Doctors That Become Patients Themselves

I recently read a great entry that was written by a medical student, who thought she understood what being ill felt like, until she fell ill herself.  I'm sure most people understand that it sucks to have a cold, but don't realized the debilitating effects it has on someone who is chronically ill.  I do not remember what "well" feels like.  I can't remember the feeling of being able to walk or run up a staircase without holding on for dear life to the railing.  I don't remember being able to relate to normal people who aren't ill.  I wish I could say I remember what being well feels like, and that's what I'm aiming for, but all my mind can grasp is how hard the walk to work from the parking lot is that early in the morning, and how hard it is to shift my weight back to my feet after a long drive, and how exhausted I am at all times, despite sleeping until 3 in the afternoon some days.

This article was very validating to read, as someone who sits in waiting rooms and listens to doctors, many who have not been seriously ill.  I would imagine it is also enlightening for someone that hasn't ever had a serious chronic illness.


It's hard to gasp the experience of being a patient




I'm sorry I haven't posted much lately.  The excitement of a new puppy coming home in a few weeks and the lack of things worth sharing have left me ignoring my blog.  More posts to come soon, including a book review of "How to be a Friend to a Friend Who's Sick".  I would suggest picking it up if you haven't yet, even if you don't know anyone that is sick, it's a great one to have on hand if you ever find yourself in this position.