Living with one chronic illness is a full-time job. Living with two? That’s… well, let’s just say my body runs on planning, pacing, and a very stubborn refusal to stay down. As you well may know, I live with both Type 1 Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and it’s a challenge to say the least.
As those of you living with chronic illnesses will know, no two days are ever the same. My days don’t follow a neat 9-to-5 rhythm. Some mornings I wake up ready to take on the world. Others, I wake up and negotiate with my joints before even thinking about coffee. Thankfully, over the years, I’ve found routines, tools, and, most importantly, mindsets that help me show up, even when my body doesn’t make it easy. So here’s a glimpse into what a “typical” day might look like.
Morning: Check-Ins, Calculations & Caffeine
Before my feet even hit the floor, I check my blood sugar. I’ve learned not to assume that how I feel will necessarily match my actual blood sugar reading, so it’s important to always check on my levels via a blood glucose meter that connects to an app on my phone.
Then it’s time to assess how my body feels overall. Can I move easily today? Or am I dealing with full-body stiffness or exhaustion before I’ve even made it to the bathroom? That check-in tells me a lot about how the rest of the day might unfold. If my RA is flaring, I’ll also take a moment to stretch gently in bed. Nothing fancy, just making sure my joints remember we’re on the same team.
From there, it’s a mental list of everything I’ve got on. What’s essential, what can be dropped, and what can be delegated? We’re lucky enough to have someone help with driving when needed, because if I use all my energy on errands, there’s nothing left for anything else.
Somewhere in there, I plan my walk. It’s non-negotiable for blood sugar balancing, but it has to happen when my body’s most able. A gentle walk after meals helps keep my glucose steady, and just as importantly, it helps me feel clearer, calmer, and more connected to myself. It’s not always easy to get moving, but I never regret it once I do. The dogs are great motivators for this one. While I can’t walk them on leash anymore (due to the pain it causes my neck), we still go on walks all of the time together at our place in Maryland, where they can be off leash.
Then I need coffee. Always coffee. It’s how I start the engine. If I’m hungry and looking for a snack in the morning but want to avoid spiking my blood sugar, pairing tomato and avocado is one of my go to snacks and so are bananas.
During the Day: Meds, Management & Making It Work
Living with RA and Type 1 means constant calculations. My main meds are spaced throughout the week: methotrexate (a chemo drug) once a week (10 pills in one go) and a biologic injection every other Friday. I have to space those out carefully, because they can knock me flat with flu-like side effects. I use a bunch of apps to keep track of my medications, exercise and to-do lists.
I always have some pain, even without being in a flare, but when pain kicks up, I’ve got an extra toolkit: my TENS unit, a heavy-duty handheld massager, and a stash of K-tape for when my joints need extra support. I’ve learned how to use K-tape by watching videos on YouTube… and also how not to use it. Believe me, doing it wrong can mess things up. I also have a grabber, for the days I have trouble bending down to pick things up.
Whether I’m filming content, writing, or jumping into a virtual meeting, I structure my morning around both productivity and flexibility. Work happens in pockets and I build flexibility into every part of my schedule. RA doesn’t care about deadlines, and blood sugar drops don’t ask for permission. Some days I’m sharp and focused and I power through with few interruptions. Other days, I need lots of rest breaks. I’ve learned to build buffer time into my schedule and to be gentle with myself when plans shift.
Having said that, even my rest breaks aren’t totally idle. I use this down time to brainstorm blog topics, respond to messages, or research new products and programs that might help my community. If I’m having a down day, I will check-in with some of my online communities. These spaces can be a real lifeline, offering connection, support, and the kind of dark humor only people with shared experience can understand. There’s a special kind of solidarity in laughing about the absurd things our bodies do. It’s medicine of a different kind.
Evening: Winding Down (Sometimes Crashing Out)
By late afternoon or early evening, I’ve usually hit a wall. If I push through, I pay for it the next day. So I listen to my body, rest when needed, and remind myself it’s not laziness — it’s chronic illness. Dinner gets timed around my meds, especially because some of them can cause nausea or stomach upset if I don’t eat properly.
I do my best to avoid napping too late, because it throws off my sleep schedule, but sometimes the fatigue just wins. I try to get to bed around 11pm, though I’m naturally a night owl. I have found that quality sleep is super important for managing both RA and Type 1. If my joints or back are sore, I use a combination of my TENS machine, pain patches or topical creams to help bring down inflammation before bed.
If I’m struggling to get to sleep, I might light some fake or real candles, wind down with a hot cup of tea, or listen to a podcast. I always have two snoring dogs curled up nearby (my unofficial therapy team) which always helps!
Showing Up, One Day at a Time
Living with chronic illness isn’t linear, predictable, or easy, but it’s also not without its moments of joy, connection, and humor. If you’re navigating something similar, I see you. My advice? Keep showing up in whatever way you can — that’s more than enough.
