5 Life Hacks for Chronic Illness Fighters

We all could use simple and effective ways to hack our lives and make our lives better. Below is a list of 5 ways to hack your life and simplify your Chronic Illness Journey.

1. Put Dates on Your Medicine

The first time I ever received my medicine I was shocked to find out that it did not come with marked dates on when I needed to take it. Even my wife’s birth control comes with a schedule for when to take the medicine. Have you ever gotten to the point where you were not sure if you took your medicine or not? This happens to me all the time. The only way to prevent this scenario is to put dates on your medicine.

2. Write Your Story

Three doctors later, I am still amazed that I have to re-tell the story of my first symptoms. After 3 times of hearing “what were your first symptoms”, I decided to write down my story. Now when the doctor asks me, I can hand them a well written out document. In my perspective, it is there damn job to understand my story before I meet with them anyways. They have records from all of my appointments!

3. Keep a Symptoms Journal

No matter how hard you try, you will likely forget symptoms between appointments. Most of my appointments are 4 months in between, and if I have a symptom or a flare up 2 days after my last appointment, I usually forget by the time I see the doctor again. Keeping a symptoms journal has been a god send for me. Maybe some of the “symptoms” are not really symptoms, but I would rather be safe than sorry. After all, this is my life and I need to make sure I take every precaution I can!

4. Book the First Appointment in Your Doctors Day

For the first year after my diagnosis, I would wait for my appointments for at least 1 hour. That is the way it was until I realized this little trick. By booking the first appointment at my doctors office, I am able to get in right away and I do not have to deal with the wait. Also, when I wait I see people who’s MS has progressed further than mine it can become depressing. Although I am always there for support, it is hard to keep a positive mindset when you see what your future “may” look like.  Getting in and out of the doctors appointment quick is a great way to keep your vision on a positive future.

5. Find A Hero To Follow

Ever since I was a kid I have thought that if someone else has done it, so can I. Find someone else who has your illness and is living a beautiful life. Find someone who is thriving despite their disease. What can you learn from their mindset, and what they have done to stay in front of their illness? A little hope can go a long way.

What is your chronic illness life hack?

Dave