Home My Journey Blog & Chronic Illness Q&A : Your Questions Answered

Blog & Chronic Illness Q&A : Your Questions Answered

by InvisiblyMe

Thank you all so much for sending through your questions for March – they are brilliant! I’ve tried to answer them the best I can in this Q&A on blogs & chronic illness, so here we go…

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Q&A : Your Questions Answered

> Ben – My question is, in what you believe ?

I’m not religious, but I feel everyone has a right to believe in whatever they wish. Instead, I believe in the goodness of people and the strength we have to overcome adversity.

> Comedy Plus – If you could change one thing in your life what would it be?

I would have a golden retriever!

> Rachel at The Daisy Pages – If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Japan – I don’t think I’ll ever make it there, but I think it would be a fantastic place to visit.

> Terri at Reclaiming Hope – What is one thing you would like for people to know about you?

I don’t ‘look sick’. I may seem ‘fine’, but you don’t see what’s going on with my body. I struggle, as do most of us with chronic, ‘invisible’ illness, and it can get tiring trying to seem okay & feeling judged for how the outside doesn’t match the inside. Nor do the appearances we put on for others match how we feel or reflect our lives at home from day to day.

> Angela – What has having a chronic illness helped you learn about yourself?

I’ve learned various things & they’ve shaped me in positive ways; it’s hard to see the good when struggle with chronic illness, but they’ve helped me learn that I’m more resilient and empathic. They’ve also helped me learn that I struggle a lot with issues of self-care, guilt and over-thinking, which have all been made worse and are areas I still need to work on.

> Lindsay at Dysautonomiac – What are you most proud of?

This I find quite hard to answer and I’m struggling to think of anything. Perhaps my degree, but most recently my blog as I started this with no intention of keeping of it going at first, I simply wanted to see if I could give it a go to say I’d tried blogging. And now here we are! 🙂

> If you could have any job (and were healthy), what would you do?

A clinical psychologist would be my first choice. Followed by a counsellor, forensic psychologist and FBI agent (I read too many crime thrillers…)

> Dennis at Highway Pi -What was something you accomplished that felt particularly significant because of what you had to overcome to accomplish it?

I would probably have to say my Psychology degree, which I self-taught via the Open University. I had saved money, left my job and taken to full time study, as this was the point where I felt my life crumbling. My health problems had just started, I left a long term relationship, and life felt like a constant battle. I enjoyed the degree and although I’m still painfully sad that I’m not making use of it, nor was able to take it further, I’m proud to have achieved a First Class hons award from it.

> What is something you’re a fan of that people would be surprised to know, for whatever reason?

I love 90s cheese and relish solo car journeys where I can sing along like a maniac while driving.

> Rachel at The Invisible Hypothyroidism – What are your current health struggles? Mental and physical or even other?

Mentally, my anxiety is quite high at the moment. Physically, fatigue is a big problem at present. I’m also not sleeping well at all, and pain is quite disruptive to everyday life. I’m getting over the chest infection but my damaged ribs are still painful, too. I’m still waiting on a surgery date for the stoma revision surgery.

> Viola at Viola’s Daily Musings – What was the best/worst thing that happened to you regarding your blog?

An interesting question! I think the best thing is the community I’ve become a part of as I’ve ‘met’ lots of fantastic bloggers and readers, for which I’m incredibly grateful. The worst thing? Perhaps the pressure I feel to write and keep the blog updated, which drives up my anxiety quite considerably because there are far too many days where I feel exhausted and my brain is mush.

> Brigid at Watching The Daisies – What do you feel are the gifts of chronic illness?

A great question because trying to find the positives can be incredibly difficult, yet so important, when dealing with chronic illness. I would say the resilience, compassion, empathy and perspective that are developed over time when dealing with illness. We can grow and cope and learn continually, and hopefully these things can serve us well when looking after ourselves and supporting others.

> Wendy at Picnic With Ants – What’s your favorite “guilty pleasure’?

I’d combine trashy films with Lindt Lindor chocolate. Yum!

> Jay at Assholes Watching Movies – Unicorns or mermaids?

Unicorns. I’m not a fan of fish and mermaids are too fish-esque for my liking.

> Kathy at K E Garland – How do you define spirituality?

This is a tricky one, but perhaps the belief in something bigger than ourselves. A connection to the earth, to nature, mankind and beyond.

> AnnaLisa at The Worry Games – My question is what is Caz? Is that a nickname, initials, birth name, middle name, or pen name?

I’ve been known as Caz since high school. I’m not entirely sure who came up with it, but it stuck and that’s how most people have known me ever since. I feel I identify more with Caz than Carol.

> Sophie at Hopeless Wonderer – What do you enjoying writing about most on your blog?

I quite enjoy positivity posts, trying to unearth a little motivation and encouragement for the difficult times. I also like writing mini me updates, where I often share the challenges I face and how I also struggle, because I think it’s important to be honest and let others know things aren’t easy, that you’re not alone, and that it’s okay to admit when you’re finding things hard.


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29 comments

Terri, Reclaiming HOPE April 2, 2018 - 4:31 pm

I loved this post Caz! Thanks for giving us an opportunity to get to know you a little better through this. I’m happy to find someone else who reads a lot of crime novels too. My son used to joke that he worried about me because I read/watch so many crime dramas. :o) I hope things settle down for you soon and you start feeling better. Hugs!

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InvisiblyMe April 5, 2018 - 3:42 pm

Thank you, Terri, I really appreciate the kindness & hugs! It made me chuckle that your son would joke about being worried about you – I think because of all of the crime we read & watch we’d be successful criminals, just a shame neither of us would want to go down that career path! I hope you’re doing okay and having a decent week =]
xx

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Elaine April 2, 2018 - 4:40 pm

A great post Caz which really must have taken it out of you to write so thank you.

