Pain can’t just be ignored. Disease can’t just be ignored. People with disease and pain can’t just be forgotten. I’m not alone in suffering horrific daily pain. So many in society struggle every day. Some manage to work or interact with the wider community in some way. Others like me, live a permanently reclusive life … Continue reading A Peek Through My Window Of Pain
I love life's little challenges. I love problem solving and turning obstacles into opportunities. I love putting a positive spin on what would otherwise be a very negative situation. I've always done this, both in my personal and my working life. So, chronic disease really wasn't going to change my approach to finding a way … Continue reading The Non Negotiable Chronic Illness Rule
When living with chronic illness, and particularly chronic pain, life needs a level of certainty, of routine. To a large degree we can create workable daily routines, manage our medications and medical appointments, and keep life ticking along so we maintain our equilibrium as much as possible. I actually love change. Throughout my career I … Continue reading Nothing Lasts Forever
How can we practically deal with the "Great Expectations" of an upcoming medical appointment?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 … Continue reading Great “Medical” Expectations!
When we have chronic illness, our minds are quickly programmed to think about all the things we can no longer do. Doctors, allied health professionals, family and friends, can easily feed us messages which concur with our “I can’t do it” mindset. Don’t get me wrong, there is lots we can’t do when living with … Continue reading “You Sound And Look So Well!!”
We all make decisions every day. Big decisions, small decisions. Some we are aware of and some are just automatic. When I had reasonable health, I would spend my days making business and personal decisions without much effort. Some might have kept me awake at night but not many. I never had to think about … Continue reading Along Came Chronic Illness And Life Turned Upside Down
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, from Christmas to the end of January, is known as the holiday season. Schools are … Continue reading The Dreaded Question… Do You Have Any Plans?
It’s on its way! There is no stopping it! Christmas is coming! This thought will either excite you or leave you trembling with trepidation. Or maybe the jury is out on how you feel, but generally the Christmas/ Holiday Season and the lead up to the big day, is forefront of mind during November. For … Continue reading It’s Chronically Close To A COVID Christmas
(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 to help me manage, especially when all my symptoms are flaring and are "Off The Charts"? This is the question my husband and I have been contemplating over recent weeks. How do … Continue reading Where’s The “Off The Charts” Rule Book?
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
