Are You Carrying Unspoken Grief Alongside Your Chronic Illness?

Grief is an inevitable part of life, but for those living with chronic illness, it takes on a deeper, more complex role. Chronic illness changes you in ways you never expected, often bringing losses that go unrecognized—loss of physical ability, independence, financial stability, or even relationships. We need to address this grief, but in ways that don’t further harm our health.

In this episode of The Chronic Illness Puzzle, Kirsten Lemus has a real and raw conversation about the role grief plays in our lives—especially for those navigating chronic illness. She shares her personal experiences with grief, including the loss of a child and loved ones, while also exploring the many forms grief can take beyond death itself. Kirsten emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing grief in healthy ways, encouraging listeners to seek support through counseling, community groups, and spiritual guidance. She closes with a reminder of faith, citing scripture to offer hope and reassurance that no one has to walk through grief alone.

Have you ever avoided social situations because of anxiety about how others might perceive you—especially while managing a chronic illness?

In this episode of The Chronic Illness Puzzle, host Kirsten Lemus dives into the connection between chronic illness and social anxiety, exploring how changes in health and appearance can make social interactions feel overwhelming. She opens up about her own struggles and shares her self-talk method, "Be Your Own Friend," to help reframe negative thoughts. Kirsten highlights the importance of social connections for emotional well-being, reminding listeners of their worth and the power of faith in facing these fears. Tune in for encouragement, and join the Chronic Illness Puzzle Facebook group for ongoing support.

Join the conversation! Connect with others in The Chronic Illness Puzzle Community Group and find encouragement along your journey. Join here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/⁠⁠

Does fear feel like it’s controlling your chronic illness journey?

In this episode, Kirsten Lemus dives into the powerful role fear plays in managing chronic illness and how identifying your personal fear triggers can help you regain control. She shares practical strategies to navigate fear, including:

Kirsten encourages listeners to shift from fear to empowerment. Tune in for valuable tips, connection, and support.

Join the conversation! Connect with others in The Chronic Illness Puzzle Community Group and find encouragement along your journey. Join here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/⁠⁠

Have you ever felt overwhelmed navigating the medical system while managing a chronic illness?

In this episode of The Chronic Illness Puzzle, host Kirsten Lemus shares her personal journey and practical insights on becoming a warrior in the face of health challenges. She dives into the importance of self-advocacy, building a supportive medical team, and using tools like journaling to track progress and setbacks. Kirsten emphasizes celebrating small victories, practicing positive self-talk, and leaning on faith and community for strength. With empathy and encouragement, she reassures listeners that they are not alone and empowers them to face their journey with resilience and self-worth.

Have you ever wondered how small acts of self-care can spark a profound transformation?

If you're struggling to accept your new self and body after a chronic illness diagnosis, you are not alone. In this episode of The Chronic Illness Puzzle, Kirsten Lemus shares her deeply personal journey of living with multiple chronic illnesses, including Durkheim's disease, lipedema, and lymphedema. Through heartfelt storytelling, Kirsten opens up about the physical and emotional challenges she has faced, from navigating societal expectations to embracing her changing body. She reflects on moments of self-acceptance, like painting her nails red as a symbol of resilience, and offers practical tips, inspiring examples, and insights on the power of faith, community, and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. Tune in for encouragement, support, and a reminder that your worth is never defined by your appearance—you are beautifully and wonderfully made.

How do you navigate the ups and downs of marriage while living with a progressive chronic illness?

In this heartfelt episode of Chronic Illness Puzzle, Kirsten opens up about her deeply personal journey of balancing the challenges of chronic illness with the complexities of marriage. She shares candidly about the daily struggles, shifting expectations, and emotional toll that illness can bring to a relationship.

Yet, through it all, Kirsten highlights the transformative power of hope, effective communication, and mutual support. Offering practical insights and heartfelt reflections, she explores how love and grace can sustain and strengthen a marriage, even in the face of life's toughest trials.

Living with a chronic illness often means learning to share the load, even when it feels difficult to ask for help.

In this episode, I share my personal journey of learning to delegate responsibilities like cooking, laundry, and daily cleaning to my kids and husband. It wasn’t always easy, but letting go of the need to do it all myself has been a game-changer for my health and our family dynamics.

I’ll talk about the mindset shifts that helped me embrace asking for help, how I introduced these changes to my family, and the surprising joy I’ve found in using grocery pickup to save time and energy. If you’ve been struggling with trying to manage everything on your own or feeling guilty about asking for help, this episode offers reassurance, practical advice, and real-life examples to inspire you.

Tune in for an honest conversation about finding peace, support, and a little extra breathing room in a busy life with chronic illness.

Are the winter blues making it harder to manage your chronic illness?

In this episode of The Chronic Illness Puzzle, host Kirsten Lemus dives into the unique challenges of facing seasonal affective disorder alongside chronic illness as the new year begins. Kirsten shares heartfelt personal insights on the deep connection between mental and physical health, emphasizing how buried emotions often resurface later and why staying aware of your feelings is crucial. She offers practical tips for navigating the season, like writing down your gratitude, being mindful of self-talk, and staying connected with loved ones. Through relatable anecdotes and reflective advice, she inspires listeners to embrace vulnerability and find hope, joy, and resilience even in the toughest seasons.

Let’s connect in my Facebook Group where we can support one another and shine a light of hope. Join here ⁠= ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/⁠

Traveling with a chronic illness is an adventure of its own—one that requires extra prep, a lot of self-compassion, and a willingness to embrace your unique needs. In this episode, I share the bloopers, lessons, and triumphs from my recent trip to Texas, along with insights from past travels that taught me how to navigate the world with chronic illness.

We’ll talk about the importance of being honest with yourself and others—whether it’s booking a handicap-accessible room, opting for direct flights, or taking breaks when your body needs them. You don’t have to shy away from society or try to act like everyone else. Instead, it’s about creating a travel experience that works for you.

Tune in for practical tips, funny stories, and a reminder that it’s okay to travel differently—and that even with chronic illness, the world is still yours to explore.

What does it take to host a holiday gathering while managing the complexities of chronic illness?

In this heartfelt episode of The Chronic Illness Puzzle, I share my recent experience hosting Thanksgiving while navigating the challenges of living with Dercum's disease. I open up about balancing cherished holiday traditions with the realities of chronic illness, offering practical advice and emotional insights along the way. I highlight the importance of setting boundaries, creating backup plans, and enlisting help to ease the burden of the season. Reflecting on my journey of adapting to a "new normal," I emphasize the power of faith in finding strength and hope, even on the hardest days. Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation that will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to embrace the holiday season with purpose and joy.

Takeaways from this episode: