ME/CFS South Australia Inc supports the needs of sufferers of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and related illnesses. We do this by providing services and information to members. Disclaimer ME/CFS South Australia Inc aims to keep members informed of various research projects, diets, medications, therapies, news items, etc. All communication, both verbal and written, is merely to disseminate information and not to make recommendations or directives. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed on this Web site are not necessarily the official views of the Society or its Committee and are not simply an endorsement of products or services. |
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14 Aspects Of Chronic Illness We're Not 'Lucky' To ExperienceSaturday 18 May 2019
14 Aspects of Chronic Illness We're Not 'Lucky' to Experience Picture it: You’re tossing and turning on your couch in the middle of the day, unable to get comfortable because of the excruciating pain jolting through your body. The debilitating fatigue makes your limbs feel like they’re made of concrete, and you’re too exhausted to do anything besides breathe. Maybe nausea, vertigo, heart palpitations, incontinence or any number of other symptoms are adding to your pain and discomfort. Suddenly, you get a text from your friend: “Ugh, going to be stuck late at the office again. You’re so lucky you get to stay home all day!” “Lucky” probably doesn’t feel like the right word, does it? Though many of our healthy friends and loved ones typically mean well, off-handed comments like this can still hurt. When someone says a person with chronic illness is “lucky,” it’s likely they haven’t thought through the full reality of the situation. In the example above, the friend might be stressed from working long hours at her job and dream of having a few days at home to relax — which is completely valid! However, it’s important to consider that for a person with chronic illness, staying home all day to manage symptoms isn’t relaxing, or a vacation. It’s often a necessity and many may wish they were able to work. Being told you are “lucky” can feel invalidating, as it trivializes the very real challenges people with chronic illness face on a daily basis. To help others better understand this reality, we asked our Mighty community to share an aspect of chronic illness that makes people say, “You’re so lucky!” — and why that couldn’t be further from the truth. Let’s show our chronically ill loved ones the support and understanding they deserve. Here’s what our community shared with us: 1. Not Having to Pay Taxes “When people learn that I don’t have to file or pay taxes, they get really jealous. Since my only income is disability (SSDI), which is tax-free, and I have no savings accounts — or anything of financial value that earns interest — I have no reason to file taxes every year. By the way, I had this verified by H&R Block. I would much, much rather be out there working, even part-time, earning money and contributing to society, even if it meant filing taxes every year. I have no problem whatsoever ‘rendering unto Caesar’ what is due to there.” — Sherry W.
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Registered Charity 3104
Email:
sacfs@sacfs.asn.au
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