A health, wellness and chronic illness blog that aims to articulate lifelong illness from various perspectives.
I’m a big fan of samples, which makes Christmas gifts or other exchanges a pleasure. I love trying out new textures, sniffing new scents, and figuring out if the latest product on the block is a fad or of true value. Yet, samples might be some people’s worst nightmare, and I’m not speaking solely from […]
Continue reading "Gifts I Love (but are Dangerous for Others & What to Give Instead)"
There may be many brands of period pads and tampons on the market, but they mostly emphasise on length or absorption capabilities. Reusable and organic products for menstruation are on the rise however, and for a number of good reasons. *Note: Whilst this post is sponsored by The Period Co., all opinions expressed in this […]
Continue reading "4 Healthier and Greener Period Products You Can Switch to Right Now"
*These writing prompts are part of a monthly community activity I host. You can find the link to join us at the bottom of the post. We’d love to have you with us. You can interpret the prompts any way you fancy; the possibilities are endless! Paying To say that October sucked would be an […]
Continue reading "Plunging Into a Sparkling Sky of Unknown Possibilities"
Hello November, it’s time for our monthly linkup. I’m not sure about you, but 2019 has been harsh and fast for me. In a way I’m quite glad that it’s coming to an end, and am looking forward to a fresh start in 2020. I haven’t been quite inspired or motivated to write in October, […]
Continue reading "November 2019 Linkup Party for People with Chronic Illnesses"
The Many Negative Associations with Painkillers Painkillers – hero, villain, friend and foe in one. What’s your opinion about them? Have you been told: Don’t take them, they’re bad for your liver and body. You’ll become reliant, dependent, or addicted to them. A good-for-nothing, pathetic junky. You’ll need more and more of them to kill […]
Continue reading "Why Painkillers are One of My Biggest Allies for a Decent Quality of Life"
When Pain is Chronic and Unseen Physical pain is no laughing matter, that’s for sure. When we mention the word ‘pain’, the type of pain that often comes to mind first is that of a physical nature. In fact, unbearable physical pain that becomes chronic is a major contributing factor to suicide risk. For people […]
Continue reading "Sometimes, Physical Pain Isn’t the Worst Part About Chronic Illness"
Ancient Communities vs Modern Independence Independence is a much revered trait in the modern human being. But total independence is a bunch of bullshit. To be completely independent is to live in a bubble in which you’d die within minutes. To be alive is to be dependent; every living being breathes, and that requires synthesis. […]
Continue reading "Asking for Help (and Why Everyone Needs to Learn this Important Life Skill)"
When it Hits A sharp pain struck the left side of my abdomen whilst I was asleep, and I just knew. I hurried to pop a pain pill, in hopes that the ache would subside. Sometimes that’s a small, albeit hacky, hint that it’s ‘just’ one of those mysteries that sneak up on you. When […]
Continue reading "What it Feels Like to be Refused Treatment by a Hospital’s A&E"
In order to know ‘how’ to rewire our brains to manage chronic pain, first we need to understand ‘what’ pain and neuroplasticity even are. Let’s take a closer look at their definitions and causations to begin with. *Note: Whilst this post is sponsored by Pathways, all opinions expressed are my own. I am also not […]
Continue reading "How to Rewire Your Brain to Manage Chronic Pain (& Resources to Help)"
*Note: Whilst this post is kindly sponsored by Handicare Stairlifts, all opinions expressed in it are my own. As we know by now, living with a visible or invisible disability imposes many challenges on your daily life. Simple movements are not that simple and add up quickly. Many of us keep an ‘energy cheque book’, […]
The Final Instalment to the Pain Flare Series: Pain Management Tips In part one everyone shared what their biggest triggers are, and in part two their best tips for prevention, which is definitely better than cure. But what happens if you land right smack in the middle of that dreaded flare anyway? Those who live […]
What Do Wish Lists Reflect? What’s on your wish list, and why do you want these things? They tend to contain practical items that make everyday living easier, or luxurious treats that warm the heart. I’m not going to complain if I receive a fancy handbag, expensive perfume or surprise holiday, so go ahead 😉 […]
