Meet My Care Team
A strong support system is crucial when you have a chronic illness. Your support system is there to help provide emotional support, help with everyday tasks, and help you feel less isolated. A good support system will also help you gain comfort and understanding with your diagnosis, treatments, and will help push you to seek the right care and not give up.
Chris
Chris, my amazing husband, loves me unconditionally and is my greatest supporter and caregiver. He makes me smile and laugh - even when it hurts to do so. We’ve been together since 2005 and it’s been the best journey to take on life together, all the good and bad. Chris has never given up on me and insists I lay down or take it easy when I’m having a hard day. I love.
Janet
Janet, my mom, is the best. She travels with me to my doctors appointments, keeps us stocked with essentials, helps clean, and is a master of laundry. A nurse herself, she’s not afraid to ask the hard questions and advocates for quality treatment by healthcare professionals. I don’t have to worry because I know she’s worrying enough for all of us. My mom is my best friend and is always there when I need her.
Amelia
Amelia, my daughter, keeps me entertained and is full of life. Her love of theater, music, and dancing are close to my heart. I love watching her perform on stage and singing on the radio and various events. She shows me all the new choreography and songs she’s just learned and tells me stories. I cannot wait to see where her talents take her. I will always be there cheering her on.
Mark
Mark, my dad, is a master of all trades. He accompanies me to appointments, helps fix things around the house, and keeps my kids on their toes. I look to him for advice on complex medical issues and he keeps me centered and focused on moving forward, “You have to try and you won’t know unless you try.” I’ll always be his little girl and I’ll always need my dad.
Harrison
Harrison, my son, is the first one there to help me up the stairs, get me a drink, ask about my appointments, and scold me when I’m doing too much talking or activity. He’s serious about Reese’s martial arts, helps teach younger students, and plays the cello with our local youth orchestra. Seeing him compete tournaments and playing beautiful music on the stage warms my heart.
Luna
Luna, Luna-ballona, Luny-Tune, Luna Peanut Butter McScardyPants, our Labradane. She’s always down for a good snuggle. When I’m having a bad day or doing too much and gives me warning looks to rest. When I need help, she’ll run to Chris and have him follow her. She’s kept me alert when I’ve wanted to pass out and rests her heavy head on me to give me her strength. She’s a very good girl.
There are many more caretakers in my life. Those that help with laundry, cleaning, transportation, groceries, meals, etc. My support system isn‘t just limited to myself, so many also care about my family and help my kids get to their activities and ensure they are getting everything they need. It’s beautiful to have so many that care not only about me, but about my family as a whole. I am forever grateful for all the support we have received in our journey with Trigeminal Neuralgia.
Finding A Support System
Support systems can be made up of various combinations. Your family and friends helping any way they can and checking in on you. Trusted healthcare providers offering their expertise and guidance. Support groups, either in person or online, to confide and find solace with others with the same/similar medical issues. A good support system has a combination of types of support and will add value to your chronic illness and life.
Emotional Support
Chronic illnesses are isolating, stressful, and can give you anxiety. Your support system is there to provide encouragement, motivate, and assist with your mental well-being.
Every Day Support
Let’s face it, chronic illnesses are fatiguing. We need help with daily tasks, navigating your healthcare needs, and help reducing the burden on you and your family.
Social Support
Sharing experiences and learning from others is key. Support groups reduce judgement, help you feel part of a community and are meant to empower and encourage.
If you are searching for support to help lessen your burden with a chronic illness, please know that there are people and programs out there waiting to help.
Talk to your family and friends about your needs. You may be surprised by who steps up to help you. Many are just waiting to be asked and don’t want to burden you. If someone asks you what they can do to help, don’t hesitate to let them know what they can do to support you.
Talk to your healthcare providers about resources. Your healthcare team is there to help you with more than your diagnosis. Many have lists of organizations or communities that would be able to help you with your needs.
Seek mental health support. Trigeminal Neuralgia and chronic illnesses are isolating and take a toll on your emotional stability. Find a mental health provider that understands chronic illnesses and pain. Don’t be afraid to move on to another provider if you aren’t getting the help you are looking for. You can look for professionals using Psychology Today or Better Help to find the best match for your needs.
Find support groups. Look for support groups in your community or online. There are many online support groups that may meet virtually or are part of social media and allow you to share and ask questions in a safe space with individuals with issues just like yours. You are not alone.
From the Blog
Learn about living with chronic pain, procedures, medications, Lisa’s medical journey, and hope.
Your job is to rest. Your body is going through some horrible things and your system is overloaded. It’s ok to sleep. It’s ok to take it easy. It’s ok the laundry isn’t done, the dishes need done, and there are piles forming on the kitchen island and table. Those things don’t matter. What matters is you. You are needed, which means you need to rest.