Since my kidney function is on its final decline, the doctors have warned me that I may begin to see symptoms of kidney failure show up. In fact, each time I visit or talk to my doctor he presses me about how I’m feeling. All-in-all, and given what’s likely to…
We woke up a little more than a week ago and Emma was not herself. She refused to come out from underneath the guest bed, and when she did, she struggled to get up and down the stairs. It is beyond heartbreaking to have a pet not feel well. These…
A facebook friend of mine linked to a recent Huffington post article titled, “To the Parents of Small Children: Let Me Be the One Who Says It Out Loud.” I don’t have any kiddos (yet), but I just had to know what needed to be said out loud, so I…
I recently finished In the Kingdom of the Sick by writer, author and health activist Laurie Edwards. It is a fascinating exploration of the intersection between illness and society. Coping with chronic illness can have a narrowing affect on your life as you deal with daily symptoms and doctors appointments.…
There are an infinite number of ways to meditate, and just about infinite benefits that come from consistent meditation. The most important benefit, as it relates to coping with illness, is that meditation turns off our stress response system. This allows our body’s energy to be directed to repair and…
Elizabeth Gilbert sat on Oprah’s couch and revealed a question she asks herself. I grabbed my phone and typed it into the notes app. I’ve journaled on it a few times since. What do I really, really, really want? I distinctly remember Elizabeth saying that the 3 “really’s” were important.…
I sometimes joke that I’m on “Symptom Watch 2013.” As I come closer to kidney failure, my doctors have warned me that I may begin experiencing symptoms of uremia (a buildup of uremic acid) soon. This has resulted in a whole series of mind games. Every completely normal yawn, itch…
My favorite thing on this Friday is laughter. I mean, who doesn’t love laughing? When you have an chronic health condition, it is practically essential. Of course funny movies are good. Modern Family and The Big Bang Theory can be hilarious, but could you find humor in your own medical…
Deepak Chopra tweeted, “If we seek happiness first, everything else will follow.” What do you think “everything else” is? Money? Love? Health? The message implies that if you want specific things the way to get them is through happiness. This sets up a qualifier. I’m seeking happiness, but really I…
Next week I’ll be back to stress-free, chronic illness lifestyle blogging, and I’ve got some great posts brewing… 5 Ways to Make Healthy Living Simpler (who couldn’t use a few time-savers) –and– What We Can Learn about Affirmations from the Placebo Effect This week’s posts were taken up by doctor’s…