By Bridgette - Suddenly, it’s okay that I’m moving slowly. The impossible pace set by life, family, WORK. The nature of my body is to move at a pace that I can sustain and in a manner that won’t cause me further pain later. I know I’m too slow for some, but I like to … Continue reading When the World Ground to a Screeching Halt
By Wanda - As I write, there is a tub load of laundry in the dryer. For many of us there is always a tub load of laundry either in the washer or dryer. The thing is, both the wash cycle and drying cycle were labeled “normal.” Either one of your machines, and perhaps your … Continue reading There is No “Normal”
By Brittany - For four and a half years, chronic migraine has run my life. It’s been at the forefront of most discussions and the primary focus when someone asks “How are you?” It’s hard to talk about sometimes, for fear of feeling like a broken record. Pain levels and symptoms fluctuate so frequently that … Continue reading How My Response to “How Are You?” Has Changed
By Jeannette - In light of the opioid overdose epidemic, there has been much discussion lately about “pain acceptance.” There have been cries from doctors for patients with chronic pain to “accept” their pain. However, are the talking points truly referencing acceptance, particularly active acceptance, or is what they are calling for really resignation by … Continue reading Chronic Pain Acceptance vs. Resignation
By Jeannette - There are many causes of chronic pain--an accident or injury, inflammatory or neurological condition--but no matter the cause, chronic pain impacts our emotions. There is an intersection between physical pain and emotional well being. It is important to discuss this interplay, as well as strategies to address these difficult emotions to improve … Continue reading The Emotional Rollercoaster of Living with Chronic Pain
By Krystina - Hindsight is 20/20 and sometimes it's so much easier to see things clearer once we have lived through them. When it comes to any illness, it can seem to be an impossible feat when beginning the climb towards living with your new chronic medical situation. After spending many days at war with … Continue reading 7 Pieces of Advice I Would Give My Past Self
By Laura - It was the “Why me?”, “Please make it stop.”, “I can’t handle this” feelings that had me stuck in cycles of grief every time I had a migraine. A year ago, I would still be going through these ups and downs every. single. migraine. Not now. Now, I have looked beyond the … Continue reading A Look at Migraine Through the Stages of Grief
By Laura - “Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give.” — Unknown As a chronic illness sufferer, you are bound to have bad days. To cope, I’ve learned acceptance, found ways to reduce anxiety and taken time out for my health. In essence, I’ve learned to be kinder to myself — to show myself love in the … Continue reading 25 Quotes That Inspire Me to be Kind to Myself through Chronic Illness
By Laura - “How do you cope so well?” Last week, I was taken aback when a close friend of mine texted me these words. My first thoughts were, “Me? Cope? What? I don’t do that!” My mouth gaped open. Coping with chronic illness isn’t something that has come naturally to me. It was hard … Continue reading How Acceptance Taught Me to Cope with Chronic Illness
By Amanda - Some individuals are able to find the cause of their chronic migraine, while other individuals live decades without knowing what caused their chronic migraine. In the same manner, some individuals are able to find something that actually works for them in terms of eliminating or decreasing the frequency and severity of their … Continue reading Accepting the Meantime
