How do I share my chronic illness story?

To more easily write your story and piece together a clearer picture of your journey as a whole, grab a pen and paper. Mark time intervals along a line and jot down significant events that changed the trajectory of your illness (first symptoms, diagnoses, test results, surgeries, treatment plans, etc.).

What is chronic immune deficiency syndrome?

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is an immune system disorder that causes you to have low levels of the proteins that help fight infections. If you have CVID , you’ll likely have repeated infections in your ears, sinuses and respiratory system.

How do I tell someone about my illness?

Tell one very trusted family member or friend and ask that person to spread the word among your loved ones. Meet with family members and friends individually to talk about your condition. Hold a “family meeting” to explain the news. Ask a doctor, nurse, or social worker to talk to your family or to be with you when you …

How do I talk to my friend about chronic illness?

Some Real Advice on How to Support Someone with a Chronic Illness

1. Show us compassion and empathy.
2. Reflect what we say and do your own research.
3. Give us validation and believe in us.
4. Show interest and support in our journey.
5. Let us know that it’s OK to not be OK.

How can you tell if someone is seriously ill?

DO say, “I really admire how you are handling this. I know it’s difficult.” A little sympathy and a compliment are almost always welcome. DO say, “It’s okay not to be the perfect sick person.” Patients can feel a lot of pressure to “be strong” “stay positive” or “fight hard”, even when they’re feeling sad and weak.

Do chronic illnesses raise your risk of covid-19?

While plenty of people have felt free to flaunt COVID restrictions throughout the pandemic — rationalizing, inaccurately, that if they got sick, it wouldn’t be that bad — people with chronic illnesses have had a vastly different experience: many chronic conditions raise your risk of having a severe case of COVID.

Should I talk to my doctor about covid-19 prevention measures?

If you have a medical condition, speak with your healthcare provider about steps you can take to manage your health and risks. Preventive measures for COVID-19 (including vaccination, wearing a mask and social distancing) are important especially if you are older or have multiple or severe health conditions.

Do you have people in your life who understand your condition?

So even having one person in your life who supports you, educates themselves about your condition, learns about the medical choices you have to make and actively takes a role in caregiving for you is a major blessing. I’m lucky to have a handful of people in my life who understand my disease.

Can a weak immune system make you more likely to get covid-19?

Having a weakened immune system can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Many conditions and treatments can cause a person to be immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system. Primary immunodeficiency is caused by genetic defects that can be inherited.