Reading the Room: Jana's Boundary-Setting Journey with Long COVID

In this conversation, I sit down with Jana G. (known as Janaandbooks or Lady Whistle Threads across social media) to discuss something we rarely talk about openly - setting boundaries while living with chronic illness.

Jana shares her journey with long COVID and ME/CFS, offering a glimpse into the reality of navigating life with limited energy reserves. We dive deep into the challenges of graduated exercise therapy, the frustration of post-exertional malaise (PEM), and the practical ways she's learned to create boundaries that protect her wellbeing.

This episode is especially valuable for anyone living with chronic illness, long COVID, ME/CFS, or supporting someone who does. We discuss:

• The sudden impact of long COVID on Jana's teaching career and daily life
• How Jana transitioned from teaching to book content creation as her health changed
• The reality of energy pacing and setting boundaries without explanation or apology
• Why conventional medical advice can sometimes make chronic illness worse
• Practical examples of setting boundaries in work and life with chronic illness
• The uncertainty of planning for the future with a fluctuating condition

For those struggling with similar challenges, Jana recommends The Long COVID Survival Guide, which provided critical guidance when medical help wasn't available. This resource helped her understand the importance of rest in managing her condition.

Connect with Jana:

• Instagram, TikTok, and Threads: @janaandbooks
• Subscribe to her newsletter: Lady Whistle Threads (free and paid tiers available)

Resources mentioned:

• ME Action Network - Information and advocacy for ME/CFS patients

Links

Joyful Support Movement

Lacey's Instagram

Lacey's TikTok

JSM Instagram

Joyful Support Movement Podcasts

Mentioned in this episode:

Buoy Hydration

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