When people hear “gluten,” they often think of trendy diets or food restrictions. But for many, gluten-related issues are far from a fad—they’re life-altering medical conditions. Terms like celiac disease and gluten allergy are sometimes used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. In this post, I’ll explore the differences between the two and share personal stories to shed light…
Category: Health Blog
Advocating for Your Health: Navigating Chronic Pain and Your First Doctor’s Appointment
Living with chronic pain or illness can often feel like carrying an invisible weight—a burden that others may not fully understand. For many of us, the journey toward getting proper care begins with that first doctor’s appointment. It’s daunting, especially when you’re not sure if your symptoms will be taken seriously. You might feel overwhelmed,…
What Patients Should Know About Spondyloarthritis and Its Impact on Daily Health
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is one of the conditions I have been living with for so long, though doctors do believe my condition is mixed with something else. Living with spondyloarthritis (SpA) has been an ongoing journey for me—one filled with highs, lows, and a lot of learning along the way. I understand the daily struggle of…
Hidden Links: Spine Conditions and Unusual Symptoms You Might Not Expect
Hidden Links: Spine Conditions and Unusual Symptoms You Might Not Expect Living with a chronic spine condition has been a constant learning experience. You’d think it would only affect my back, right? Not exactly. Over time, I’ve discovered that spine issues can have a domino effect on parts of the body I’d never have associated…
Traveling with a Flare-Up: Tips, Realities, and Self-Care
In just a few days, I’ll be heading out of Canada. Instead of the usual excitement before a trip, there’s something else weighing on me that is stressing me out. I’m in an active flare-up again. My body feels like it’s in constant protest, and just getting through the daily routine has been a struggle….
Infectious Disease Appointment
I have been experiencing recurring UTI and bladder infections throughout most of my life. When I was young, I would get them nearly every month and was almost constantly on antibiotics. Since January, the recurrence has been unusually high compared to recent years. The last few blood and urine tests have been consistent. My C-reactive…
Chasing Relief: Journey of Spine Injections and Unanswered Questions
Are These Spine Injections Really Still Working? This is the question I’ve been asking myself for the last few months. In August, I had spine injections that were supposed to be in my sacro-transverse joints on both the right and left sides. They did both sides in the same day, and my body had a…
Off Track (Menstruation)
Before we start there is a TMI/Trigger Warning (Menstruation/urine/pain)*** Proceed with caution. These last few weeks have honestly been stressful, and I cannot explain what has been going on. I really don’t know. My body is reacting and fighting something, and I don’t have many answers, but I have noticed something. In April, I went…
Maigne’s Syndrome
I wanted to share with you a lesser known Spine Condition I have been researching. I am working on doing something with research in the medical field based on what I have been going through all these years but I am still not 100% sure what to write about yet. So as I am exploring…
Binge Eating
**Trigger Warning** It’s been mentioned many times that I have a binge eating disorder, and I’ve had it for close to 15 years now. I’ve gotten help for it in the past, and overall, I manage well. But sometimes, it feels like a bit of a struggle. This weekend, I’ve been experiencing a bit of…
It took 6 months…(and an on the spot delay)
I’ve been battling with this decision for weeks. I’ve always been on the ice, ever since I was 5 years old, and it’s been 26 years. I want to skate so badly, but many medical professionals have told me it’s not a good idea. I respect their opinion, and I do agree that it’s coming…
Workout 2 Update
I got home from a long day at work and I felt the need to run and do some workout. And I know I haven’t fully been clear but I used to workout every single day and it’s driving me absolutely crazy. I feel the need to raise my adrenaline. Now there has been one…
Deidre Matthews 