Practice positive self-talk, focusing on how well you have dealt with adversity.Set realistic goals that can help you manage the disease while still enjoying life.Talk openly about your struggles with others who understand what you are going through.Join online or in-person support groups.Reach out to family and friends for support.Here are some suggestions to help you deal with loneliness from AS: Surround yourself with people who understand and support you, and don’t let anyone tell you it’s hopeless. I promise it’ll make all the difference in the world. I encourage anyone dealing with the pain and isolation of ankylosing spondylitis to reach out and find other people who can relate to what you’re going through. I no longer feel as though I’m facing this battle alone, which allows me to feel more connected and full of optimism for a brighter future. Conversing with those who are familiar with such battles, as well as studying books written by people who have gone through similar experiences, has become a primary source of comfort. Over time, I’ve discovered a way to come to terms with ankylosing spondylitis without feeling like an outcast. It made me realize there were others out there who understood what I was going through, even if they couldn’t always relate to my struggles. It wasn’t champagne and roses after my surgery, but it helped restore my sense of hope about life again. I remember looking at my walker and thinking, “your days are numbered.” The tide turned when I received the call from my surgeon’s office that my hip replacement surgery was scheduled. The shame I felt about what was happening in my life prevented me from opening up about how deeply hurt, frustrated, and resentful I truly felt - compounding my loneliness. I fell deeper into my inner world, a dismal abyss that left me feeling even more alone and disconnected from those around me. Nobody appeared to truly comprehend what I was going through, which just made everything feel even lonelier. It seemed I was the only one struggling with ankylosing spondylitis - like everyone else around me didn’t know about the severe pain in my hip. It brought me inexpressible misery, constant pain, and a crippling feeling of being isolated from the world - yet it remained ever-present in my life with no sign of departing soon.Īs my condition worsened, I felt more and more isolated. This cumbersome and unavoidable presence was an insufferable companion that I had to accept. We shared so many unforgettable moments it was almost as if we had been lifelong friends. Whether we were exploring the shore in a slow stroll or nestled underneath a cozy blanket indulging in our favorite shows, or even tackling shopping trips at Costco while clinging to the cart for dear life, it felt like nothing could ever come between us. At one time, ankylosing spondylitis was my best friend.Īnkylosing spondylitis and I were virtually inseparable.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |