All this but especially the "affecting the clothes I wear".
Some days my nerves are on fire and everything hurts, my hair hurts and it makes it so hard to wear clothes. i have two shirts, one pair of shorts and sweats that are the only thing I can tolerate on those days.
My chronic illnesses affect:
*The food I eat
*The clothes I wear
*The makeup and hygiene products I use
*My ability to stand
*My ability to breathe (if exposed to allergens)
*How often I go to the bathroom
*How I react to medications, supplements, etc
*My ability to work (I can’t)
*My focus (brain fog)
*My sleep
*My pain levels
*Ability to socialize
*Ability to exercise
*Ability to go out and do things (like shop)
*Ability to travel
*My vision
*My teeth
*My skin
*My immune system
*My body’s ability to heal wounds
*My ability to drive
*Etc
So ya, I talk about it. Not everyone has to or wants to talk about their health issues and that’s ok. But some people literally can’t hide their chronic illnesses or disabilities and they shouldn’t have to. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.
(Also worthy of noting: this is a place I’ve found to talk to others who understand. I talk about it much more openly here than anywhere else.)