I continue to try and figure out how I tell people about my illness, as most of us do I guess. But now I have a specific concern that I hope to get feedback on.
When I became ill I had to stop performing. (I was a musical theatre actor.). But as the years went by I felt more and more like I was losing and missing a big part of who I am. So a year ago I started singing in a chorus. Rehearsals are obviously physically challenging and learning and memorizing all of the music is, of course, also a challenge with the brain fog, etc. Concerts are terribly challenging. Last concert (my 3rd) I finally asked for and got to use a stool during performance. Pretty much the only explanation I gave as to why I needed that is that I have a "chronic health issue" that impacts what I can and can't do.
Each concert we have one or 2 songs that have some choreography. The last concert there was just one song that involved just a little "Choral-ography" and I was able to stand up from the stool and do it. Well this concert we are doing a number that has quite a bit of choralography. I am not going to be able to do it so I don't know what I am supposed to do during the #.
I have asked to talk to someone at tomorrow night's rehearsal. I don't know if I should give more details (e.g. "I have a neuro-immune disorder" or "I have a condition called ME/CFS"), which I have no problem doing. Or should I just leave it at what I've already told them. I'm just wondering (and I guess I shouldn't care) if it sounds like I am being purposely evasive.
Part of me just wants to say forget it and quit. I am really struggling physically and at this time I don't even know if I'll be strong enough to do it. And I am so tired of dealing with this issue of self disclosure. It would be easier just to stay at home and stop trying. But for today I won't do that.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
When I became ill I had to stop performing. (I was a musical theatre actor.). But as the years went by I felt more and more like I was losing and missing a big part of who I am. So a year ago I started singing in a chorus. Rehearsals are obviously physically challenging and learning and memorizing all of the music is, of course, also a challenge with the brain fog, etc. Concerts are terribly challenging. Last concert (my 3rd) I finally asked for and got to use a stool during performance. Pretty much the only explanation I gave as to why I needed that is that I have a "chronic health issue" that impacts what I can and can't do.
Each concert we have one or 2 songs that have some choreography. The last concert there was just one song that involved just a little "Choral-ography" and I was able to stand up from the stool and do it. Well this concert we are doing a number that has quite a bit of choralography. I am not going to be able to do it so I don't know what I am supposed to do during the #.
I have asked to talk to someone at tomorrow night's rehearsal. I don't know if I should give more details (e.g. "I have a neuro-immune disorder" or "I have a condition called ME/CFS"), which I have no problem doing. Or should I just leave it at what I've already told them. I'm just wondering (and I guess I shouldn't care) if it sounds like I am being purposely evasive.
Part of me just wants to say forget it and quit. I am really struggling physically and at this time I don't even know if I'll be strong enough to do it. And I am so tired of dealing with this issue of self disclosure. It would be easier just to stay at home and stop trying. But for today I won't do that.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.