High Functioning Anxiety
I have high functioning anxiety. What is high functioning anxiety, you ask? Strangely, it doesn’t mean that my anxiety is constantly functioning and that it is constantly in effect. It actually has nothing to do with the amount of anxiety you feel on a daily basis. This is the quote that hit home for me. […]
Looking Forward When You Fall Back
Most of the friends that I have talked with about my Osteomyelitis have been very supportive, but they still don’t fully ‘get it.’ So far, I’ve had two surgeries in the past two months (both emergencies) to stop the spread of the infection in my bones. The first surgery led to the amputation of my […]
How I Found A Few Extra Spoons In A Haystack Of Spirochetes
Recently, I was asked to describe how Lyme Disease has changed my life. Originally, the words that I used to try to answer this question reeked of pain. Truthfully, yes, this disease has broken me in ways I never thought possible. But I can’t go there. Going there would only be a setback. If you […]
To The One Who Denied A Familiar Shadow, Despite Having Their Own
This is a poem I wrote to get the words that bubbled in my chest out. It is inspired by a number of relationships – friendships, family relationships, and romantic. It hurts when someone acts like they don’t know you, but I found a way to find light in that.
I Lost My “Creative”
When I was diagnosed with chronic neurological Lyme last may, I lost a part of my identity– my creative drive that truly makes me who I am. Neurological disorders, since they are in your brain and nervous system, can affect the most cherished parts of ourselves. This poem is a realization that I could never […]
Beautiful Disguise
Those of us with chronic mental or physical illness are constantly living in a world of pretend, well at least to the extent that we not only hide our pain from others but also hide the pain from ourselves. I’ve been struggling with Lyme disease and multiple co-infections since age 10 and finally received a […]
Finding The Good In Bad With Illness
As most people know, it can often be difficult to look on the bright side and stay positive. This is especially true when battling an illness. Luckily, there are people out there that help inspire others every day to keep pushing. Our new friend, Maddie, was kind enough to share her story with us on […]
The Biggest Lessons Bipolar Disorder Has Taught Me
About ten months ago, Gina was diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 1. With this disorder came along symptoms that can be defined as positive. These positive symptoms included creativity, a good work ethic, the ability to multitask, and being the “life of the party”. On the other hand, negative symptoms also ensued: mania, depression, eventual bursts of […]
CHRONICALLY ILL & “Superpowered”
Its hard enough to start and build a company. Its nearly impossible if you have to battle chronic illness everyday – unless you have amazing Superpowers. Meet Emily Levy, the founder of Mighty Well. And chronic Lyme Disease patient. Her daily treatment needs required a PICC line in her arm that needs constant protection, leading her to start a company […]
The Truth About Living with an Invisible Illness
Oftentimes, we are taught from a young age that when we feel sick or injured, we need to be able to point out exactly where there is pain, to show where we need help. We are trained that injuries need to be seen for treatment. For those suffering from invisible injuries and illnesses, that is […]
Spoonie Stories: Coming to Terms With Your Disability
February 22, 2015 | Lian Najami: Haifa, Israel It all started eight years ago; I was running on the track when I was no longer able to lift my knees high enough. I couldn’t understand what was wrong with me, what had happened to my body, or why, all of the sudden, I started losing my […]
Spoonie Stories: Advocating for People with Disabilities
Miranda has 68 formal diagnoses including Ehlers Danlos syndrome, Dysautonomia, POTS, MCAD and Gastroparesis. Here is her story.Miranda has 68 formal diagnoses including Ehlers Danlos syndrome, Dysautonomia, POTS, MCAD and Gastroparesis. Here is her story.