Chronic illness is a thief. It sneaks into your body unannounced. It confuses your immune system. Robbing you of your imagined future and stealing your identity. I was a victim until recently.
One day I woke up and my body didn’t operate the same. My eyelids would become heavy and droop. My words would slur, and I’d even struggle to smile. Walking also felt impossible. Simple tasks such as feeding myself became difficult. Illness stole my basic voluntary muscle function like a thief in the night. When I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), my life changed, as did how I viewed myself.
The things I once loved became less enjoyable. Some activities that I did regularly weren’t accessible anymore. My way of living that I was accustomed to changed in the blink of an eye. I didn’t know who I was anymore without the little supporting elements that helped shape my personality. I started looking, acting, and moving differently. I found myself having to relearn my body and its new limitations. It’s a surreal feeling living in a body that used to be able to do so much, and suddenly, you’re not sure what you can do. You start to have an identity crisis.
I used to save lives in the pediatric intensive care unit as a respiratory therapist. I loved my job and actually had a passion for it. When I stepped down because of my health, I felt devastated. Honestly, I couldn’t keep up physically. I’d ask myself, “Who am I without this job?”
I realized many years after my diagnosis that I’d been equating my self-worth to my job. Thinking if I couldn’t work, I wasn’t as valuable. I felt that being sick made me burdensome. So when I lost my position, I felt as though I’d lost a huge chunk of my identity. It’s a constant struggle for me to reconcile the person I thought I was with the way my life, body, and daily routines are now. It’s hard not to imagine how my life would be without MG.
How did I recover from identity theft by a chronic illness? I rediscovered who I was with MG. I’d been living my life for 22 years a certain way, and all of a sudden it changed. I had to relearn “me.” I’m constantly learning myself; what brings me joy, comfort, or peace. I ask myself now, “What makes me feel good?” I try to shift my perspective.
I also practice self-acceptance to combat identity crises. I accept where I am, who I am, and my limitations. None of these things make me any less valuable. Yes, I live with MG, but it’s just one piece of the whole puzzle of my identity. I’m able to separate the expectations of society from my reality. No, I probably won’t keep a stable job or be able to be uber-productive every day, but it doesn’t mean I'm a failure. I don’t define my self-worth and value based on titles, roles that I perform, or how much money I make.
I reclaimed my identity, and I love the person I am today. Chronically ill and all.
Photo Credit: Cavan Images via Getty Images
Important: The opinions expressed in WebMD Blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. Blogs are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD Blogs as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
