Holding On to Your True Self While Battling Chronic Illness and the Importance of a Power of Attorney
- Hampton Law Firm ⚖️
- Mar 30
- 5 min read
Living with a chronic illness changes everything. It challenges your body, your mind, and your sense of identity. When your health fluctuates daily, and pain becomes a constant companion, holding on to who you truly are can feel like an uphill battle. This is a story about resilience, the struggle to maintain your sense of self, and why having a power of attorney is a crucial step for anyone facing a long-term illness.
The Unseen Battle of Chronic Illness
Chronic autoimmune diseases often come with invisible symptoms. On the outside, you might look perfectly healthy. At 38, I still get mistaken for someone expecting a baby because of the weight fluctuations caused by steroids and biological medicines. In reality, my body has been fighting a battle for 19 years, with 15 years of remission shattered in early 2025.
By April 2025, I was hospitalized. The medications that saved my life also caused me to gain nearly 75 pounds by July. Then, by December, I lost all that weight again. In less than a year, my body cycled through almost 150 pounds. This rollercoaster affected not only my physical health but also my emotional well-being and how others perceived me.
People in court asked when my baby was due, then congratulated me on having a baby. I just smiled and said "Thank you," letting go of the confusion and misunderstanding. It was a hard time, but it taught me how important it is to protect your identity beyond your illness. I counted no less than 5 times did a WOMAN, of all people, ask me if I was pregnant.
⚠️⚠️⚠️HERE IS A FREE PIECE OF ADVICE: DO NOT EVER ASK A FEMALE ABOUT HER WEIGHT AND DO NOT EVER ASK IF SHE IS PREGNANT. Please - for your safety and her sanity.
Holding on to Your Identity
When chronic illness takes over your body, it can feel like it’s taking over your life. Pain, fatigue, and physical limitations can make you question who you are. Here are some ways to hold on to your true self:
Acknowledge your feelings: It’s okay to feel frustrated, sad, or angry. These emotions are part of your journey.
Celebrate small victories: Whether it’s getting out of bed, attending a court session with a cane just once, or managing a work call remotely, every achievement counts. My doctor is in Tennessee, she told she wanted to make me her poster child. The first time I met her, I literally could not get out of bed or walk without assistance. Now - I visit with her (remotely) from my office and she is so proud seeing me be able to return to work.
Stay connected to your passions: Find ways to engage in activities you love, even if you have to adapt them. I loved running. I haven't been able to run since March of 2025. I adjusted, not very gracefully, but I did. I started doing weights and different exercises that help my joint pain as well as give me the "working out" satisfaction.
Lean on your support system: My husband and dad took over many tasks when I couldn’t manage. Their help was essential, but so was my determination to keep contributing where I could.
Set realistic goals: Some days require rest and caution. Others allow more activity. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly. I'm still learning this, I'm a work in progress.
The Role of Family and Caregivers
Chronic illness doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed; it impacts everyone around them. My husband and dad became my pillars during the toughest times. They helped with daily tasks, from opening containers to assisting with mobility when I needed a cane or walker to picking up kids.
I remember the hospital wasn't going to let my kids visit me and it had been days since i had seen them. My dad pitched the biggest fit - and sure enough, a few minutes later he was rolling me down the hospital halls in a wheelchair to see my babies. There is something about daddies and daughters.
This experience showed me how vital it is to have people you trust who can step in when you need help. It also highlighted the importance of clear communication about your needs and limits.
Why You Need a Power of Attorney
One of the most practical lessons I learned is the importance of having a power of attorney (POA). At 38, I look healthy, but some days I can’t open a jar or even get out of bed. A POA ensures someone you trust can make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so.
Here’s why a power of attorney matters:
It protects your interests: Your POA can handle financial, legal, and medical decisions according to your wishes.
It reduces stress for your loved ones: Without a POA, family members might face delays or legal hurdles when trying to help.
It gives you control: You decide who will act for you and what powers they have.
It prepares you for the unexpected: Illness can worsen suddenly. Being prepared means you won’t have to make rushed decisions under pressure.
If you don’t have a POA yet, consider talking to a legal professional. It’s a step that brings peace of mind and security.
If you don't have time for a full office consultation - at least make sure you are protected by completing, signing and recording your own Power of Attorney. We have created Louisiana online templates for clients who don't have time to come in, but still want some security.
Balancing Work and Health
Even with chronic illness, many people want to keep working. I work remotely some days and adjust my workload based on how I feel. This flexibility helps me maintain a sense of purpose and normalcy.
Tips for balancing work and health include:
Communicate openly with your employer and team about your needs.
Use assistive devices like canes or ergonomic tools to reduce strain.
Prioritize tasks and delegate when possible.
Take breaks to manage pain and fatigue.
Moving Forward with Determination
I am not in remission yet, but I am improving. Every day brings new challenges, but also new opportunities to reclaim my life. Holding on to my true self means accepting help, setting boundaries, and staying hopeful.
If you or someone you love is living with a chronic illness, remember:
You are more than your diagnosis.
It’s okay to ask for help.
Planning ahead with legal tools like a power of attorney protects your future.
Small steps forward are still progress.
Your identity is yours to keep, no matter what your body is going through.
Judith L. Hampton
Attorney at Law
Hampton Law Firm, LLC
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