The chicken or the egg?

I'm not sure whether it is hypochondria or not, but I think having a chronic illness, especially one that manifests itself in so many ways in our bodies, makes us think about our health more than the average person. We don't have the luxury to ignore symptoms in our bodies. I can't remember what a "normal" day feels like anymore. I don't know how to distance myself from my illness when I feel it every single day. I won't say it defines me, but it sure has become a much bigger part of me than I would have liked. And very often, I actually do ignore symptoms, partly because I know I get a lot of stuff that really doesn't need to be addressed by my doctor, and partly because I'm so tired of having so much to deal with. I think one day I may have a heart attack because I will assume that chest pain is, once again, just referred pain or gas, from my gut. Every day feels like a "crap shoot", no pun intended but it does seem appropriate for this disease.

Happy and healthy New year to all of us!