Tag: invisible illness
My Fight Against Trigeminal Neuralgia
The number of invisible illnesses that millions fight around the world is staggering. The suicide disease, as trigeminal neuralgia is commonly known, is one of those illnesses. I'm one of the approximately 12 per...
Here’s How to Fight Invisible Pain
Millions of Americans talk to their doctors every day about pain. Fortunately, many of these patients will find a solution to their problems. However, it’s not always possible to pinpoint the cause of chronic...
A Look at the Facts: What is Fibromyalgia?
What is Fibromyalgia? - Overview
Often misdiagnosed and misunderstood, fibromyalgia is a common condition. People with this condition experience widespread muscle and joint pain as well as intense fatigue. But just what is fibromyalgia?
Anyone can develop...
My Fight With Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia
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...
Natural Ways to Fight Fibromyalgia – Ask the Experts
Are you looking for more natural ways to fight fibromyalgia? Many people suffer from muscle and body pain, stiffness and memory problems that are too often misdiagnosed or ignored. Many have had difficulty managing...
10 Must-Knows: What Life is Like with Chronic Pain
September is Pain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of chronic pain and common management practices. It's also a time for those of us who live with it to illustrate what life is like...
My Difficult ITP Diagnosis Journey That Made Me An Advocate
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...
Living With Fibromyalgia: Lady Gaga Continues to Raise Awareness
In her lead role in A Star Is Born, Lady Gaga brings Ally to life on the screen for the fourth remake of the iconic story. Much of Ally's story centers on the fact that...
How My Chronic Illness Blog Helped My Chronic Pain
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...
Review: Easy@Home Heat TENS Unit
I have dealt with pain for most of my life—migraines and knee pain in high school, back and shoulder pain that has worsened as I’ve gotten older, and on and on. I now deal...
A Patient’s Review Of “Taming Chronic Pain” By Amy Orr
Having lived with varying levels of chronic pain for over six years now, I often joke that I could write a book. The frustrations that come with an invisible illness don’t come with...
What It’s Really Like Living With A Stoma
Living With A Stoma Overview
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...
5 Things Not to Say to Someone with Chronic Pain
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...
Tips to Thrive When You Have an Undiagnosed Chronic Illness
“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...
How Do I Manage Crohn’s Disease?
If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed or has lived with Crohn's disease for a while now, you know how life-changing the diagnosis can be. Living a pain-free life while managing...
How a Morning Routine Can Help You Manage Life with Chronic Pain
For many of us, having a morning routine is invaluable. Not only does it help us set the tone for a productive day but it also grounds us and helps us manage our anxiety...
Cultivating Gratitude While Facing Chronic Pain
Are you grateful for your life? Are you grateful for the things you've been given? Does that include your chronic pain, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia? What about your other invisible illnesses? I am. This...
Here’s Why Pain Sufferers Need National Check Your Meds Day
National Check Your Meds Day is here once again (October 21), promoting the importance of reviewing our current prescription regimens. Are we taking the right medicines? Are we taking the proper doses? Are we...
Here’s How You Can Enjoy the Holidays with Chronic Pain
The holidays are meant to be enjoyed by all of us. If you’re someone who is living with chronic pain, you’re likely worried about feeling left out of seasonal group activities. But worry not:...
What It’s Really Like Living With an Invisible Illness
Many thanks to our guest writer Pamela Jessen for sharing her powerful testimony below on what it's like living with an invisible illness.
When you're living with an invisible illness, you can look perfectly fine...