Heat is definitely one of my migraine triggers. These excessively hot days are not cool- literally. It has been 30-37C, not counting the humidity, here which as a Canadian is hot. That would be 86F to 98.6 for my American friends which may or may not be hot for them. But I think we can... Continue Reading →
The weirdest thing that happened to me with chronic vertigo is it made me insanely sleepy. I assume because it is draining for the brain to focus that hard through all that dizziness and vertigo. On bad days I could barely move and on good days it was hard to focus on anything. For a... Continue Reading →
It seems like stress is a constant factor in our existence that we cannot banish. It is embedded within the existence of chronic illness and pain. And as a consequence of chronic pain and illness on our lives as well. And those consequences in our lives we have to live with; dealing with doctors, employers,... Continue Reading →
Ennui A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement. (Google) There is this state that comes after a setback when you have yet to quite adjust to things - this stagnant, listless, lethargic state I get in. One of ennui. I find myself here. Trying to move forward but... Continue Reading →
When we’re struggling with illness our self-esteem and self-worth can plummet. We may see ourselves as stagnant, irritable, unlovable and stuck. Research shows that maintaining positive feelings about ourselves during illness flares can improve both physical and mental well-being. Achieving this can be a struggle. Kristin Neff is a leading researcher on self-compassion according to Psychology Today. Neff has... Continue Reading →
I used to have this little paper on my wall at work showing some disability statistics so that people would understand the importance of getting insurance on their banking products, or outside insurance to cover things, if something should happen- those stats reflecting the rate of disability per age group (long and short). I posted... Continue Reading →
There is a huge problem with diagnosis with comorbid conditions. As in all this overlap of symptoms. I really need to find answers but answers are incredibly hard to find now. I wonder if it isn't anything New at all bur rather something that has been ignored for too long. I have: Chronic migraine Chronic... Continue Reading →
I bought myself a nice car. Used. But shiny and new to me. A 2013 Kia Soul. But with the drop foot on my dominate let I soon realized I needed to fit it with a Left Foot Accelerator. You can get hand accelerators as well, but my right hand is also losing dexterity- so... Continue Reading →
Oh, I know, Pacing, we all have heard about it and know about it but I have to talk about it because it is a pretty big damn deal. It is one of those fundamental skills that we Know and also Ignore. It’s a thing we do and then regret that and then do it... Continue Reading →
Productivity is one of those words I cringe when I hear. It has negative associations for me now with chronic pain and chronic illnesses. I was pondering my old relationship with productivity when I worked. It is not a pleasant one. And this is that tale: Let's talk work and career I had a full-time... Continue Reading →
Chronically Nikki 