting, and it's natural to grieve for the potential moments that might be stolen away. 

So take a pause, take a breath, and take a minute (or however long you need) because what you're living through can get so overwhelming. May you find comfort and happiness wherever you can find it, my friend. 💛

What are you currently grieving? Is there any coping mechanism that you've found that helps you? 

I would love to hear what you have to say 💕

Follow @joannanobanana for more posts like this!

#ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #ChronicPain #MastCellActivationSyndrome #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #HistamineIntolerance #ConnectiveTissueDisorder
Try out this simple & delicious way to combat your Try out this simple & delicious way to combat your mineral deficiencies!

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2. Fill up the other half of your glass with peach juice
3. Add several drops of Trace Minerals’ ConcenTrace
4. Add sliced strawberries

Feel free to experiment with adding additional fruits like lemon and peach to see what’s the best match for you!

ConcenTrace is a product I’ve been using for several years to help me combat mineral deficiencies which affect sleep, exercise, and many other daily activities.

#ad Check out @tracemineralsresearch for more information!

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Double tap if you can relate! 💛 Living with a Double tap if you can relate! 💛

Living with a chronic illness means dancing to the rhythm of uncertainty. 

Planning becomes an intricate art, for many living with chronic illness, every step is a question mark. How can I fathom my future when I can't even anticipate my next five minutes?

I've learned to go with the ebbs and flows of my body. I choose to focus on what I can control. My plans may shift, but I've discovered strength in adaptability. I celebrate victories, big or small, that arise from overcoming the hurdles my chronic illnesses throw my way. 

While others map out their lives in months and years, I find solace in embracing the present moment, cherishing its delicate gifts. 

Within the unpredictability lies a unique beauty. I'm here. I'm alive. I'm living. My plans shift more than the average person but somewhere inside me there is a whisper of a voice that somehow says perhaps that's for the best.

Have you faced the challenge of planning your life while living with a chronic illness? 

How do you navigate the uncertainties and embrace the beauty of the present moment? 

Share your thoughts and insights below! 👇

Follow @joannanobanana for more conversations like this! 💛

#ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #MigraineLife #ChronicMigraine
#POTS #InterstitialCystitis #CopingWithChronicIllness #ChronicIllnessCommunity #MastCellActivationSyndrome #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #ChronicSymptoms #ChronicInflammation #HistamineIntolerance #SpoonieLife
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Introducing my secret weapon: cooling clothing! ❄️ 

These innovative garments from @32degreesofficial are designed to help me stay cool during workouts, hikes, running errands, and so much more!

I love that @32degreesofficial cooling clothing line offers workout clothes, cute dresses, business casual pants, and sleepwear so you can have a fun mix in your wardrobe.

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Double tap if you can relate! ❤ Something that Double tap if you can relate! ❤

Something that often goes unnoticed by those who aren't living with chronic illness is the limited range of treatment options available to those who are chronically ill. 

While recommendations from non chronically ill people tend to be well-intentioned, the suggestion to explore different doctors and seek new treatments can overlook the fact that we've already traversed that path. Oftentimes, we've tirelessly sought answers, considered countless options, and exhausted what's available.

Living with a chronic illness isn't a lack of effort or desire to find relief.

So how can non chronically ill people help chronically ill people? Ask.

Each individual may have different needs and need help with different aspects of life. That being said, a few more common themes are help with finances, grocery shopping, running errands, transportation to and from doctor appointments, etc.

What are some ways that you would like to recieve help as a chronically ill person? I would love to hear your insight!

Follow @joannanobanana for more posts like this!

#ChronicPain #MastCellActivationSyndrome #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #HistamineIntolerance #ConnectiveTissueDisorder
What makes the biggest difference for you in terms What makes the biggest difference for you in terms of managing your EDS? 💛

Video ft.:
Massager from @therabody 
Braces from @cleanprene @lifeweartechnologies 
KT Tape from @kttape 
Heat Pillow (also can be called a Massaging Heat Pad) from @sharperimageofficial 

Follow @joannanobanana for more content like this! 

I’m so excited to show you more in detail about how these help me and showcase some other items that help me as well. 💛

#EhlersDanlosSyndrome #hEDS #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #Dysautonomia #POTSSyndrome #DysautonomiaAwareness #MastCellActivationSyndrome
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About Me

About Me

My name is Joanna. I’m a 24-year-old chronically ill and disabled blogger whose goal is to help build our wonderful community.

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    Imposter Syndrome: Dynamic Disability Edition

    September 6, 2020
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    The Difficulty of Weight Change Caused by Chronic Illness

    July 18, 2020
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    How to Grieve: Chronic Illness Edition

    October 15, 2020

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