Continue reading "What Your Wish List Looks Like When You Live with Chronic Illnesses"
*Note from A Chronic Voice: At first, I thought that this post would make a good gift list resource. Ideas from real people with chronic illnesses, for others who are also in pain. Turns out that many of us want to try the same thing, no matter where we are in the world! Unfortunately, what […]
*Note: I am not a doctor. This article is based on my personal experiences as a patient, and research from medical journals and resources that are reliable as far as I know. Nothing should be substituted for medical advice. Everyone is different, so please consult your own doctor before changing or adding new treatment protocols. […]
Continue reading "The Annoying Thing About Antiphospholipid Syndrome (and Then Some)"
*Trigger Warning: This post is about chronic illness and thoughts on suicide, and may be potentially triggering. Here is a list suicide hotlines to contact if you need help: The Fears of Aging with Sickness While I did not ask others with chronic illness how they feel about this, I know that many of us […]
Continue reading "Why it Feels Like Suicide is Always an Option"
*Note: Contains affiliate links. It will not cost you anything to click on them. I’ll get a small referral fee, and you’ll get 10% off your first order. Subsequent purchases from this page will also earn you reward points, which you can continue to use. I love iHerb like that 😉 All images are from […]
Continue reading "My Favourite iHerb Products for Everyday Life"
This question pops up on my Quora feed every so often: “Would you date or marry a person with chronic illness?” So I thought I’d address it once and for all, by first asking – would I, as someone with chronic illnesses, date or marry a healthy person? I have been fortunate enough to date […]
Continue reading "Would You Date a Person with Chronic Illness?"
*Now comes in a beautiful e-book filled with uplifting messages, quotes and illustrations! Sign up for our mailing list to download now! Some reflections I had while writing the post, “Why Not From Beautiful, to Still Beautiful?”. I’m not here to dispense advice, because god knows I’m struggling to get my own life in order! […]
Continue reading "7 Reminders For Those Dim Days When You Lose Your Way"
Friday, 16 November 2019. Issue #187. In this issue: Self-awareness is about knowing ourselves better, so we can use strategies with more precision to deal with our good and bad days. When you’re motivated, but your body just can’t due to chronic fatigue and pain. The problem with chronic illness is that the grieving process […]
*Note: This is a sponsored post. Getting back on your feet after any form of surgery is an important and challenging process that’s unique to everyone, but there are many ways you can improve your chances of recovering as quickly as possible. Whilst the process is different for everyone, these tips will give you the […]
Friday, 08 November 2019. Issue #186. In this issue: Gifts you’d never know about or thought you’d want in another life, if not for chronic illness. Animals are natural healers who bring comfort, joy and companionship. You are not responsible for other people’s emotions and actions; learn to say no for the sake of your […]
Many cultures around the world include the regular use of a sauna for a healthier lifestyle. It is believed to have considerable benefits for the body such as easing pain, helping the immune system, relieving tired muscles, extending lifespan, and many others. Many also adapt to regular sauna sessions to help manage their chronic diseases. […]
Continue reading "Benefits And Risks Of Saunas For People With Chronic Diseases"
Friday, 01 November 2019. Issue #185. In this issue: Next time you see someone ‘taking advantage’ of a space for disabled people, remember that not all disabilities are visible. Even people living with the same chronic illnesses can present different symptoms, and suggestions on what to record in a pain journal. Fear saps our bodies […]
Friday, 25 October 2019. Issue #184. In this issue: When you’re unwell whether mentally or physically, then you just need to be kind to your body and rest. No one should ever make you feel ashamed for sharing your health journey; it’s important for breaking stigma and raising awareness. The emergency room is one of […]
Friday, 18 October 2019. Issue #183. In this issue: Recurring themes on what can actually be worse than chronic pain itself: 1) Loss of friendships 2) Ignorance or lack of understanding from friends, family and society. 3) Isolation and loss of a social life. 4) Loss of independence and career. 5) Unpredictability. Being trapped within […]