A detailed guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), including its symptoms, causes, and effective treatment strategies to improve energy and well-being.
Growing up, I learned early that the world doesn’t always know how to treat those who are different. As a child with a visible disability, I quickly became a target. The names they called me still echo sometimes. The way they stared, laughed, or excluded me wasn’t something I could ever forget. I didn’t understand why I was treated differently—I only knew that I was. But what began as a painful childhood of bullying slowly…
There was a time in my life when I would have done anything to be invisible. As a child with a visible disability, I didn’t just feel different—I was constantly reminded of it by the way others treated me. Classmates whispered behind my back, teachers overlooked me, and strangers stared without apology. I learned to shrink myself to avoid attention, to keep quiet when I wanted to scream, and to fake smiles that hid the…
Introduction: Stephanie’s Story – Turning Pain into Power Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is often called the “suicide disease” because of its unrelenting and excruciating pain. But for Stephanie, her journey with CRPS became a story of resilience, hope, and transformation. In this exclusive testimonial, Stephanie opens up about her life-changing experience — from the devastating onset of symptoms to discovering strength she never knew she had. The Day Everything Changed: Stephanie’s First Encounter with…
When I’m Judged for Using Disabled Parking With an Invisible Illness Every time I pull into a disabled parking spot, I brace myself. Not for the walk into the building or the flare-up that made me need the space in the first place—but for the looks, the whispers, the judgment. Because I don’t “look sick.” And in a world that still struggles to understand invisible illness, that’s enough for some to assume I’m doing something…
When Celebrities Talk About Chronic Illness, Don’t Forget About Everyday Spoonies When celebrities talk about chronic illness, headlines follow. Social media buzzes. Interviews go viral. For a brief moment, the world listens. But as the attention fades, what remains for the millions of people who live daily with invisible conditions? These individuals, known lovingly in the chronic illness community as “spoonies,” are often left behind in the narrative, quietly managing symptoms, navigating medical systems, and…
What I Realized When My Mother-in-Law Said, “I Hope You Feel Better Soon” There are some phrases that float past us so often they become background noise. “Take care.” “Feel better.” “Let me know if you need anything.” But every so often, one of these phrases lands with weight. That’s what happened when my mother-in-law quietly said, “I hope you feel better soon.” It was a simple statement, but it revealed far more than sympathy.…
Dear Spoonies, It’s Time to Forgive Yourself If You Can’t Keep a Routine For many, routines are the backbone of success. Wake up early, exercise, plan your meals, check your goals. The world praises discipline, consistency, and structure. But for spoonies—those living with chronic illnesses—the pressure to maintain a perfect routine can feel not only overwhelming but impossible. When your energy is limited, your symptoms unpredictable, and your body often working against you, sticking to…
When It’s Time to ‘Break Up’ With Your Doctor In theory, your doctor should be your partner in health—someone who listens, respects, and supports your journey toward wellness. But in reality, not all doctor-patient relationships work out the way they should. Sometimes, despite years of visits and trust, the relationship no longer serves your needs. And just like any other relationship, there may come a time when you have to walk away. Breaking up with…
How It Feels to Wear My Disability Blue Badge on the Train When I board a train wearing my disability blue badge, I’m not just carrying a plastic card or lanyard. I’m carrying the invisible weight of judgment, assumptions, and sometimes even shame. That small symbol, intended to offer support and recognition, can feel more like a spotlight than a shield. And yet, I wear it—because I have to. Disability, especially when it’s invisible, invites…
Introduction: The Hidden Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Neuroinflammation Fibromyalgia has long been classified as a chronic pain disorder, but new research suggests that its origins may lie in the brain and immune system rather than the muscles and joints. One emerging theory points to neuroinflammation, a condition where the brain and nervous system become inflamed, potentially leading to amplified pain signals, fatigue, and cognitive issues. Understanding the role of neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia could transform treatment…