Eight legged monster

I’m that person who typically ushers creepy crawlers and wayward fliers gently back outside. The major exceptions being wasps/hornets and some spiders. I keep a clean home and there isn’t much in the way of clutter. But, we all know how it is with bugs… they always find a way. One night recently, right before …

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My bad

Things are relative. We are living in a world where even facts and ultimate truths are called into question. Those truths get messier the further down we go into the rabbit hole of examining perception and individual realities. One of my favorite punk lyrics goes, “That’s me inside your head”. Our complex human brains are …

Don’t get left behind

Every few weeks, an article will pop up declaring scientific breakthroughs in the medical community. They will herald new and promising treatments for the afflicted. There will be vague explanations of technology driven research and claims that THIS! THIS ONE! is the beginning of the end of suffering for thousands, millions of people around the …

Can I eat this?

No fiber. No fat. My diet is pretty much the antithesis of commonly practiced healthy guidelines. Gastroparesis is an up and down condition. It flares and wanes depending on many things, some of which you have no control over. Pain, nausea, and vomiting are often relentless. Since gastroparesis is basically a paralyzed stomach, learning major …

Bringer of the medical zen

I have a family member who needs fairly intensive surgery. They are healthy besides the one impediment of a feisty heart that just wont stay out of afib. They have had procedures before. Ablations and cauterizations done through veins that worked for short amounts of time. At this point, the next surgery has to happen …

The end isn’t near

I moved again! Not far this time, but the arduous process of packing, unpacking, and settling in doesn’t seem to fluctuation depending on distance. It’s always time consuming and energy zapping. As I’ve written about before, I have moving down to a bit of a science. This was no different, with one major exception: My …

Tripping into peace

A few weeks ago, I underwent surgery to eliminate all of the cancerous tissue in my uterus. Even though I was under full anesthesia, it was fairly quick as far as surgeries go, around an hour, and I was able to head home later that day. I was incredibly lucky and they were able to …

I’m just a girl – Diagnosing part 6 (Chronic Idiopathic Uticaria)

The term “hives” immediately brings to mind a body full of welts. I was always under the impression that they were caused by two things, anxiety or skin allergies. Growing up, I never suffered from hives or frequent rashes. My main allergy was/is dust. It causes my nose to run, eyes to itch, and a …

Logs on the fire

Four days ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. I’m still in shock. I had no symptoms or indicators. During my annual gynecological visit, they did a pap. It isn’t a requirement or even recommended to do a pap for every visit, but my doctor is diligent because of my chronic conditions and family history. A …

Sustain-able

Can any of us live “sustainably” with a chronic illness? I aspire to leaving a small carbon footprint. The IG-worthy images of reusable and minimalist lifestyles appeal to me. The idea of living light and making a more positive than negative impact on my surroundings… that all feels very right. Unfortunately, those desires tend to …