Comments on: On The “But They Didn’t Let It Stop Them” Narrative

By: Odd_socks

Odd_socks — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:32:00 +0000

One hundred percent! But late to the party but this ^^^, this is how I feel so often. Thanks for a great read.

By: Dom

Dom — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 08:47:03 +0000

Thank you, I really appreciated reading this article. I have struggled with ME/CFS for 16 years on and off, and I’m sure that one of the things that makes recovery so hard (and why I relapse!) is that internalised societal view that pushing and struggling against illness shows grit and courage etc, whereas in my case that is the whole problem, and NOT pushing and struggling is the answer! Or rather, living in a way that takes care of myself, being gentle and doing less sometimes, that is what shows the grit and determination!! Thank you for naming this so that it will have less of a hold on me going forwards.

By: Despite Pain

Despite Pain — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 11:59:46 +0000

Great read, Pippa. I agree, by saying ‘they didn’t let it stop them’ kind of implies that the rest of us did let it stop us.
And well done on giving that TED Talk.

By: Annette Miller

Annette Miller — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 15:22:33 +0000

I visited my GP constantly for 2 years with symptoms before a locum doctor referred me to hospital for tests. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and am now almost immobile. I still work full time but don’t know for how much longer I can. If I’d been diagnosed earlier when I first showed symptoms and treatment had started earlier I would not have got to this stage.
People like to advise me to try to exercise and stop taking the medication and to give up work. I know what’s best for my body. If I do any extra activities I can suffer agonising pain for days afterwards. Until being like this I didn’t understand disability really. I hope I’m more sympathetic to others now. Some people, including some work colleagues are helpful and understanding.

By: Carole

Carole — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 00:13:58 +0000

I totally agree. While I applaud those who have been able to … whatever, I dislike “not let” as though if I really wanted to, I could. I’ve gotten enough of that in real life. And, like you, sometimes I’m my own worst critic. My disabilities are intermittent and invisible, so others can’t see them. But, if I overdo, I can pay with debilitating pain for months. So praise those who can but don’t judge me for can’t. Thanks for the article.

By: Khushi

Khushi — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 11:15:12 +0000

hello Pippa
thank you for this post. though I’m only 16 and there is still loads to experience I think for me, I agree with you. earlier I thought that I was the only one thinking like that. but I’m so glad I found that I’m not the only one, you are also there thinking the same way as I do. and though I do not have a chronic condition, I’m VI and this no doubt, affects me as well.
thank you so, so much for this post. by the way, I hope you’ll bring a version of your book which is accessible to VI people as well, I’d love to read it! and your previous book, “dear chronic illness” as well!

love your blog x

By: Caroline

Caroline — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 10:47:20 +0000

yES, ALL THE STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE “PUSHING THROUGH” WITH DETERMINATION IRRITATE THE HECK OUT OF ME, BECAUSE I’VE MET SO MANY PEOPLE WITH CFS/ME WHO DID JUST THAT AND ENDED UP MUCH WORSE AS A RESULT (JEN BREA IS ONE OF THEM). AND, PERSONALLY, I’VE YET TO MEET SOMEONE WITH THIS CONDITION WHO WEREN’T DETERMINED, HARD WORKING, PUT THE NEEDS OF OTHERS BEFORE THEIR OWN, JUGGLED MULTIPLE Tasks and expected an awful lot from themselves in terms of achievements. but it’s the publicity that the “didn’t let it stop them” lot get that worries me. we have different levels of this illness and some can still work, for example (even though they may spend every evening and every weekend just recovering) but that doesn’t mean that every sufferer can (some can barely get out of bed). i don’t want other people’s ability to “push through” feed into society’s tendency to victim blame. (And into our own tendency to blame ourselves when we can’t do more). not helpful, imo.

By: jenna farmer

jenna farmer — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 10:19:22 +0000

for some reason it’s only letting my type in capitals! but just wanted to say what a great read this is and couldn’t agree more with you!

By: Naomi

Naomi — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 08:28:16 +0000

I’m inclined to agree. There are a couple if people in my Life who have said it’s ‘good you have kept going’. I really don’t know what ‘keeping going’ means to them, less so what *not* keeping going would… but it seems to infer some sort if choice which, for good or for bag BAD days, is often outside of my control

By: Paula skey

Paula skey — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 08:08:22 +0000

”If your illness has stopped you pursuing your hobbies or goals, I hope you know that it isn’t because you simply decided to ‘let’ it. It’s because you’re ill, and you deserve the support and compassion that will allow you to live your best life alongside your condition, rather than anybody pointing the finger and making assumptions. Is that really that radical of an idea?”

Thank you.