Broken Body Love Letters

This body lives with type 1 diabetes.

I HAVE to learn, about the condition every single day, often aware of the fact that I’m barely a step ahead of the doctors. Often I’m many steps ahead.

While I would never have chosen to be diabetic … I do appreciate the expertise I am naturally developing.

Keep up the good work. That’s to you, to everyone with chronic illness, and to myself.

This body cares for a pre-schooler with type 1 diabetes.

I have learned: I have resources I didn’t realise I had.

To the person I care for:
You have made me a better more considerate person.

I am hopeful for medical advancements and feel the disease has made you the strong, caring and resourceful person you are.

This body lives with congenital indifference to pain and Crohn’s

I refuse to let this me stop me from doing whatever I want to do on this wild ride of life.

Hope: doctors that work on better care at the patient level and at the macro R&D level, acceptance from others, open-mindedness from strangers,
love and love and never-ending love.

This body lives with irritable bowel syndrome.

Esta condición condiciona mis días

Felicidad es sentirme bien. Experimentar en mi cuerpo que todos los hábitos que mantengo con tanto cuidado día a día realmente están impactando en mi bienestar me hace sentir plena. Cuando no tengo síntomas siento que soy realmente yo misma.

This body lives with severe back pain.

I don’t allow my pain or health issues to define me as a person.

I’m still able to work, play with the kids and enjoy life – just in a different way.

My letter to my body says: We make a good partnership, we’ve got this!

This body lives with MS.

Everyone has their own story and challenges.

Living with MS or any chronic disease adds layers that most people from the outside don’t understand. There is no judgement and no need for different treatment, just the desire to be treated kindly.

My bottom line: It’s okay and I’m okay

This body lives with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

When I was diagnosed: I wish I had known to consider something other than taking a pill. I want to understand, and I want a care-provider who can help me understand: what is my body doing, and saying?

This body lives with type one diabetes.

Joy is movement.
The person who offers hope and compassion can change a life – indeed changed mine.
My bottom line: be well and do right by yourself.