Carparks, A Recliner And A Telephone

You may read this blog post title with a sense of bewilderment. You may be wondering where on earth am I going with this and what on earth has any of it got to do with chronic disease and disability! Well, in my world these three things, Carparks, a Recliner and a Telephone, have all … Continue reading Carparks, A Recliner And A Telephone

Let’s Make Some Lemonade!

We all know the saying; "When life gives you lemons, use them to make lemonade" It conjures up the notion of strength, determination, optimism, resourcefulness, resilience. All characteristics I've drawn on to deal with the "chronic illness lemons" continuously thrown at me. My lemons often feel like tennis balls in one of those practice machines. … Continue reading Let’s Make Some Lemonade!

The Dreaded New Year Question!!

As a New Year starts it’s usual to think about the year ahead and set goals, both for your personal and business life, and perhaps plan holidays or other adventures. I did for years. It’s summer in Australia and generally, Christmas to the end of January, is known as the holiday season. Schools are closed … Continue reading The Dreaded New Year Question!!

Overwhelmed and Under Prepared

On the 14th October 2021, after 5 weeks bed bound in hospital, due to my “acute” spinal collapse and bone disease progression, I was finally allowed home. I was sent home via ambulance as my condition hadn't improved. I still couldn't sit or stand for more than 2 minutes at a time. Walking with a … Continue reading Overwhelmed and Under Prepared

Hard Work In Hospital

Some challenges in life hit us so hard, as we never saw them coming. Such challenges don't allow us the luxury of preparing ahead of time. They give no warning. They simply arrive! My "acute" spinal collapse , would prove to be one of the hardest challenges I have ever faced, and I've documented a … Continue reading Hard Work In Hospital

MRI Marathon

"Hello, you're back again, so nice to see you, how are you?" You'd be forgiven for thinking this warm greeting was being given by a friend, a colleague, or a local shop owner who I'd known for years. This was the greeting I received by the Radiologist at my hospital, when I arrived for my … Continue reading MRI Marathon

Another Day, Another Diagnosis

"Something isn't right. This is a new pain, a new discomfort. I feel like something is stuck in the middle of my abdomen, just below my ribs......plus I look 6 months pregnant!" This is the conversation I had with my husband just over a week ago. He was so concerned by what he was witnessing … Continue reading Another Day, Another Diagnosis

A Hospital Stay To Remember…..Or Perhaps Forget!!

For 8 days in November 2017 I lay in a hospital bed basically writhing in pain. Rewind to the beginning of that 8 day period and I was being rushed to hospital in an ambulance as my left leg, the one with the non union femur fracture, was like a wooden block and it would … Continue reading A Hospital Stay To Remember…..Or Perhaps Forget!!

The “Chronic Illness” Law of Diminishing Returns

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

Taking A Professional Approach With Your Medical Team

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