Listening to Warning Signs With Chronic Illness

Do you know one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your car? Keep up with regular oil changes.

Your tires need to be rotated regularly too.

If you’ve ever worked somewhere with a maintenance department, you’ve probably heard the phrase routine maintenance more than once.

But what happens if you skip those oil changes or ignore routine maintenance?

Eventually, the machine will choose its own time to shut down—and it’s rarely convenient. Repairs often take longer, and the problem is usually less predictable and more complicated than it would have been with regular upkeep.

Living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome has taught me to treat my body the same way I would a car or a piece of equipment: with consistent, intentional maintenance.

That means taking my daily medications and getting enough rest. When I don’t, I increase my risk of a flare-up.

With chronic illness, listening to your body isn’t optional—it’s essential.

It becomes even more important during times of stress, increased activity, or added responsibility. Think about how you would pay closer attention to a truck hauling a heavy load, watching for signs of strain or overheating. I’ve learned to do the same with my body.

I pay attention to the signals—fatigue, pain, warning signs that things are starting to break down or that I’m pushing beyond what I can safely handle. When I notice those signs, I have to choose rest, even when it’s inconvenient. Because if I don’t, I risk a migraine or an injury that could take me out of my daily life far longer than a simple pause would have.

If you’re living with a chronic illness, here’s my encouragement to you: be gentle with yourself.

Take your medications. Rest when your body asks for it. And when life requires you to push a little harder—whether for a social event or an emergency—stay tuned in. Be honest about what your body is telling you.

Take the break before it’s too late.