30 Things About My Illness - Meme for Invisible Illness Week

(Written September 2, 2009)
1. The illness I live with is: chronic daily headache/migraine, chronic back/neck/shoulder pain
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2003
3. But I had symptoms since: 2002
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is :asking for help and admitting that I can't do everything.
5. Most people assume: It varies. That I'm not actually in as much pain as I am. That they should "protect" me, and that they have some right to treat me like a child. That I am perfectly healthy.
6. The hardest part about mornings are: Waking up and remembering and am still in pain.
7. My favorite medical TV show is: House MD
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: My computer
9. The hardest part about nights are: On average, the nights when I remember I have difficulty relaxing in the same manner most college students do (i.e. partying, hanging out with friends, etc.). Not only does it make me lonely, it reminds me that things that are easy for them or things they don't even have to think about, are difficult for me.