Tag: Day-to-Day Life

My journey with chronic illness has spanned over half my life. As a young teen, I received diagnoses for multiple mental health issues, including Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), major depression and anxiety. To this...

Around 50 million adults suffer from chronic pain in the U.S. If you're one of the many people who has to deal with this condition, making upgrades to your home can significantly increase your...

The holidays are here and if you’re anything like me, you haven’t even started shopping yet! Living with chronic pain and an autoimmune disorder takes up a lot of my energy, but I still...

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching and the holiday season kicking off, it can be common to see people practicing gratitude. However, finding gratitude is easier said than done when you live with chronic pain. My first...

Back in 2012, I had spinal fusion surgery. 17 of my vertebrae ended up being connected by titanium rods and screws. I had pain before the surgery, but afterward, I had to relearn how...

Sometimes, the events of the day can be just a little too much. This is especially true for people with chronic pain. This is where pain journaling comes in.A pain journal is a place...

Healthcare costs in the United States are some of the highest in the world. Unfortunately, the high cost of healthcare can place a significant financial burden on many families. If you or your someone...

Not too long ago, doctors believed in one pain-prone personality. If you possessed certain characteristics, then you might feel pain more intensely and stay longer in the cycle of suffering. Nowadays, those in the...

We’ve all been there at some point. Whether you're suffering from a chronic condition or recovering from an illness or injury, your pain just seems to get worse at night. Nowadays, researchers have nicknamed...

It’s hard to believe that I’ve had a stoma for nearly 3 years now. It doesn’t feel like that long at all. Since my first surgery, my health has gone down the toilet, a...

In 2013, I was involved in a car accident that changed my life. Although the damage to my car was surprisingly minor, that 10 seconds would change my life forever. Prior to the accident, I...

I don't really remember a day of my childhood where I felt “good”. Of course, at the time, I had no frame of reference for what “good” was supposed to feel like. I didn't...

“Teacher, you’re walking like a tipsy woman. Why are you swaying?”“Are you a grandma? Why do you climb the stairs like that?” (Then, copies my posture).“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” (After jerking and accidentally...

My chronic pain started as a teenager. I’m 53 now. Mostly, I suffer from back pain, rib pain, joint pain, migraines, and facial pain. Ten years ago, my doctor told me my facial pain was...

About a year ago, I began to notice pain around my coccyx while sitting down. At 52, I'm no stranger to back pain. I've suffered from it for years - including in my lower...

These three simple yoga poses for pain relief poses are great for beginners and experienced yoga students alike.If you decide to try yoga at a local studio make sure to tell them about your...

When a diagnosis of cancer hits home, it may be hard to figure out how to keep your composure and what to expect. Follow these guidelines to learn the best ways to keep your...

Charcot Marie Tooth Disease is a devastating, inherited disease, but life with CMT doesn't have to be grim.Charcot Marie Tooth Syndrome is a series of neuropathic disorders that affect the nerves of the brain...

Just the right words can help ease someone's chronic pain.Of course you mean well. You see a friend or family member who's suffering from chronic pain and you want to offer advice and encouragement....

It's not uncommon for people with fibromyalgia to say the weather aggravates their symptoms. Fibro typically brings significant pain, fatigue, and tenderness at specific points on the body, along with other problems, like "fibro...

When finger numbness is bothering you, maybe it's time to see a doctor about the possibility of carpal tunnel syndrome.Carpal tunnel syndrome is a neuropathic condition in which the median nerve that runs through...

If you're taking a narcotic for your pain, chances are good you're dealing with an unpleasant side effect: constipation. As a topic, constipation doesn't exactly make for good dinner conversation. But knowing what to eat...

When your loved ones are feeling the pain, they are simply not themselves. Follow these tips to help take the best care of them, without straining your relationship. 1) Keep communication open. Perhaps the most important...

Vacations are a great way to refresh and reset your body and mind. However, when you live with pain, jockeying for a spot at the beach or squeezing onto another overbooked flight are more...