We’re Stronger Than We Think

[Joachim]

Every day is a new adventure, and this pandemic certainly has been challenging.

Every morning, I give thanks for seeing another day. I ask to become a better person than I was the previous day. I also give thanks for my family, and believe it or not, for my health and some of the issues I face with sarcoidosis.

To be clear, I’m not thankful for sarcoidosis, but rather that I’m able to live another day. I usually end my morning meditation with a plea to keep myself out of my own way.

Three weeks ago, my pulmonologist called. We were supposed to have a follow-up visit st, but because of self-quarantine and social distancing, he was conducting appointments by phone. I was surprised to hear from him, but glad that he had reached out to see how I was doing in this new way of life.

I told him all was well.

He asked the quarantine questions: Have I been exposed or around anyone that has tested positive for COVID-19? Am I sheltering in place? Have I experienced any of the symptoms? Thankfully, my answer to the last question was “nope!”

Next, we discussed my hospital stay last February. At the time, I was being considered for an alternative therapy for my pulmonary sarcoidosis. As it turned out, I wasn’t a candidate for the treatment, but I told the doctor I wanted to seek other opinions. He agreed and offered suggestions for going forward. He recommended that when the stay-at-home order is relaxed, I should start making phone calls to schedule an appointment at other medical facilities.

Before we ended our call, he told me he would fully support any decision I made. He added, “You know, you’ve been through a lot over the years, and I don’t have a problem telling anyone how tough you are.”

Needless to say, that really hit home.

I hadn’t really thought about all of the health issues I’ve experienced because of sarcoidosis. When the doctor reminded me how tough I am, I thought about my past health issues. 

During this time of self-quarantine and social distancing, we should all remember how tough we are. Quarantining, social distancing, and constantly being mindful of an invisible virus are mentally and emotionally taxing. But we’re tougher and stronger than we might appear to be.

Sarcoidosis constantly throws curveballs our way, and we often hear about our new normal. That may be true, but what constitutes normalcy? When you think about it, a new normal to many is merely an adjustment for us.

So, let’s take this time not only to adjust our way of living, but also our way of thinking. We’ve lived with sarcoidosis, and we can live through this pandemic. Stay focused, encouraged, and healthy.

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Note: Sarcoidosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Sarcoidosis News or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to sarcoidosis.

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