When I Blog...

Sometimes it's hard for me to blog about my life as a Chronic Illness Warrior. Sometimes it isn't. I enjoy writing...it's an outlet for me. It's a way to connect with others going through the same or similar situation as I am going through. It's a way to make, not only MYSELF not feel alone, but others out in this great wide world who are struggling, know that they are not alone either. 

It's also a good way to keep family and friends that I don't speak to or see on a regular basis informed on the latest and not-so-greatest. When you go to the doctor or emergency room or urgent care as frequently as I do, blogging about it in a (fairly) humorous and informative way helps your loved ones know what's going on with your health without worrying them to death. 

The only time blogging, facebooking, tweeting, or Instagraming about your health becomes...aggravating... is when people, Lord love 'em, try to help. I have been offered all kinds of "healing" and "helpful" pills, creams, oils, powders, liquids, and referrals to doctors that it is not even funny. I know that people only mean well and they don't want to see someone they know suffering with an illness, but...BUT, don't you think I've/we've tried everything under the sun?

How does one handle this exactly? You never want to OFFEND anyone! And you don't want to seem ungrateful. They're trying to HELP! 

I have learned that I just REALLY have to explain the ins and outs of my disease(s). For example:: If I cannot keep water down very well, how am I going to keep that pill down? But thank you for thinking of me! 

Life as a Chronically Ill person is not for the faint of heart. Sadly, you have to think about how your disease affects those around you as much as it affects you. It's not something that is your own, it's something that becomes everyone else's because they either think you're A) selfish, B) not trying hard enough to cure yourself, C) THEY have the cure, or D) they stop caring. 

And then...sometimes...you even wonder the purpose behind blogging and sharing...but you know that you have a story to tell. 

The Impact of Social Media

Social media definitely has it's perks--it has its drawbacks too, but for the purpose of this blog, we'll keep it positive. Facebook, Instagram, Blogger, Tumblr, Vine, and other websites allow you to connect with others who are experiencing many of the same things that you are. 

On Facebook you can follow pages or people that pertain to your interests, causes, diseases, etc and learn more about them; meet like-minded people, join in discussions, add your two cents, or have a mini-complain fest. 

On Instagram you get to post pictures chronicling your daily life or inspirational quotes complete with hashtags galore. You can follow people or pages that interest you, whether it be hobbies, illnesses, causes, bands, etc. Think a pictorial blog in mini form. 

With a website like Blogger (or Wordpress) a person--like myself--is able to post their thoughts, experiences, and such on a subject in a website form that anyone can find if they search for it. Making a blog, generally, allows a person to put out information on a subject to create awareness. That is my goal here at Diary of A Gastroparesis Warrior. I want to create awareness for, not only Gastroparesis, but chronic illnesses that I love with in general. 

Personally, I find a lot of comradie through social media that I may not necessarily experience in my day-to-day life. Who do I know in my personal life that has Gastroparesis? Nobody, really. I have met and been befriended by several people who are experiencing the same illness(es) as myself. We can share stories, experiences, and struggles with one another. We can also encourage one another during hard times, cheer during the good times, and laugh during the funny times because we understand what it truly feels like. I know that I can ask questions regarding my gastric neurostimulator--Alfred--and people will share their experience with me and I will do the same. It's nice knowing that I have people that I can go to who have sailed in the same boat. Without social media, I don't think I'd have that. 

Does that mean I won't share or talk to someone who doesn't have Gastroparesis? Absolutely not! I'll talk to anyone who asks me questions! I am an open book to anyone that asks, but YOU have to be the one to ask. 

If you're looking for pages to follow on Facebook, I suggest G-PACT. They post inspirational quotes and pictures from time-to-time, but the majority of their posts are informative and beneficiary blog-style posts. On Instagram I suggest the accounts fightforcat, counting_spoons, ju_spoonie, inspirationalstories_, and searching the hashtags Gastroparesis, chronicillness, gpsucks, and butyoudontlooksick. You'll discover many different stories, many different struggles, many different inspirations, and experience the comraderie that goes on. 

Social media has its place. You can learn so much from those around you who are going through similar experiences as yourself. Reach out to those around you, bond, learn, and help educate as many as you can.