I want to tell you that living with chronic illness my entire life has given me a grand insight into life and suffering. It hasn’t. I am not a guru; I can’t make my pain go away through positive thoughts. I can’t rely on modern medicine to always come through for me. Some medications don’t work for me; some cause… Read more »
Here are some random bits about my experience with chronic invisible illnesses. 1. I am living with fibromyalgia and complex PTSD. I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2005. The diagnosis of complex-PTSD came in 2018. 2. I’ve had symptoms since childhood; the fibro-flare that really sent me looking for answers came in 2002. 3. The biggest adjustment I’ve had… Read more »
El dolor dicta – the pain dictates Sadly, it has become my mantra over the years. I spent so many years fighting with my body. I pushed through desperately, trying to ignore the pain. The doctor that diagnosed my Fibromyalgia gave me some advice. “This isn’t a death sentence. It will not kill you, but some days you may wish… Read more »
I am continually amazed me how so many people will dismiss the pain of others because they can not comprehend it. Growing up, somewhere on Star Trek, I saw a full-body medical scan device and thought how great it would be to have that handy. I knew early on that my pain was not normal. Attributed to “growing pains” or… Read more »
Last week a woman I know said that there are people who have it worse than she does so she had no right to complain. She shouldn’t be upset – she should get over it. That triggered something in me; throughout my life, I’ve heard similar things. “There are millions of people who would love to have your life. What… Read more »
While it is true older and those with compromised immunity are at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19 – but what people aren’t talking about is the panic and anxiety this pandemic is causing with those who have a mental illness. I have Fibromyalgia, so even a common cold can keep me down for weeks. One of the effects… Read more »
I turned 47 a few days ago. After 18 months of intense therapy and struggle to find my lost self, I am discovering the person that I knew when I was younger. Fearless, determined, and confident. I don’t know where I lost her along the way, but I am glad she is back. In 2004, after a lifetime of physical… Read more »
When I was a girl, and I couldn’t ignore the physical pain any longer, dismissed as attention seeking child that was too young to feel that way. It’s growing pains; it will pass. When my family would go on Volksmarches, I learned to cope by giving myself markers “I have to make it to the end of this fence. If I… Read more »