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 Wanda - Many people struggle during the holiday season. It’s a well known fact special days bring out both the best and worst in humans. (Please note: dogs are pretty much always happy and cats just don’t care.) We are reminded of those who passed away, those we’ve chosen to remove from our “friend … Continue reading Thriving Through Thanksgiving
By Kirstie - It’s just what it sounds like, the little quirks you hear whispered about you or someone else just because you’re a little bit different. These are the intrusive words that are told to disabled individuals and many others living with an invisible illness. The words that stick with and haunt some of us … Continue reading Pet Peeves of The Disabled Community.
By Liza - If you love a Spoonie, you may be wondering what to get for them this holiday season. It can be tough buying a gift for anyone, but Spoonies present some unique challenges. Take me, for example: I practically live in joggers and ultra-soft tees and tunics, or leggings from LuLaRoe, that are … Continue reading Holiday Hacks: A Gift Guide for the Spoonie in Your Life
By Sarah Faith - For those of us who experience any type of chronic pain, from daily to severe, it is not difficult to believe, empathize with, and understand others with the same affliction. For those who do not experience it, it is much harder. In fact, it seems sometimes that there is only a … Continue reading “I Believe You”
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 Liza - "Fibromyalgia symptoms are only about 30% amenable to current pharmaceutical strategies on the market." This is according to Kathleen Houlton, PhD, MPH, lead author of Potential Dietary Links in Central Sensitization in Fibromyalgia. Given that statement and the current estimate of about 5 million people struggling with fibromyalgia and no doubt the … Continue reading Fibromyalgia and Nutrition
By Alexandria - "You're getting a migraine, aren't you?" said my physician last year during one of my regular visits. "If you were pulled over, a policeman would think you were drunk or on drugs. If you were taken to a hospital, they would think you were having a stroke. Time for you to get … Continue reading Why Getting a Medical ID Bracelet for My Hemiplegic Migraines Depressed Me
By Laura - Caregivers are the people that pick us up when we’re at our lowest. They are the people we turn to in a pinch and arrive at our doorstep in a heartbeat. They are the friends and family we can call at 3am when our symptoms are keeping us wide awake and we … Continue reading An Open Letter to Our Caregivers
By Liza - Life would be so much easier for those of us in the chronic pain community if our invisible illness showed up like a thought bubble over the top of our head. You would be heading into work, driving on the freeway and you could see to the left of you, a gentleman … Continue reading Hidden in Plain Sight