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InvisiblyMe April 5, 2018 - 3:35 pm

I must admit I did find it quite challenging to answer the questions, but I’m very grateful for all of the questions sent in and the comments. Thanks Elaine – I hope you’re having a good week =]

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I tripped over a stone. April 2, 2018 - 5:14 pm

This was a great post. I loved getting to know more about the real Caz… the mermaid or the unicorn? Um, we need to remember you can be a unicorn but if you have the chance to be a mermaid, always be a mermaid… lol, I SAY that all the time for whatever reason to my family and they give me the ‘she’s weird’ look and it just cracks me up!!! Seriously, loved the post. I like Caz too. ~Kim

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InvisiblyMe April 5, 2018 - 3:39 pm

Hah I love it, it’s good to be a little weird! Is there any particular reasoning behind being a mermaid, apart from that they’re magical? I’m curious! Thanks for the awesome comment, Kim, I hope you’re having a positive week =]
xx

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T. R. Noble April 2, 2018 - 5:15 pm

You’re right, a lot of awesome questions!!! 🙂 This is a great way to learn a lot about you. I’m not into crime thrillers, but I love psychology. If you had a golden retriever what kind of name would you consider calling him/her ?

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InvisiblyMe April 5, 2018 - 3:34 pm

Psychology is incredibly fascinating, I’m glad you’re a fan too! My imaginary goldie is called Finn – I named him a while ago, is that really pathetic?! 🙂
xx

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dinosaursdonkeysandms April 2, 2018 - 7:18 pm

Lovely post Caz. 🙂 One of my pleasures in life is singing along to the radio on really loud in the car. I actually feel abit disappointed if I have a passenger, like I’m being deprived of my mad singing time. 🙂 xxx

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InvisiblyMe April 5, 2018 - 3:07 pm

I’m happy to see I’m not alone in loving the solo car karaoke! Made me chuckle about being deprived of singing time when someone else is there as I feel the same 🙂
xx

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Margaret April 2, 2018 - 8:55 pm

Hahaha road trip concert!!! My favoutite ;);)

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Margaret April 2, 2018 - 8:56 pm

And my favourite too sorry for the typo :):)

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InvisiblyMe April 5, 2018 - 2:45 pm

Can’t beat road trip concerts! I hope you’re having a positive week Margaret 🙂

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Carolyn Page April 2, 2018 - 9:12 pm

Loved reading your responses, Caz; they revealed so much.
My nickname is the same as yours, though, it’s really only my family who call me Caz!
You’d love Japan. I was there last year; what a great place it is.
All the best with the surgery; waiting can be more painful than the event… 🙂

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InvisiblyMe April 5, 2018 - 2:43 pm

Wow, what a coincidence. I think Caz is a pretty cool nickname, so we must be pretty cool people! I agree that waiting really can be the worst part when it comes to a lot of worrying things, surgery included. Do you have plans to revisit Japan? I can imagine it would have been an incredible experience. Thanks so much for the great comment – I hope you’re having a good week =]

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Carolyn Page April 5, 2018 - 10:18 pm

I believe I will re-visit Japan at some time. Yes, it is quite an incredible place. The people are so ‘ordered’! Even though, in Tokyo, there are millions of people walking about they are so courteous and polite. In the train stations, the retail shops; there is an honour and respect for each other I’ve not seen elsewhere. I could go on and on about how I admired everything from the buses that ran on time to the Mt Fuji tour bus guide – all so memorable and heartfelt..
I haven’t left a message on your next post, but, I’d like to say that I admire you and your resolve to live each day as it comes.. After all; that’s really all that any of us can do..
Have a heartfelt week, Caz… 🙂

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Comedy Plus April 2, 2018 - 9:53 pm

Lots of great questions. Thank for answering mine. A golden retriever is a wonderful companion to have.

Have a fabulous day. ♥

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InvisiblyMe April 5, 2018 - 2:35 pm

A goldie will be a life-long dream I think for me! Thanks for sending your fab question through – hope you’re having a good week =]

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Dennis April 3, 2018 - 1:11 am

Thank you for sharing! A degree is certainly something to be proud of, whether you’re using it or not. And road trips with you sound fun… do you still sing with someone else in the car?

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InvisiblyMe April 5, 2018 - 2:34 pm

I can only fake-sing if someone else is there; it’s either a mumble, or a phony voice for fun, I can’t do proper singing with anyone else around! Do you, Dennis? 🙂

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Lindsay April 4, 2018 - 1:23 am

thanks for answering my questions!

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InvisiblyMe April 5, 2018 - 2:32 pm

Thank you for sending them through! 🙂

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Jay April 4, 2018 - 1:24 pm

Good to know!

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InvisiblyMe April 5, 2018 - 2:32 pm

🙂

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Richa April 5, 2018 - 12:39 am

This is a great post! Loved it! 🙂

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InvisiblyMe April 5, 2018 - 2:33 pm

I’m glad, thanks Richa 🙂

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terrepruitt April 7, 2018 - 12:20 am

IMO, Lindt Lindor chocolate – the BEST chocolate ever!!! Yum!

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Mic Luikart April 16, 2018 - 3:31 pm

Hey, I just wanted to stop in and let you know that I’ve nominated you for ~ The Sunshine Blogger Award!

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InvisiblyMe April 17, 2018 - 5:00 am

That’s very kind of you, thank you!  ♥

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