Grooming with a Chronic Disease typography
by Hannah Ziegler
Many groomers struggle with the effects of chronic diseases every day. From arthritis to diabetes, chronic diseases come in many forms. What do you do when you are diagnosed with a chronic disease? Is it possible to continue to groom? What steps should you take to adjust to the often life-changing effects?

It may feel daunting, overwhelming or even depressing. You may feel hopeless or like your world is crashing down around you when you are first diagnosed. I was 14 years old when I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. Then in my early 20s, I was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease and other ailments that really took the breath out of me. Each time I was diagnosed with a new disease, I felt robbed and frustrated. I had to lean on my faith and family, and go through the process of grieving.

Everyone will have to grieve at some point in their life—whether from a death of a loved one or a horrible medical diagnoses. Grief is a healthy way to cope with the stresses of life-altering events. However, once you have gone through the grieving stages, you have to come to grips with the fact that some things will change in your life. Your profession is a major factor where you may need to make adjustments for your own health’s sake. Can you still work with most chronic diseases? Absolutely. Will it look different? Absolutely.

It is vital to realize that although you have been diagnosed with a chronic disease, you are likely still capable of working; however, you may not be able to do everything you have done before in the same way. You will come to realize that every single person’s journey is different. To compare is to despair. Focus on you and what you are capable of doing.

For example, if you have back problems, spend the extra money for a table that raises and lowers so you don’t have to bend to reach the dogs. Make sure you have a ramp or stairs into the tub so you no longer need to lift dogs. Close the gap between you and the tub so you won’t need to bend over the dogs. Organize your supplies so they are within arm’s length and you don’t need to stretch to reach for things while you’re grooming.

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Consult with a specialist in the field of which you are diagnosed. This allows you to have any questions answered by someone who has exclusively studied this disease. It also allows you to gain insight into the disease and get tips from a professional and their team.
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Don’t allow the pressure of others’ reactions to dictate what you feel you must accomplish. Chronic diseases come in all varieties and levels. Some are visible to other people, while other chronic diseases can be easily hidden from the outside world, but only you know what your body is capable of.
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Adjust your schedule to allow for needed breaks. Initially I refused to take breaks. I felt like as long as I didn’t stop grooming, my body wouldn’t realize how much pain it was in, and I would make it through the day. But by changing my day and allotting 5-to-15-minute breaks in between dogs, my body is able to recuperate, allowing me to groom longer.
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Review your client list. If this chronic disease is going to affect you for the rest of your life, why allow “problem clients” to be a part of it? If you realize you need to cut back on clients, don’t feel guilty weeding out the difficult clients and/or dogs. This will help give you the energy you need to focus on the dogs you choose to groom.

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Don’t skip lunch. It doesn’t matter if you have a chronic disease or not, making sure you take a lunch break is crucial to making it through the day. It gives you the fuel you need to accomplish your goals. Healthy food choices are optimal, and don’t forget to drink lots of water.
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Find support. From family members, significant others and friends to support groups and church, find a place where you feel safe and comfortable sharing what you are going through with like-minded people. Find an online forum where you can meet weekly and get the help and support you need.
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Give yourself grace. As your body changes and you have to accept this new aspect of your life, it is easy to be hard on yourself. It is easy to blame yourself or put yourself down for being unable to do everything you used to. By giving yourself grace you allow yourself the freedom to explore new ways of grooming and living your life.
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Set realistic expectations. When you accurately measure what you are able to accomplish and set reasonable goals for your body, you are making positive life choices that will help extend your grooming career.
Don’t allow chronic disease to dictate your life. Continuing to groom, even if it is only one day a week, gives you the opportunity to live out your passion and feel accomplished. Learning to adjust to your new condition is vital to a well-balanced life.
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