My title might suggest a study in economics but rest assured it is not where I am heading with this. The Law of Diminishing Returns Refers to a point at which the level of benefits gained is less than the amount of money or energy invested. When you live with chronic illness, over time your expectations, … Continue reading The “Chronic Illness” Law of Diminishing Returns
Growing up I was often referred to as “Pollyanna” as I naturally played the glad game, always looking for the positive in a situation. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that I was born with that personality trait given the health issues that have been thrown at me. As I moved into adulthood … Continue reading Taking A Professional Approach With Your Medical Team
It happens to all of us with chronic illness. We look at our calendar and see an appointment looming in the future. It offers such promise. We feel a little excited at the prospect of what may come from it. Hope. It offers hope. It may be months away but it is indelibly printed on our … Continue reading Dealing With The “Great Expectations” Of A Medical Appointment
(As published on The Mighty) What are the rules for living with a chronic illness or rare disease? Where can I find the rule book? This is the question my husband and I have been contemplating over recent weeks. How do we know when we should worry and seek medical attention? How do we know if … Continue reading My Four-Day Rule
You know that feeling when you are completing a jigsaw puzzle only to find that a piece is missing? It’s a devastating moment. Your stomach turns just a little. All that work, all that effort, all that anticipation of a final outcome. A completed picture was the awaiting reward but it’s been snatched away from … Continue reading Finding Your Way Through A Chronic Illness Conundrum
Saga by definition means, a long story of heroic achievement or, a long story full of incidents. This story is definitely the latter, no heroics to be found I assure you. Rewind three weeks ago and I woke up to find I couldn't turnover in bed. I had pain in my right lower back that … Continue reading A Spine Tingling Saga
I recently saw one of my favourite Specialists. I always look forward to seeing this particular Specialist. We have become good friends and enjoy chatting about all things French. She is mad about France as am I. With me being born on Bastille Day and also loving French decor, the food and the language, well … Continue reading Apparently Life Won’t Stand Still, Even If My Legs Won’t Work!
The term "Rare Disease" suggests unknown territory, complications and no easy answers. That terminology definitely describes my rare bone disease. My Orthopaedic Specialist appointment today didn't fully deliver on my great expectations but on some levels it did. It certainly delivered a sense of direction and further understanding of what it means to live with … Continue reading Accepting Reality
I've had a week of surprises. I should be used to the unexpected by now and generally I am. I take the shocks and twists and turns my body throws at me in my stride most days, most weeks. This week felt different though. Two weeks ago I felt a snap in my left foot. … Continue reading From Chaos to Calm
I've just had my encounter with yet another new Specialist. This time it was an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, called in to review why my complicated tooth extraction late last year was still showing signs of an abscess and why the infected bone that was extracted at the same time as the tooth, was re-growing in an odd … Continue reading Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon – A long formidable title but a lovely Dr
