10 things I have learnt about chronic illness during quarantine

Staying at home has been a strange time for many us, and perhaps more so when you live with chronic illness. While we are often used to being home either entirely or more often than others, the climate in which we are doing so now feels very different.

This time has shown us a lot about how health is viewed by others. Sadly, it’s often been rather negative and hurtful. Longer-term though, we can only hope that this overwhelming time leads to a positive shift in how chronic illness is viewed and people are recognised and cared for by others and society as a whole.

1. A support network is really important

I know I am very fortunate for this. Being home has meant being very dependant on others for food deliveries, pharmacy supplies and some general ‘life’ organisation things we all need to do. I’m so thankful to so many people, including my brother-in-law who dropped cleaning products around when none arrived in my supermarket delivery and the drivers who have read the ‘high risk household’ note on my door and been respectful of keeping their distance.

2. Medical appointments can (sometimes) be better over the phone

As many people of us did, I panicked about not being able to access medical care during this time. Going into a hospital is not what we want to be doing right now unless we have to, so phone appointments have been so welcomed. I’ve really been impressed by how my doctors have adapted to this and talked through everything with me over the phone. In fact, sometimes it’s better — less tiring, no travel and no train fares to pay for!

3. Many jobs can be done from home

It’s really been noticeable how many companies have adapted to at-home working during this period. With FaceTime, Zoom and Skype, meetings are held with each person in their home and email and messenger services have been used to the max. For the most part it seems as though many companies have managed to keep going.

What this tells us with chronic illness is more problematic though. Personally I was ‘let go’ from my job due to my conditions, in part I believe because I asked to…