Do you worry about your appearance or how illness has changed your body?

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Somya.P

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07/10/2025 at 18:00

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Somya.P

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Hi everyone, how are you feeling today? 👋

Chronic illness can impact more than just how we feel, it can also change how we see ourselves. Weight gain or loss, scars, bloating, hair loss, skin changes, fatigue in the eyes… these are just a few of the physical signs that might affect our confidence or sense of identity.

Some days, it’s easier to accept those changes. Other days, it’s harder.

💬 So let’s talk about it:

Have you struggled with body image since becoming ill?
Do people around you understand what it feels like?
What helps you feel more at peace with the changes?

@Jmann111 @joejoer @John1Smit @JohnHeathershaw @Johnheightley @Johnniejive @johnno59 @Johnny1970 @JoMcGowa @Jonbon31 @jonscfc @joycet @jreikimaster @JTMckenna123 @Jub123 @judahtwo @judithshapiro @JudyVM @JujuOahu @JulesB @Julesmcguire @juliemar @Juliette @jumping @Junej6 @justcbdstore @jvm00010 @KalebRamirez2020 @Karen3 @Karen56 @Karenlesley @KarenS @katebes @katherinebhana4 @kathy1959 @KatieD @katlin @katrinalove @katz38 @Katzie @Kazzythompson2013 @KearaJackson @keithcornish @Kelvin @kenlongstaff @Kent0956 @kilveboy @Kimbad1990 @kingpaul @kirstw @Kithale @KLC1955 @KPangela @labazs @lacemaker @laceytree @Lack1512 @ladyann @Ladygolferblue @laineyuk @lancsman @laney365 @lar123 @LarbreckLady @larraine11 @LaurenMckillopx @LaurieLee @Leanneh @Leekat @leigheablett @Leislei @Lenniep @leosmith317 @lesmal @LifeDelineator @lillypink @Lilywebb2001 @limsonbros @Lin1954 @Linda5 @LindaandZoe @LindaBlacker @lindajennings231256 @Lindawhite1963 @lindawotsup54 @Linzyinmk @lisah1972 @Littlebo @LizGray @Lizzie @Loonylou @LotasCA @Louise84

This is a safe space to share honestly, whether you’re feeling vulnerable or empowered, your story matters. 🧡

Take care,
Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

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jonscfc

08/10/2025 at 21:09

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jonscfc

Last activity on 08/10/2025 at 21:09

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Hi yes chronic pain caused by discitis with epidural abcess has seriously affected how i feel. I was on the spinal ward at the royal stoke hospital for 11 weeks, and in hospital for 8 months with one thing affecting another including sepsis, pneumonia and covid together and also pneumonia another 3 times, this has affected my walking ive only been out of the house once in 7 months and have to use a crutch after having to use a zimmer frame. Its affected my mental health also im very anxious about leaving the house now as I have been stuck indoors for such a long time. I hope me being open helps someone else who is suffering to open up, life can be hard at times and with me living alone with no friends or family it gets very lonely, I just long to hear someones voice and that alone would give me a new lease of life.

Thank you for reading best wishes to you all and please take care

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jon

Do you worry about your appearance or how illness has changed your body? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/do-you-worry-about-your-appearance-or-how-illness-has-changed-your-body-5823 2025-10-08 21:09:04

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Somya.P

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09/10/2025 at 15:25

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Somya.P

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Last activity on 29/10/2025 at 11:52

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@jonscfc Hi🌼

Thank you so much for sharing your story — it sounds like you’ve been through an incredibly challenging time. Being stuck indoors for so long, coping with multiple serious health issues, and feeling isolated would be difficult for anyone. 💛

It’s completely understandable that you feel anxious about leaving the house after such a long period. Sharing your experience here is already a brave step, and I hope it encourages others to open up as well. Even small connections, like a friendly message or chat, can make a big difference.

Have you found any ways, even tiny ones, to feel a bit more connected or supported during this time? You deserve to feel heard and supported.

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Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

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lesmal

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09/10/2025 at 10:30

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lesmal

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I've had epilepsy for 52 years. It always affects me during a seizure of how I look and perform in public, especially with no prior warning.

Osteoporosis has affected my spine and posture. I have multiple fractures in the spine which cause pain and I now go for physio monthly which definitely helps ease the pain.

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Les

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Somya.P

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09/10/2025 at 15:26

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Somya.P

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@lesmal Hi🌼

Thank you for sharing your experience — living with epilepsy for so many years, along with the challenges of osteoporosis and spinal fractures, must take a lot of resilience. 💛

It’s great to hear that physiotherapy helps ease your pain. How do you manage the impact of seizures on your day-to-day life, especially in public? And for others reading, what strategies or routines help you cope with chronic conditions that affect both mobility and confidence?

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Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

lesmal

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09/10/2025 at 16:25

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lesmal

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@Somya.P My mum was my pillar of strength several years ago. She made me accept my epilepsy and not be afraid of going out in public. I am very independent and cannot sit and look at four white walls every day. I'm not embarrassed to have a seizure in public as there's some wonderful people out there who help when it is needed. My seizures happen weekly but it does not stop me from living my life.

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Les

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