"The true heartbreak of living with chronic illness is being forced to relive the worst moments of it over and over again" I am an avid reader. I love nothing more than to sit and devour the latest bestsellers. Unfortunately, at times disabling symptoms that accompany chronic illness prevents me from doing so. Blurred vision, dizziness and intense, crippling pain all make reading near impossible. But still, I am grateful for the times I able to find pleasure in the pages...
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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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Anxiety, like an unwanted stalker, has followed me for as long as I can remember. Moments of panic and worry punctuated my life. Anxious thoughts overpowered my brain. All of which existed long before being diagnosed with a neurological disorder. Although the symptoms of which existed from a very young age, they became more pronounced as I grew up. However, doctors could find no cause to explain such symptoms. The anxiety that had always been a part of my life became...
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