Am I really guilty of downplaying my illness?
Now, for those who are new to my blog or for those who don't know much about me, I have Cystic Fibrosis. It's a chronic genetic condition which affects the lungs, digestive system and sinuses. To be fair, it also affects other parts of the body. But those three are the main affected areas/organs.
Anyway, thinking back to that car conversation, it really stuck in my mind. I couldn't shake off what my Mam said because, deep down, I knew that it was possibly true. Don't get me wrong, I am fully aware of the seriousness of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and I don't deny that. But maybe the reason I downplay my illness is that I choose to but in a subconscious way.
When I'm out and about, I don't choose to highlight or talk about my illness.
I don't go around with a sign around my neck declaring that I have an illness. I don't choose to be so open about it unless I need to. For me, I like to keep CF at home. I don't like to take it everywhere with me. I mean, I do have to take tablets when I eat meals so that's a bit of a giveaway when I'm in a pub or restaurant. The only time I talk about CF is if someone asks me how I am and how my health is. Even then, I will try to be as brief as possible and not divulge too much information.
This may sound like I have a sense of shame for having CF. That is in no way true. Weirdly, I'm proud of the fact that I manage to conquer this illness every day and overcome every obstacle it's thrown at me. But I think I don't choose to highlight it every day not just to the people I love, but even online. I have had a few fellow bloggers praise me for raising awareness of Cystic Fibrosis as they didn't know much about it until they followed me. That's quite a proud moment for me. I'm just someone who doesn't delve into the nitty-gritty unless it's necessary eg if my health is playing up.
With me, if I feel well and feel that I have good control over things concerning my health, I feel that I don't need to elaborate any further. Maybe that is what my Mam meant about me belittling and downplaying my illness. It's not that I don't take CF seriously or do not fully comprehend the severity of it, it's just that I won't elaborate unless it's necessary. I'm not downplaying it, it's just that I don't like to bring it to the centre of attention.
I'd love to know your thoughts on this, whether you have a chronic illness/condition or not. I would like to see if you would do the same or if you have done the same.
I think it's up to you how much or how little you talk about CF. It doesn't define you and doesn't need to be the only thing that people talk to you about!
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
https://skinnedcartree.com
Absolutely Corinne, I only choose to talk about it when I need to or want to, I've never let it define me as a person! x
Deleteit's totally up to you how you choose to communicate about it. If you're managing well, there is no need to elaborate & it's a really great thing it's being managed.
ReplyDeleteAt the moment *touch wood*, it's being managed quite well at the moment!
DeleteIts totally up to you how much or how little you discuss it. And you definitely shouldn't feel guilty either way!
ReplyDeleteThank you Chloe, I'll only discuss my illness as and when I need to!
DeleteI believe it's up to you. You're not belittling your condition. I do too have my health condition and I personally don't like opening up unless I'm with people who are very close to me but that is something personal if you want to share to certain people or to the world there is no right nor wrong.
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love!
-Michelle| www.brokebutflawless.com
Absolutely Michelle, you should always be open to those who you feel comfortable in telling. I like to share stuff onlie also so I can raise awareness of CF. I hope you are doing ok lovely x
DeleteSuch an interesting read. I know someone with CF and she says that it's the most boring thing about it. She is happy to talk about it but she prefers to do it on her own terms. I always ask her, on her terms, if she's ok and do my best to let her know I#m there for her but she wants to have ownership of her life and condition. I'm in awe of her!
ReplyDeleteRosie
https://www.loverosiee.co.uk
I like your friend with CF prefers to talk about it on her own terms, I honestly don't blame her! I'm not surprised you're in awe of her, she sounds amazing and is going about life so well! x
DeleteYou are one of the strong ones to talk about your chronic illlness. I haven’t even found the strength to share my health condition and most times I forget to take my drugs. There is no wrong and right way and I believe you are doing amazing. Sending you Lots of love
ReplyDeleteThank you Rayo, that's so kind of you to say! It should be on your terms if you choose to talk about your health condition or not, I hope you're doing ok at the moment lovely. I'm always here if you need a chat x
DeleteAs long as you feel happy with how much or little you share, that's all that matters Lucy :) It's a huge part of your life, but you are not your illness, and your illness is not you. It is part of you, but you are so much more than just that diagnosis. I often think of how you are because my best friend also had CF too so I know the daily routine of someone with it, but when I see your posts, so much more comes to mind, like 'Ooo I wonder what fashion posts Lucy has put up!'. I completely get your feelings around this post - It's definitely provoked thought! Thank you for sharing xx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Louna, it's a part of me, but it doesn't define me as a person. It's a rigorous routine I know that for sure!
DeleteI'll be posting more fashion content on here soon Louna so keep an eye out! xx
I don't have a chronic illness, however I think if I did I'd be very much like yourself. I actually quite like the idea of leaving your illness at home. It doesn't define who you are as a person. And I've learnt loads about CF from you btw! I'm one of those bloggers haha. I think it's great to raise awareness, because I bet there's loads of people out there like me who had no idea about what CF was.
ReplyDeleteClaire.X
www.clairemac.co.uk
I think with me leaving CF at home, it allows me to live a somewhat normal life! You are definitely one of those blogger's who has always said you've learned something new about CF from me! There are still plenty of others out there who have no knowledge of CF so I'm still aiming to educate! x
DeleteI don't have a chronic illness so I'm not sure how I'd behave if I did have one. I like to think I'd be the same as you, ie, taking it seriously but not letting it take over my life where possible. x
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Lisa, I take it seriously but I don't let it take over my life! x
DeleteVery interesting read and actually, I read it less as downplaying or denying but more not being defined by it. I would say the approach that works for you is the best one and it sounds like how you deal with it is indicative of your strength. Thank you for sharing your story with us :)
ReplyDeleteI've always said that I wouldn't let my illness define me as a person, so it's interesting that you see it that way when reading this post!
DeleteIn my own way, I think me downplaying my illness is kind of a reassurance technique I use for myself and others. As you say, it's important to acknowledge what I'm living with, but not let it become front and centre of my life.
ReplyDeleteI don't know anything about having an illness like this, however I think it should be completely up to you what you choose to tell people or whether you choose to tell them. It's your life and your choice, I think you're incredible and such a strong woman! x
ReplyDeleteI agree lovely, it should be my choice what to tell people and how much I do divulge. Thank you so much Gemma, that's so kind of you to say! x
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