By Jorie - Dear Disbeliever, As I sit here writing this letter, and as you sit here reading it, you may believe that because I’m physically and mentally able to write in this moment, because I am conscious and communicating well, that it means I’m not in pain, that I have zero symptoms affecting me. … Continue reading A Letter to My Disbelievers
By Erin (Guest Writer) - There is often a reason why we get headaches: not enough water, too much alcohol, lack of sleep or even certain foods. Your medical condition can also be a factor in why you are suffering from headaches more often than you had been previously. These headaches are called secondary headaches, … Continue reading COPD & Severe Headaches
By Jenny (Guest Writer) - Traveling when you have a chronic illness can feel like an impossible dream. You can be struck by a whole heap of worries and doubts. What if I flare? What are the hospitals like abroad? What if no doctors there understand me? Will I be able to get the medicine … Continue reading Tips for Traveling with a Chronic Illness
By Winslow - As a former early childhood educator, I grew very familiar with the game “Red Light, Green Light.” I can remember the children in my class excitedly running throughout the gymnasium with the sounds of their little tennis shoes squeaking against the floor. The concept of the game is to run as far … Continue reading Red Light, Green Light: The Chronic Illness Game
By Robert (Guest Writer) - Dear Dr ______, I owe you a short note. I’m about to call a spade, a spade. I’ve been left in an anxiety dither for these months since I saw you in October. That’s why I haven’t followed up with anything. I was VA-stunned by deja vu when you asked … Continue reading A Veteran’s Story of PTSD & Headache
By Jeannette - Within the chronic illness community we speak a lot about the importance of visibility. We discuss the need to self-advocate, to have our rights heard, and the importance of speaking out against stigma, especially when you have an illness that has debilitating symptoms that impact our interactions with the world, but aren’t always … Continue reading The Vulnerability of Visibility
By Wanda - Do you make lists? I do. Tons of them. So many lists! Contacts, recipes, shopping lists, allergies, to do lists, appointments, doctors, medications, surgeries, conditions, test results, books to read, health studies... I make SO many lists! So, medications -- 27 at the moment. Some daily, some as needed, some I’d rather … Continue reading Chronically Fabulous at Fifty
By Jorie - As we exit 2018 and enter 2019, there’s a topic I want to touch on that I think is important for all of us to remember and practice. Scrolling through my social media feeds these last few days has left me feeling both inspired and defeated. Inspired because I’m so happy to … Continue reading Looking Back with Authenticity
By Winslow - Most of us who struggle with migraines or other health conditions are forced to spend most of our money on medications, doctor visits and treatments and are not always able to work. This can cause a financial strain, especially around the holiday season. But take heart, below is a list of inexpensive … Continue reading Gift Ideas When Money is Tight
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
