After you have had a good cry, breathe. Yes, it is a difficult pill to swallow. You have a life to live, and this is going to make it difficult, but think about it this way, there are other people going through the same thing and they are surviving. So, breathe. Take a walk, go for a run, ride a bike, just step away from the situation for a minute to calm your thoughts. You have just been diagnosed, and you don’t have all the information yet.

Do as much research as you can to ensure you make informed decisions. Write down all your questions before you go to your next doctor’s appointment so you don’t forget anything. Speak to the social worker as well. I got access to free services that I never knew I was eligible for until I spoke to the social worker. There are no dumb questions. Work with your team (doctors, nurses and social workers) to ensure you have everything you need to thrive (not just survive).

Just because you have a chronic illness doesn’t mean your overall health needs to be neglected. I am constantly looking for ways to stay healthy – sometimes through diet and exercise. I work with the dietitian at the hospital to find foods that I can eat without making my illness worse. I keep a log of the foods I eat and the affect they have on my body, then I work with the dietitian to find viable alternatives so I’m not missing vital nutrients in my diet. If I find a supplement that I want to take – maybe for hair loss or joint pain – I share the ingredients with my nurse and the dietitian before taking it. 

I wish I could say I exercise regularly as well but I’m not perfect. I try but by the end of my day I am usually exhausted. I have been doing light exercises and stretching so I suppose I’m not hopeless. I have made a commitment to walk the dogs more often. Now that it is out in the universe I guess I have to stick to it. I will give you an update next time. You can keep me honest.

Ask for help when you feel it is all too much. The social workers at the hospital are there to provide you with the mental support you need to get through all of it. You can also call on your personal support system – friends and family. Most importantly, never think you are alone. If you don’t have family members or friends who you trust, ask your family doctor to recommend a therapist. Use the resources at your disposal to get the help you need. 

I must be honest; I always feel like I am complaining when I start talking about my illness. I think it is because of my upbringing – we never really talked about anything in my family. I am learning the benefits of simply talking. Sometimes I don’t need advice, I just need to say it out loud. It is cathartic. It is like journaling. In the end it feels like a weight has been lifted.