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 Leslie - I am in pain. Severe debilitating pain. I cannot describe it to you. It’s in both sides of my face. It’s like having a severe toothache in every tooth and in the bones of my face. Even my nose is hurting. This all began back in 2014 when I had my bottom … Continue reading Life with Trigeminal Neuropathy
By Sarina - Chronic migraine is notorious for disrupting plans, preventing individuals from working, and overall reducing one’s quality of life. When my migraine disease became severe in my senior year of high school, my college plans went straight out the window. I had been dealing with migraines on and off since about age 12, … Continue reading How I’m Surviving College with Chronic Migraine
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 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 Jeannette - On social media I often see fellow patients with chronic pain and illness, questioned and put in the position where they have to explain how they can have a bit of beauty, joy, smiles, and soul shine, while they are sick and in daily pain. Apparently, a smile must negate pain. I … Continue reading You Are Allowed To Live With Pain & Still Shine
By Jorie - For some of us, there’s nothing worse than trying to muster up the strength and courage to push through a busy family gathering. Pair that with the holidays, and you have a perfect recipe for disaster. Personally, anxiety tends to be one of my worst companions when I’m trying to make it … Continue reading 6 Tips For Surviving Holiday Gatherings When Your Chronic Illness Drains You
By Sarina & Kirstie - Those with chronic illness know that each day can vary in severity from the previous day and that nothing is guaranteed. This can make scheduling far in advance almost impossible, and without a doubt frightening. Though chronic illness has caused me to fear making plans, have to cancel plans I do … Continue reading Things Chronic Illness Has Made Us Grateful For
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 María - Many of us have been there. Lying down on our bed for hours feeling excruciating pain that will not go away. The pain is stubborn so it will not go away without giving a fight. You have tried everything to attempt feeling a little better but nothing has worked so far. Painkillers: … Continue reading The 10 Best Chronic Migraine Memes
