Has Your Condition Brought You Any Blessings?
Living with Axial Spondyloarthrtitis can come with so many negatives that it is sometimes easy to overlook that it can also come with a few blessings too
For me, it has taught me how to look after myself a lot better. I see my condition as a constant reminder to keep myself as health as I can. Before I was diagnosed I didn't pay too much attention to what I was putting in my body so ironically my illness has in some ways made me healthier than ever before!
I also think that it has helped me become a more compassionate person. I think everything I have been through has made me realise that there are many things people can go through that aren't necessarily visible so I like to check up on people a lot more and am more understanding.
And not to leave out the fact that It has allowed me to connect with so many amazing people in this community too!
Have you guys found any positives that have come from your condition?
Hi
This is such a good question!
It feels good for once to focus on the positive outcomes of AxSpa 😉
I certainly look after myself much better, physically, mentally and spiritually. I think I have found a good self care routine to feel balanced in my life. I am still working on my emotionally state, which tends to fluctuate, but it's a lot better than what it was before.
My quality of life has improved with working from home full time now, exercising everyday, keeping any stressing factors as far as possible, and putting my health and wellbeing at the centre of the things I do.
My diagnosis made me educate myself about long term conditions, self management approaches, and being generally more understanding and compassionate with people. I am now a coach in Health and Wellbeing, and I love my job! As you can imagine, my diagnosis played a big part in that decision to get a qualification and change career.
I am sure I can find more beneficial lifestyle changes I have made since I got diagnosed. I am generally more alert about my health. I would not let anything deteriorate if I was not feeling well or having a new symptom.
Take care,
Julie.Hi
,
Thank you - I do have some good ones sometimes haha! I completely agree, there's obviously so many negative aspects to it which can get us down but if we look a bit deeper there are a few blessings too!
I'm so glad to hear that so many positives have come into your life from a less than ideal situation! I also think my condition has made me look after my body a lot more too - who would have thought it would take a disease for us to get healthier haha.
I think it's incredible that you have found such an amazing new career path from this all and have gone on to use your experiences to help so many others. Hats off to you!
Wishing you all the best,
James (Community Member)
A blessing that AS has brought me is becoming more confident. Having to advocate for myself with doctors and loved ones has increased my confidence and communication skills.
Hi
,
That is amazing to hear! I mean it definitely wasn't the most ideal circumstances that lead to this happening, but I am glad some good has come out of it all and hopefully it is something you can apply to other parts of life too!
Best wishes,
James (Community Member)
A positive outcome that the diagnosis of AxSpA/AS has given me is that it took me out of the corporate workplace. The mindset of working 60+ hours. The HUSTLE. Putting everything I have into work was so damaging - and I am glad that I have stepped back from it. Less stress, less depression, less expectation, more focus on wellbeing. I enjoy being home where it's quiet and writing, creating, meditating, focusing on my health is a much more conducive lifestyle while living with chronic illnesses. Rebecca (community advocate)
Hi
,
I am so glad to hear that you have managed to find a more peaceful life! Those stressful 60 hour weeks sound like a lot to deal with for an able bodied person, let alone having to balance that with the full time job of managing a condition like ours!
I hope that now you are feeling a lot happier and healthier!
All the best,
James (Community Member)I've worked outside the home and at home during different periods in my life, and I have always been more balanced when working creatively in the at-home atmosphere. I'm such a home-body and thrive off quiet creative atmospheres. Offices throw me for a loop and I seem to get worse when there, feel uncomfortable, and honestly, my senses are overwhelmed. Just me and who I am ... but yes I am so much better mentally and emotionally since I left. Hugs friend. Rebecca
