Living with a progressive, painful condition is a challenge, to say the least. I have learned that if I try to focus on other aspects of my life instead of my health, it helps me better emotionally handle the life I have been given.

Don’t get me wrong—I do what needs to be done to help maintain the best quality of life possible, including eating foods and taking medications I can metabolize, doing my core exercises, getting in movement through walking or modified swimming, and filling my days with activities that provide purpose and meaning.

But when a large storm is on the horizon, the change of pressure in the atmosphere begins to affect me and reminds me that I am handicapped, even though I am trying not to let that fact define my life.

It is heartbreaking to have that intense reminder that my body is far from normal. The change in pressure from an impending storm increases inflammation in my body, which causes headaches, fatigue, and increased pain.

Storms also bring added reminders of the  struggles that disability can cause in everyday life. Snow on the ground means not being able to walk outside until a path is cleared, or I face a higher risk of having my legs and feet sublux, or of dislocating my hips. Rain, wind, and mud make it harder to get around, too. Slipping, sliding, or falling can create more damage to the body.

I know that so many with chronic conditions can relate to this frustration that comes up during storms. To hang on during these changes that are out of our control, what we all need to do is focus on what we can control.

Try to eat foods you know you can metabolize. Try to move despite the added discomfort the atmospheric pressure causes. Try to continue with the activities you’re able to take on, even though you feel that added fatigue.

When bad weather makes us wish for those sunny, calmer days that allow us to better function with our conditions, may we find the inner strength to remind ourselves of this: We may be disabled, but we are also fighters who will work to find a way to endure these obstacles until the sun peeks out again.

May life be kind to you…

—by Ellen Lenox Smith

Ellen Lenox Smith has emerged as a leading voice for patients living with pain. Currently, Ellen serves as Co-Director of Medical Cannabis Advocacy for the U.S. Pain Foundation and is a member of its Board of Directors. She is also active with the EDS RI support group.

Before patient advocacy, Ellen was a longtime middle school social studies teacher. She has been married for 53 years and is the proud mother of four adult children and grandmother to five grandchildren. She is also the author of two books, an organic gardener, and was previously a master swimmer and high school swim coach.