Going Through a Day With Chronic Disabilities

This is what a fairly ordinary day looks like for me, shaped by multiple chronic conditions.

I live with neurodermatitis, Hashimoto’s disease, hypothyroidism, severe anxiety, depression, IBS, significant food intolerances, and chemical sensitivities. None of these exist in isolation. They stack, overlap, and influence every decision I make. I also have several physical injuries from the Army that make day to day exercise difficult.

A quiet morning shaped by routine and restraint. By TandA

Getting Up in the Morning

The first thing I do after waking up is take my thyroid medication. It has to be taken on an empty stomach and completely by itself. If you take it with food or other medications, you’re likely reducing its effectiveness.

Thyroid medications don’t interact well with many other substances. According to the American Thyroid Association, levothyroxine absorption is easily disrupted by food and other medications, which is why strict timing matters so much.

Small steps, done carefully, make the day possible. By TandA

At least an hour later, I eat if I’m hungry. Most days that means organic oatmeal. Sometimes once a day, sometimes…