Self-Isolating

July 2, 2025.Reading time 2 minutes.

“It’s like COVID all over again,” my daughter remarks. She’s right, of course, except I’m the only one isolating. After two rounds of bugs and an infection, I have chosen to stay away from others in an attempt to give my immune system a break. Besides, I have a procedure in ten days for which […]

Chronic Illness vs Depression

May 14, 2025.Reading time 2 minutes.

“How do I know if I am depressed or it’s just the exhaustion of ME?” I asked my therapist in the early days of being bedridden with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. “It’s simple,” she answered. “With depression, you lose interest in the things you usually love, so you don’t bother. With chronic illness, you want to engage, […]

To Shift or Not to Shift

January 1, 2025.Reading time 1 minute.

During our last visit, the doctor prescribed a new medication to manage migraines. We discussed not starting it until I was cleared of other issues that I was facing at the time. Turned out, I was able to start the medication on Christmas day. Fast forward a few days and I notice no signs of […]

Inevitable

November 20, 2024.Reading time 1 minute.

Still consumed with tests and medical appointments. Thought we had come to resolution on one issue, but the treatment didn’t work, and so we start again with another biopsy. Likely as frustrated as me, the doctor is now pointing fingers at other medications as being the culprit. Trouble is that I need those treatments to […]

Boxed and Categorized

October 23, 2024.Reading time 5 minutes.

“Let’s just talk about what is relevant here.” I nod as the doctor peruses my list of diagnoses and symptoms. It’s lengthy, I admit, but how am I to know what relates and what doesn’t? Isn’t it all a part of the whole? I’ve waited almost two years for this appointment, although he tells me […]

Ice

October 9, 2024.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Interesting how confinement plays tricks on the mind. Directed to remain motionless, I spent an hour yesterday in a MRI machine. Despite the headphones, the bleeps and thrums seemed to penetrate my psyche. My body, taking advantage of my hostage status, decided to bemoan past injustices. While I focused on breathing, I listened to the […]

This is My Life….

October 2, 2024.Reading time less than 1 minute.

A Change of Venue

September 11, 2024.Reading time 1 minute.

The biopsy was July 12th. My follow up appointment was not until September 4th. Having been through many of these, we concluded that there was no diagnosis that would disrupt travel, so went ahead and planned. We would fly out on the 7th. After seeing the specialist. Turns out there was a concern with the […]

Packing

August 21, 2024.Reading time less than 1 minute.

We’ve decided, after five years of being homebodies, to try travelling again. He’s making reservations, while I make to-do lists and try to decide what to pack. Excited by the possibility, he draws up ambitious itineraries, and I’m feeling reality close in. What won’t fit into any suitcase, I gently remind him, is the promise […]

Prolonged Illness and Isolation

April 10, 2024.Reading time 1 minute.

“Isolation is seldom listed as a symptom of chronic disease, but it certainly is a component. The need for human interaction is very real, in fact, psychologically, I would say it is essential. Making a conscientious effort to reach out to others, balancing social activity with limited energy, and valuing myself enough to keep the […]