Why You Should Never Be Afraid to Speak Up to Your Doctor and Get a Second Opinion
In early January, I was struck down with one of the worst pains I have ever felt in my life. I spent all day on the couch holding my stomach in pain. I could barely move. I’m somewhat known for being stubborn and decided to “tough it out.” I went to work the next day […]
I’m Suffering from PTSD But No One Knows Because of My “Perfect” Instagram Photos
“A picture paints a thousand words.” But pictures don’t necessarily tell the truth. Actually, it can do the exact opposite. It can tell you a complete lie. If you look through my previous Instagram pictures, it would be impossible for you to tell which days I was struggling, which days I felt alone, which days […]
How to Ace College (and Have Fun) Despite Having Chronic Condition
Now that school has started, what’s your biggest fear? If you’ve been recently diagnosed with a chronic condition, your excitement might be replaced with fear. Fear that you might fail. Fear that you won’t have the strength to accomplish everything you’ve set out to do. Anxiety and fear are normal. But it doesn’t have to […]
My experience at medcomp
Recently, I was fortunate enough to be able to speak to the employees of MedComp and MarTech in Harleysville, PA, about understanding the patient perspective of long term vascular access and management (yes, this is a topic I geek out over!) I believe it is important for the manufacturers and distributors of medical device companies […]
Putting Your Best Foot Forward
Hey, there! My name is Sarah Tsacogianis, and I’m from a suburb just outside of Boston, MA. I am 23 years old and have been diagnosed with chronic illness for 5 years now. It all began at age 18, when I found myself in and out of doctor’s offices, constantly being told “it’s all […]
Lessons Learned on the Road to Acceptance
My name is Emmy, and I’m an 18 year old battling Systemic Arthritis, along with other autoimmune diseases, Mast Cell Disease, and more. Back in 2014, I went from being a healthy kid, about to start her freshman year at a new high school, to a girl I no longer recognized. The road to finding […]
My Illness Has Made Me Stronger
My name is Emily Pierri. I am 17 years old, and I have been chronically ill for 8 years. My diagnoses are Type One Diabetes, Endometriosis, ARD (Adhesion Related Disorder), POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), Gastroparesis and MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome). One of the hardest things about living with multiple chronic illnesses is the […]
3 Tips to Make Organization One Less Thing to Worry About
My name is Jess, and I am diagnosed with high-functioning anxiety disorder (HFAD). To break down why my specific diagnosis is different from generalized anxiety disorder, those who deal with HFAD on a daily basis are mentally programmed to focus heavily on details, overthink, and overanalyze. These behaviors and ways of thinking are often times thought of […]
How The Spoonie Community Taught Me to Love My Life, Myself & My Flaws
Katie shares how the spoonie community has not only given her love and support, but also the courage to open up about her battle with Chronic Neurological Lyme Disease. She encourages all chronic illness fighters to overcome the fear of judgment and reveal their journeys to others. Read her blog below:
President Trump’s 2018 Budget: What’s Getting Cut in the Health Department?
On May 23, the Trump administration released his full 2018 budget proposal, which details many of the changes that may be made to the United States federal government’s spending. Outrage from politicians, mayors, outside parties, and citizens followed the release of these plans. According to the Washington Post, the Environmental Protection Agency, the State Department, […]
Being Ill in Any Way Is Better When You Are Not Alone
Jess shares how her “face-to-face” battle with mental illness has made her a stronger person. A few years ago, Jess would have told you, “my disorder has destroyed me.” But after consciously confronting her illness head on and developing a caring support system, she no longer views her anxiety as a weakness, but as a […]
How My Business Helped My (and others’) Lyme Disease
The journey nearly killed me before the disease could; daily I searched for purpose and happiness in the oddest of places. I was feeling more at home than ever in a hospital room, in Madison, Wisconsin, than at home in my bed, it seemed safe, I didn’t feel so alone. It began with a tick […]