Note: I was watching The Resident-and this condition came up. So I decided to make a post about it. Sickle cell disease is a term that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves, even though it affects millions of people worldwide. Despite being one of the more common genetic disorders, it remains shrouded in misconceptions…
Tag: Chronic illness
New Year’s Resolutions for Chronic Condition Warriors: How to Make—and Keep—Them
As the calendar flips to a new year, many of us feel a surge of motivation to make resolutions that will help us grow and thrive. But if you’re dealing with a chronic condition—be it chronic pain, fatigue, or an ongoing illness—you know how challenging it can be to stick to ambitious goals. That doesn’t…
A Late Merry Christmas & Happy New Year: Tips to Survive the Post-Holiday Craze with Chronic Pain
Hello everyone! I know this greeting is a little late, but the holiday season can be quite hectic, can’t it? So, let me start by wishing each and every one of you a (belated) Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. For those of you who don’t celebrate Christmas, I wish you a wonderful Happy…
Understanding Spondylolisthesis and Its Connections to Other Spine Conditions
Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that can cause significant pain and mobility issues, affecting many aspects of daily life. While it shares some similarities with other spinal conditions like Bertolotti Syndrome, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and spondyloarthritis, each condition has unique characteristics and implications for diagnosis and treatment. Let’s dive into what spondylolisthesis is, how it manifests,…
Facing My Breast Scare: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Body
This summer, in the middle of managing a mountain of medical tests for my chronic conditions, I felt something unusual in my left breast. It wasn’t obvious, just a vague lumpiness I couldn’t quite define. Life was already chaotic, so I brushed it off, convincing myself it could wait. Fast forward to a few weeks…
Breaking the Stigma Around Invisible Illness: What You Don’t See Matters
Living with an invisible illness is like navigating life with a secret that no one understands. The world often judges what it can’t see, and that judgment can feel heavier than the illness itself. If you’ve ever faced disbelief, skepticism, or dismissal because your condition isn’t visible, you’re not alone. What Is an Invisible Illness?…
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….
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…
Found a trick to Swallowing Pills
Are you someone who has had trouble swallowing pills in life? If so I found a trick that may help you. Now, I don’t mean this in a way where I want people to go and do this. But for those who suffer from Chronic Pain and have to take medications from time to time…
Deidre Matthews 