Brave. A small but exceptionally awe-inspiring word. It is a word describing people who run toward danger when most would choose to run from it. Brave defines those who choose to defy their fears and anxieties and jump headfirst toward danger or risk. But I've noticed that it's a frequent response to a disclosure of living with a chronic illness. I've often heard other people calling me brave when describing my experiences living with FND. Other times, however, I...
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Before leaving the house and my coat and bag, I also grab my crutch with some apprehension. A crutch that has become like an ally. One that helps me keep my balance and keep me upright when my legs threaten to give out. And when symptoms are at their worst, and everything feels like a battle, this crutch has become my weapon. But unlike a superhero, it is a weapon not for fighting villains and saving the world. No,...
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It might seem surprising for someone who has spent much time talking about their health condition and disability online. Many would assume that I am completely comfortable about it since I share so much about it on social media. But in fact, it couldn't be further from the truth. The truth is, I am not confident or comfortable talking about my health condition or disability, particularly offline. It has and still can be a struggle for me to express the...
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Today I lay on my bed, incapacitated. Impaired and overwhelmed with intense and debilitating symptoms. Severe shooting pains in my back, travelling down my legs. Extreme dizziness in which the room refuses to stop spinning. Crippling fatigue. All of which has followed me from the moment I got up this morning. And undoubtedly will continue until I go to bed. This incident is not isolated, however. It occurred yesterday and will inevitably follow...
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There are insurmountable challenges when living with chronic illness. The constant, excruciating pain. The neverending fatigue that even the longest night's sleep refuses to fix. The endless anxiety of never knowing when symptoms will strike next, leaving you incapable of doing well, anything. But one challenge is often overlooked. And that challenge is the ability to love yourself. No, loving yourself isn't easy when chronically ill. When we are diagnosed with a chronic illness, we wish we could break up...
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