8 signs you are living the chronic life

Being chronically ill, as I have written so many times on this blog, is a way of life. What it isn't though, is your whole life. I think most people who suffer with such conditions know that there is a lot of importance in making sure you don't let health problems consume you. I try to make sure mine don't but taking a light hearted approach where possible.

Don't get me wrong though, there are still days I want to scream. But anyway, here's something a bit light hearted to go with the chronic life hashtag I've been enjoying keeping tabs on lately.

1) You often find yourself wondering if you are on fire because yet again, you've slapped on too much Deep Heat and certain parts of your body feel like naked flames.

2) You can often be found blankly staring at people mid-conversation and struggling to remember where/who you are due to chronic fatigue. Great if you want certain people to not speak to you again, not so ideal if you're in a board meeting have 12 people staring at you.

3) You have four meals a day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and meds.

4) You are tired. Tired is you. You are one.

5) You have been in the shower and started wondering if you could live a full life if you never got out. Getting in was effort enough, Getting out doesn't seem plausible.

6) You really enjoy small victories like taking off your bra with one swift movement because you can bend in unnatural ways. YAY HYPERMOBILE JOINTS.

7) You haven't had a good nights sleep since the 90s.

8) You have a super power where you can always be more tired than everyone else.

Pilates and hypermobility

Pilates is the gym class of choice for hypermobility. That's a massive sweeping statement, as everyone is different and some won't be able to do it at all, but when you ask at appointments or physio sessions, it's always the recommended one. I was always keen on being swept up in the yoga craze but my physio told me I would make everything a million times worse for myself if I did. I'm not sure if it was me being stubborn about the condition stopping me from doing something, or just that I found other things to help, but pilates has passed me by for ages. Until now.

Three weeks ago I finally took the plunge. Wednesday is now, and shall be known from now on, as pilates day. I'm hoping to keep it up for as long as I can because it really is helpful. I go to the gym and do all manner of exercise, but I never feel as good as I do after pilates.

The ache the next day is the good kind. The sort of 'I know this is doing something positive' ache. The first time I went I was slightly alarmed at the cracking and clicking noises flying out of my joints and the fear kicked in. I did have shoulder pain, as I do every time I put pressure on them, but it's lessened with every session and I am confident it is doing me the world of good. I feel less stiff and my joints the next day feel stronger, which I am hoping will be a long-term change.

The instructor focuses a lot on taking everything 'slo-o-o-o-w-l-y' and 'straightening yourself one vertebra at a time.' This attention to movement actually taught me a lot about how much I rush my joints. I can do so much more and have a lot more balance when I take every move extra slow. It's also very relaxing, which is good for anyone.

If you often feel like you need a good stretch and to click out a few joints, give it a go. I think my weak upper body was a bit shocked at first and I did have to hold back on a few positions, but my fourth session will be the one where I try everything.

You should obviously mention it to your instructor before you start, and a good one will ask if there is anything they should know. They don't need to be professionals in hypermobility to tell you to take your time and you know that anyway.

Two levels run at my gym, and I think that beginners will suit me for quite some time time. The general feeling among my joints after class two was 'WE LIKE THIS.'

A few terms like 'downwards facing dog' were thrown out there which I thought were exclusive to yoga, but I can just about handle them. Don't be scared to try it out. You can always stop halfway through if you feel like it's doing more harm than good.

I'm going to try a few different classes out across London in January and I can see a love affair forming in my mind already.