Listening to My Body: Breaking the Cycle of Dismissing Symptoms

Today started like any other day in my busy life—juggling kids, swimming classes, and a grocery run. On the surface, everything felt normal. But beneath that facade lay an unsettling detail: I forgot to take my morning medication.

As I sit here, sipping my coffee and reflecting on the morning’s chaos, a nagging question keeps surfacing: Am I truly helping myself by ignoring, dismissing, or justifying my symptoms? It’s a familiar pattern for me, one I’ve danced around too many times. Life gets busy, and my pride often tells me to push through, even when my body is waving a red flag.

This year, however, the fatigue has hit differently. Sure, fatigue has always been part of my reality, but I felt I had it under control—until summer rolled in. Suddenly, I was overwhelmed by exhaustion. At first, I chalked it up to the sweltering heat and humidity, which I know can amplify MS symptoms. That seemed reasonable enough, right?

But when the summer heat finally lifted, the fatigue stubbornly remained. I found myself wondering if my recent surgery was to blame. I granted myself some grace, thinking recovery would take time. Then, just when I thought I could catch a break, I caught a cold. Again, I attributed my lack of energy to that pesky illness. Yet here I am, still dragging myself through the day, feeling utterly drained.

Now, I can’t help but wonder: Am I falling into the same trap again? Rationalizing my symptoms instead of facing them head-on? In the past, I avoided confronting my health because I was too busy. I had too much on my plate and too little time to worry. But I’ve learned the hard way that ignoring my body doesn’t make the problems disappear; it only delays the inevitable.

In a few months, I’ll have a crucial appointment with my neurologist. I plan to discuss this relentless fatigue and how it’s impacting my quality of life. With the change of seasons approaching, I hope for some clarity—perhaps the cooler weather will bring relief, or maybe it won’t. Either way, I refuse to let pride or fear dictate my health journey any longer. It’s vital for me to discern whether I’m overlooking something serious or if this is simply another chapter in my ongoing battle with MS.

Through this experience, I’m learning to listen to my body more intently. I don’t want to repeat the mistake of pushing myself beyond my limits. It’s perfectly okay to slow down, to rest, and to ask for help when I need it. And most importantly, it’s okay to admit when things aren’t okay.

So here’s to embracing vulnerability and acknowledging our struggles. Let’s not shy away from our health challenges but rather confront them with courage and honesty. After all, recognizing the need for self-care is not a weakness; it’s a powerful step toward healing.

As we navigate our individual journeys, let’s remember that it’s okay to take a step back, to breathe, and to prioritize our well-being. We are not alone in this fight; many of us share similar battles. So, let’s lift each other up, share our stories, and support one another. Together, we can find strength in our vulnerability and resilience in our shared experiences. Embrace the journey, and remember: every small step toward self-care is a significant victory.