Sometimes I wonder why I don’t cry more about my health situation. I certainly have good reason to. Sometimes I want to, but I don’t. And I wonder why.
I just emailed a bunch of loved ones to let them know that my new, long-awaited treatment isn’t working. I thought about the many options I can try out next. I thought about the months and months of trial and error, of hope and despair, of improvements and horrible side effects, that now await me. I thought about it all, and I wondered why I wasn’t more upset.
Right now I am wrapped in a blanket. My hands are so cold that it’s hard to type. Yep, we’re getting some early winter weather here in New England. I want to take a hot shower to try and warm up, but I’m too tired to manage it. Should I want to cry?
I’m sure that part of my lack of crying is my positive attitude. I’m cold, but at least I have shelter, warm clothes, and the ability to get warmer if I have to (I can drive to a friend’s house, complain to the landlord about the lack of heat, etc.) My treatment isn’t working right now, and trying others could be tough, but at least I have options. That’s a hell of a lot more than what I had two years ago. Or even 1 year ago. Or even earlier in 2013. Overall, life isn’t that bad.
Then again, it isn’t all that good, either. My life is tough. Sometimes it really sucks. I want to date and have a job and play sports or even just take a long walk. Yeah, it sucks. But a long time ago I promised myself that I wouldn’t constantly get upset and cry over it. The thing is, I made that promise to myself about 20 years ago when I was a kid. I had always been a crier, and I didn’t want to be considered a cry-baby. Also, I was trying to prove to myself that I was stronger than my pain. That made sense back then. I occasionally cried over the pain, just like I occasionally cry now when it’s really bad. But the thing is, I still only cry when it’s really horribly extremely bad, and maybe there are other times when a release of emotion would be good for me. My health situation is much worse and much more complicated than it was 20 years ago. Back then, it was sporadic pain. Now it’s constant pain, fatigue, digestive problems, and more. Back then it didn’t stop me from doing anything other than certain sports. Now, it stops me from participating in so many important facets of my life. So why don’t I cry more often?
I don’t know what the answer to that question is. Maybe one day I’ll figure it out. Maybe I won’t. Right now I don’t think it’s important enough to worry about it actively, but I like to be self-aware, so I’ll keep it in the back of my mind and maybe the answer will come to me. In the meantime, I’m not in denial and I’m not suppressing my emotions. I know all too well what my situation is and I’m facing it head-on. And that feels good.
Plus, I have this blog as an outlet. I can’t believe I’ve written almost 400 posts now. I’ve found writing it to be very cathartic and the readers to be very supportive. So thank you all.
I admit it, I don’t have an answer. I don’t know why I don’t cry more. And right now, that’s ok.
Chronic Rants 
I find it really hard to cry too. Often I feel like crying but it’s like I just can’t produce the tears if that makes sense.
That makes perfect sense, Sian. I feel that way too sometimes. I hope you can find another way to express your emotions instead.
Me too… there seems to be no time to sit and cry. There is time, but I don’t make time to cry. When I need to cry though, I cry. I hope you will too….
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope this day is good to you.
Warrioress, I’m glad you find the time when you need it the most. That’s so important. And Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!!