Chronic Illness Diaries: Things I've been implementing to support living with chronic illness

Ash
18 hours ago
4 min read

Hi friends! This blog is dedicated to all the things I've been implementing to support living with chronic illness (alongside all my medical appointments and bills, haha).

There is no official diagnosis yet, but the consensus is suspected POTS/dysautonomia and some sort of blood platelet disorder + all my other complex health things like my slipped disc, IBS, & severe nerve damage (those are diagnosed).

Yesterday, I had an ultrasound to fully rule out IBD, and they didn't see any inflammation in my bowels, BUT the doctor said that my high-CRP does need more investigation alongside all the other blood markers. TBC I guess?! So funny how different specialists say different things because my haematologist just went "oh, CRP is from your weight". LOL.

I hope you are enjoying these new style blog posts with my little Canva creations (they are my new Instagram obsession).

#chronicillness #hiddendisabilities

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Woman sitting with a happy corgi on a wooden bench, surrounded by greenery. Text reads: "Things I’ve been implementing to support living with chronic illness." Hashtags and website link present. — PIN IT

Things I've been implementing to support living with chronic illness

Doing more low-energy activities, e.g., swapping a dinner out for a brunch out or just going out for coffee and sitting in a cosy cafe. Melbourne is by far one of the best brunch cities - the coffee shop vibes are immaculate

Smiling person outdoors holding an iced coffee with red-striped straw. Text: "Doing more 'low energy' activities." Trees in background.

Getting sunlight in early in the morning - even if it's just standing on the balcony or a quick walk into the garden (it really helps sleep)

Woman smiling in sunlight wearing a dark shirt reading "Easily Distracted By Dogs." Text: "Getting sunlight early in the morning." Sun emoji.

Focusing on gentle movements rather than intense exercise (e.g., stretches, slow walking, low-impact workouts). I have a physio app that gets me to do gentle movements as soon as I wake up, & that's become part of my routine now

Woman outdoors by trees and a bridge, smiling in a navy shirt with "Easily Distracted By Dogs." Text: Focusing on gentle movements.

Actually going swimming in the ocean. There is NO dizziness or awful feeling when I'm in the ocean - I'm guessing because the water acts as compression, but it feels SO good

Beach with blue sky and ocean, pink heart, text about swimming without dizziness, and username @asheycakes in the sand.

Using Ancient Lakes Essential Electrolytes to help with the POTS symptoms. I can't take them all at once because my tummy can't tolerate them, so I'm trying to spread them out throughout the day. They go really well in an iced salted caramel latte

A hand holds an "Ancient Lakes Essential Electrolytes" pack on a kitchen counter. Text details benefits for POTS and IBS. Two heart icons.

Adding in a tiny bit of table salt to my snacks throughout the day - not too much though b/c it can set off my IBS, so moderation is key

Crackers topped with cucumber and cheese slices on a patterned plate, with salt and text: "Adding a tiny bit of salt," plus @asheycakes.

Eating more basic meals and adding in easier to cook foods on low energy days. Also, eating smaller and more regular meals rather than three big ones

Plate with fish, fries, broccoli, carrots. Text reads: "Eating more basic meals on low energy days." Avocado emoji. Mood is practical and calm.

Also eating more of a "Mediterranean Diet" with a focus on anti-inflammatory foods + having more vegetarian meals now that my iron levels are stable

Plate with grilled cheese, seasoned potatoes, and salad with cucumber, tomato, and olives. Text: "Also eating more of a Mediterranean Diet."

Drinking watermelon juice right before I need to go out somewhere, as it really gives me a boost of energy. I think eating fresh watermelon with a sprinkle of salt would probably do the same thing

Hand holding a 1.25L bottle of H2 Melon watermelon juice. Text on bottle highlights vitamin C content. Background is a light wall.

Adding in more mindfulness throughout the day, e.g., body scans and reset meditations. I also like guided sleep meditations occasionally

Forest trail under blue sky, dappled sunlight. Text: "Adding in more mindfulness...". Meditative mood. Username and heart symbol.

Stopping to sit down on walks. I usually do this when I see a chair, but sometimes I will sit down on the grass just to reset for a moment

Woman sitting on a bench with a smiling dog in a forest. Text reads: "Stopping to sit down on walks..." Username: @ashleycakes.

Implementing pacing strategies (i.e., only doing 50 - 60% of what I'm capable of). Some examples could be only emptying half the dishwasher and then going back later to finish it off, or only walking for 10 minutes instead of 20, then turning back

Forest path with text on pacing strategies, like doing tasks halfway and taking breaks. Blue sky, trees, bridge, and heart doodles.

Implementing the "starfish" technique. This is where you lie down like a starfish for 3-5 minutes and focus on breathing

Starfish image with text on "starfish" breathing technique. Insert shows a dog lying down. Background features coral. Mood: calming.

Wearing compression socks. I can't tolerate them for a full day yet, but I'm working my way up to it

Two pairs of colorful bamboo compression socks labeled "Dr. Woof Apparel" held over wooden floor. Text reads about using them gradually.

I haven't used this one yet, but my partner Luke just set up a shower chair in the downstairs bathroom for days when I need to wash my hair (thanks to Luke's parents for this one, it's very ugly, but hopefully it helps)

Shower chair in a tiled bathroom corner. Text: "I haven't used this one yet but Luke (my partner) just set up this shower chair..." @asheycakes.

Continuing my CBT and EMDR therapy with my psychologist - who's great at helping me with boundary setting. I have spent a lot of my life in survival mode, so it's not surprising I've got all these complex health issues. Therapy is important to me because stress and trauma can cause flare-ups

A wooden bench in a forest setting. Blue sky with tree silhouettes. Text discusses therapy and setting boundaries. Mood is reflective.

Creating a night routine to help sleep better, e.g., a warm drink like a cup of tea or hot chocolate, dimming the lights, brushing teeth, reading, then a sleep meditation. I am working on getting my sleep hygiene to be a lot better

Corgi sleeping upside down on a couch, text overlays suggest a bedtime routine. Cozy room with chairs and a playful moon graphic.

Learning to have more compassion for myself. Every time I have to cancel or reschedule plans, I am riddled with guilt (I am still working on this one)

Woman with glasses and a large dog sit on a bench at a park. Text overlay discusses self-compassion and rescheduling plans.

That's all the things I've been implementing. There is still heaps of work to do, and I'll have good and bad days, but I'm definitely trying to put the work in to help make my life easier living with these things.

If you like this post, let's be friends! Don't forget to leave a comment below.

Thank you for reading,

Ash xoxo

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Person with peace sign and corgi on a leash near a river. Text: "If you like this post, let's be friends!!" and website. — SAVE TO PINTEREST

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