8 reasons why people with chronic pain feel misunderstood

Living with chronic pain isn’t easy and it doesn’t help that many pain suffers feel completely misunderstood.  Here are some of the things that people in pain regularly hear, and why they are incorrect. 1. I know what you deal with now because I’ve had (insert minor ailment here) this week. Having the flu or…Continue reading 8 reasons why people with chronic pain feel misunderstood

finding strength when you live with chronic pain

Finding strength when you live with chronic pain

I had a moment of peace the other day. It came at an odd time, certainly not when I would have expected it. I was riding my bike on the way home from picking my son up at school. I do this everyday because there are no sidewalks for him to ride on,and it’s not…Continue reading Finding strength when you live with chronic pain

6 ways spoon theory is important in the struggle with chronic illness

One tool people use to explain life with chronic illness is called The Spoon Theory.  The Spoon Theory basically says that a person with a chronic illness only has so many spoons available to them, and the number changes from day to day. Once you use a spoon, it’s gone and there’s nothing you can…Continue reading 6 ways spoon theory is important in the struggle with chronic illness

how to let go of control when you live with chronic pain

How to let go of control when you live with chronic pain

When you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness/chronic pain your life changes instantly and it’s not always easy to go with the flow. You want to hold onto things that were part of your healthy life, but your body just won’t cooperate. So here’s a few things that I’ve had to let go because of chronic…Continue reading How to let go of control when you live with chronic pain

why insignificant tasks are monumental with chronic pain

Why insignificant tasks are monumental when you deal with chronic pain

A few weeks ago I was re-reading an old post of mine about loneliness with chronic illness when I read this line and it reminded me of how everything is consequential when you deal with chronic pain: And you, your life depends on how bad the weather is that day, or how long it takes…Continue reading Why insignificant tasks are monumental when you deal with chronic pain

9 things people with chronic illness don't have time for

9 things people with chronic illness don’t have time for

One of the most aggravating part of living with a chronic illness is navigating other people’s expectations and opinions. It’s incredibly draining and can actually make chronic illness worse. I came out with a blog post called shit I don’t have time for a few years ago, but I felt like it was time for…Continue reading 9 things people with chronic illness don’t have time for

how to deal with people who don't believe you're sick

How to deal with people who don’t believe you’re sick

One of the hardest parts of living with an illness is the emotional toll it takes when people don’t believe you’re sick. It’s hurtful when people think you’re faking, exaggerating, wimpy, or just need to take antidepressants. This is compounded when you have an invisible illness and people are always telling you, “but you don’t…Continue reading How to deal with people who don’t believe you’re sick

5 tips for faking chronic illness (it’s just that easy)

Faking chronic illness is not nearly as easy as people think, it actually takes a lot of time and preparation. Before you undertake this project, here are a few tips to keep in mind. 1. Make sure you’re faking a real chronic illness Don’t pick a fake illness like Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, or Lyme Disease.…Continue reading 5 tips for faking chronic illness (it’s just that easy)

4 surprising ways chronic illness can change your life

Chronic illness has changed my life in many ways, there is no doubt about that. Most of the changes were fairly obvious, but recently I noticed a few changes I made without even knowing. Some of these changes are funny, some of them are not, but as usual I try to look at all of…Continue reading 4 surprising ways chronic illness can change your life

5 questions to ask yourself before you say yes

Learning to say no is one of the most difficult parts of living with a chronic illness. No one wants to be considered selfish and uncaring because they never help out a friend or a family member, but when your body has limitations you cannot do everything that is asked of you. It’s especially difficult…Continue reading 5 questions to ask yourself before you say yes