6 Tips on How to Have a Chronic Illness on Social Media
Are you on social media? Of course you’re on social media; everyone is these days. But if you have a chronic illness, be careful not to post photos of you spending time with people you like, or even smiling. If you do, it could get your disability claim rejected. Kayla Barry knows this firsthand. A…
Quiet Thoughts
When last heard from, I was “enjoying” a bout of croup. It’s much better now, and but there are some residual effects. Namely that I can’t talk too much without getting very croaky and my voice hurting. Yes, I did say that my voice hurts. I’m finding all sorts of new terminology as a result…
In which I Get Croup and Learn a Lesson
My vocal cords swelled so much I had to have a an emergency tracheostomy. And it has been haunting me since. By last Thursday, things had deteriorated from severe voice strain. I was reduced to only being able to whisper, the breathing was worse and so was the cough. Back to my doctor I went…
3 Self-Care Resolutions for Chronic Illness
Updated November 21, 2021 Sometimes, a break from the busy can serve as an inspiration for making some changes to your life. Taking time off over the holidays has always been a wonderful way to help me get a bit of perspective on just how bonkers life has become. Here are three somewhat quirky resolutions…
Should My Partner Have Sex with Someone Else Because I Have a Chronic Illness?
When you live with chronic illness and disability, pain and mobility limitations can make sex difficult. But does that mean your partner should find someone else with whom to have sex? I see this fairly often, mostly late at night on private Facebook groups where it’s safe to bare what’s deep inside. I’ve been there…
How Hygge Can Help You Cope with the Stress of Chronic Illness
To help you and your family hygge this season, take a look at The Danish Way of Parenting’s hygge oath.
Hästens: The Best Sleep I’ve Ever Had
I have a new bed. I have never slept this well and it has reduced my chronic pain levels significantly. It is a blue checked Hästens bed. Earlier this year, I wrote about my quest for a new bed. To recap: every bed I found was too high, too hot, too smelly, or contained latex…
4 Ways to Use Respect and Dignity in Caregiving for Chronic Illness
When you have a chronic illness — or know someone who does — help can be part of your relationship. More commonly, the word caregiving is used when there is an element of caring for someone who has physical limitations, such as chronic illness. Giving and receiving care is much more than just the physical act…
Getting Organized: The Desk
I am not known for having a pristine home. Clean, yes. Tidy? Not so much. And this has two causes. via GIPHY One, tidying up is not in my top priorities. It doesn’t really hold much interest for me and besides, I usually know exactly where things are in the piles. Once it’s cleaned up,…
5 Self-Care Tips for Chronic Illness Bloggers and Group Admins
I got a question on my Facebook page about how to practice self-care way as a blogger, community or Facebook group moderator or, group member. Sue said “I love my little group and mostly find it rewarding and supportive but at times I find it overwhelming.” Being a chronic illness blogger or group moderator is…
Shortcuts, Traveling, and Loss
Alcatraz, 1992 At some point in the ICU, I had a transcendent experience. Buzzing with excitement, I waited for The Boy to arrive for his daily visit and then told him all about it. That as soon as I was better, the first major adventure we were going to have was to go to Giraffe…
High Anxiety and Jumping in the Deep End
“Relax,” he said. “Hi!” I replied. “Have you met me? I am not a relaxed person.” I have lived with anxiety since I was a child. My first memory of being really anxious was the first day of Grade 1. I remember the red dress I was wearing. I remember being one of only two…