A comprehensive guide on chronic pain, its causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies to improve your quality of life.
“What fibromyalgia symptom are you working on managing right now?” It’s a question many who live with fibromyalgia quietly ask themselves every morning. This isn’t just a matter of checking in—it’s a survival tool, a strategy, a grounding moment. Because fibromyalgia isn’t predictable. It doesn’t follow a routine or respect a schedule. Some days it’s the deep, aching muscle pain. Other days it’s the crushing fatigue. And sometimes, it’s the fog, the forgetfulness, the feeling…
Living with a chronic illness like fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, or lupus means every space you inhabit needs to work with your body, not against it. Over time, many of us create what’s lovingly known in the chronic illness community as a spoonie room—a personal space designed to soothe symptoms, conserve energy, and provide comfort during long rest periods. This isn’t just a bedroom. It’s a sanctuary. A toolkit. A haven. Every item in it serves a…
Living with a chronic illness already demands an immense level of resilience. It often means adapting to physical limitations, emotional strain, and long-term changes to your routine. But when new symptoms emerge—particularly those related to memory loss—it can feel like a setback that’s hard to accept. Memory loss, even when subtle or gradual, can add a new layer of difficulty to an already complex journey. Understanding how to cope with these changes is essential for…
Hustle culture is everywhere. It glorifies productivity at any cost, celebrates late nights and early mornings, and rewards the ability to constantly push through boundaries in pursuit of success. But for those living with chronic illness, this relentless drive is not just unrealistic—it can be dangerous. I’ve learned this lesson firsthand, and that’s why I’ve chosen to reject hustle culture in my life with chronic illness. Understanding Hustle Culture and Its Consequences Hustle culture feeds…
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. Despite extensive research, the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear. However, one emerging theory suggests that endocrine dysfunction may play a significant role in the development and progression of fibromyalgia. The endocrine system, which regulates hormones in the body, plays a crucial role in pain perception, energy levels, metabolism, and stress response. Many fibromyalgia patients exhibit hormonal imbalances,…
When Caregiving and Abuse Go Together for People With Fibromyalgia When caregiving and abuse go together for people with fibromyalgia, the pain goes far beyond physical symptoms. Fibromyalgia, with its invisible and often misunderstood effects, can place individuals in a vulnerable position—especially when they depend on others for support. In an ideal world, caregivers would offer compassion, patience, and respect. But in some cases, the caregiving dynamic becomes a cover for emotional manipulation, control, and…
The day of a Social Security disability evaluation is often filled with anxiety. It’s a moment where years of symptoms, personal hardship, and complex medical history are distilled into a brief appointment with a stranger. For many, that evaluation becomes a defining point in whether they receive crucial support—or walk away feeling unseen. Reflecting on my own experience, I’ve come to understand what the doctor who evaluated me for Social Security should have done differently.…
There was a time when I found myself quietly wishing that my pain had a face the world could see. I wanted a cast, a bandage, a visible marker—anything that could communicate to others what I was enduring. Living with an invisible illness often means your suffering is questioned, minimized, or outright ignored. So it seemed logical that if my pain were visible, I’d be believed. I’d be supported. I’d be understood. But as I’ve…
Living with chronic illness means carrying a truth that is often invisible to the world. It means waking up in pain, navigating unpredictable symptoms, and silently adjusting to limitations that others may never see. And yet, when we try to express that truth—whether through conversation, writing, or simply answering “how are you?” honestly—we’re often met with discomfort, dismissal, or even accusations of being negative. So the question arises: Am I being ‘negative’ by admitting my…
How Selma Blair and Her Cool Canes Support Disability Acceptance Selma Blair, a celebrated actress known for her roles in film and television, has become a powerful figure in disability advocacy—not just through her words but through her visible and stylish use of mobility aids. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), Blair has embraced her journey with honesty and grace, challenging long-standing stereotypes about what it means to live with a disability. Perhaps one of the…