Tina is a self-described “work in process,” but her inspirational journey should touch any of us who suffer from chronic illness.
Living with a chronic illness is a challenge at best. If the illness is devastating but not recognized by the medical establishment, convincing ourselves life is worth living becomes an uphill battle.
Photo Courtesy of Lucie Stastkova
In the year 2000, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness that presented as a drop-dead flu. I’d been symptomatic since in the 1980s, but early on, flareups were few and far between. Innumerable doctor visits always produced tests with negative results. Over time, symptoms increased in severity and duration until they became immobilizing and constant in 1999.
I knew my doctors thought I was malingering. I felt invalidated yet knew damn well something was wrong. I lived in fear of a dreaded disease not being detected in time to be treated. Simultaneously, I wasn’t sure I wanted to live. By 1999 I was nearly bedridden; in debilitating pain; overwhelmed by fatigue; suffering…
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By Hook Or By Book 
Good call with the reblog, Kim. Tina is a lovely friendly lady, and a really engaged blogger. An example to us all, in many ways.
Best wishes, Pete.
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She really is Pete. This post in particular gave me such a sense of deja vu.
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Once again very kind of you to reblog a post such as this. It was very beautiful to read. I also had to laugh a bit as the layout and colours for her blog look almost exactly like mine 😀
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I noticed the similarities Michel. Great minds think alike!😊
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😀😀
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Thank you for sharing this! I’ve been struggling with my fibro lately.
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I’m sorry to hear that. Mines been acting up as well.😞
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Is it cold there? Cus I swear cold or hot weather makes it worse.
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Yesterday it was in the 40s. Today it’s in the twenties. The weekend is supposed to be near 50.😡
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the weather is always going back & forth in Iowa. Lol
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Same here in MA.
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Thank you so much for reblogging, Kim. I hope my experience will help others struggling with illness to know they are not alone and not forgotten. Hugs to you, my lovely friend ❤
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Hi Tina! I read your post and felt such a sense of deja vu. I have to thank you for your inspirational words because in addition to the constant pain, I do feel alone and forgotten quite often.
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All the more reason for us to keep in touch, Kim. There’s much support within our blogging community, and I’m so grateful for all the friends I’ve made. Whenever I’m feeling alone or forgotten, I know they are only a keystroke away. Someone is always there ❤
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Definitely! I know I would have been lost if I hadn’t begun blogging four years ago.🤗
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Soery the medication has me a bit out of it but I hope you feel better and I completely agree about the POTUS! He is sickening.
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This definitely helped me, Tina. I have multiple chronic illnesses that are debilitating. I just got out of the hospital with intestinal bleeding and back on bed rest and your post that Kim shared was very inspirational. I really needed it during this hard time. I hope you and Kim are doing well and gentle hugs to you both!🤗😗
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So sorry to hear about your struggles with chronic illness, Dani. Our blogging community is amazingly supportive. We all can help each other through the hard times. I hope you are recovering and regaining your strength and health, my friend ❤
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Wow, what an amazing share, Book Sister. Thanks so much for reblogging this! I know this is very helpful for both of our struggles and many more right now! I will have to follow Tina’s blog!🤗😗
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Thanks Dani. Hope you’re feeling better.🤗
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