Category: Uncategorized
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Proof I Wasn’t Crazy, and Everything That Followed
I’ve thought about what to write for my surgery update for a while now. My original plan was to share my pre-surgery thoughts, go into surgery, and post an update a few days later. I thought the surgery would give me the answers I had been waiting for, and that relief would finally settle into…
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My Thoughts on My Upcoming Surgery
The closer I get to my operative laparoscopy, the more everything feels painfully real. I’ve had small procedures before, like getting my wisdom teeth out, and my D&C earlier this year, but this is my first actual surgery with incisions, healing time, and a recovery that will swallow my entire holiday season. It feels overwhelming…
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The Search History of a Girl Who Needs Answers
August 2024 8:02 AM: Severe stomach pain causes 9:45 AM: Rare stomach pain causes 11:10 AM: Functional dyspepsia and blood 12:30 PM: Bland food sensitivity 2:15 PM: Prescription anti-nausea meds 3:25 PM: Prolonged standing FND seizures 4:55 PM: Dysautonomia explanation 6:00 PM: FND and arthritis symptoms 7:10 PM: Functional seizures and blood pressure 8:45 PM:…
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My Endometriosis Journey: A Battle with Pain and the Road to Diagnosis
It all started when I was 14, and my first period hit me like a freight train. My periods were extremely heavy from the very beginning. I remember going through tampons every hour, and by the end of each cycle, I had finished an entire box. I would try to go about my day at…
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The Email I Regret Not Sending
7 years ago I was referred to a specialist in Ottawa to attempt to find an answer to my back pain. Pain that was caused by a terrible accident at a gymnastics competition in Buffalo in May of 2017. After 5 years of specialists and scans the cause of my anguish was finally found. An…
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A Rollercoaster Ride of Updates and Resilience
Hello there! It’s been a while since we caught up, and there have been both positive and negative health experiences lately. Let’s dive in, starting with the good news: A recent MRI indicated that the tumor in my spine hasn’t significantly grown, which is a relief as it’s unlikely to be malignant. This news lightened…
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The Pain of Invisible Illness: Living with Misunderstanding and Disbelief
For as long as I can remember, I have dealt with an invisible illness or disability. When I was a child, I had severe asthma. Some days, breathing became incredibly difficult, forcing me to sit out during gym class. Other kids complained that it was unfair because I appeared fine. Little did I know that…
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Chronically Challenged: The Struggles of Traveling with a Chronic Illness
Traveling can be a thrilling and fulfilling experience, but for those with chronic illnesses, it can also be a significant challenge. Long travel days, navigating unfamiliar airports and being away from familiar healthcare can take a significant toll on someone’s well-being. One of the biggest challenges of traveling with a chronic illness is long travel…
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Words of Wisdom: What People with Chronic Illness Wish They Knew When First Diagnosed
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness can be overwhelming and life-changing, and it’s not uncommon to feel lost, scared, and uncertain about what the future holds. Many individuals living with chronic illness reflect back on their diagnosis and wish they had known certain things to better prepare themselves for the road ahead. In today’s post,…
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The Impact of Chronic Illness on Mental Health: Coping with Depression and Anxiety
Living with a chronic illness can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health. Chronic illnesses are long-term conditions that require ongoing medical attention and often involve a range of physical symptoms. However, the psychological effects of chronic illness can be just as challenging to manage. Chronic illness can cause a wide range of…
Chronically Thriving 