After two months of feeling discouraged, my hope was reignited today following a call with my dietician, Jack, who also happens to be a biochem rock star savant. If I could only work with one medical practitioner for the rest of my life, he would be my choice, hands down. Last March, we left our... Continue Reading →
The Unseen Drivers Of Our Decisions
The other day, I wrote a bit about my health journey, coming to the conclusion that the the good hours are not guaranteed. That idea sent my mind off on a tangent. My final destination? The $320 hairbrush I bought to commemorate beginning to feel better and starting a new job. For years, my arms felt... Continue Reading →
The Good Hours Are Not Guaranteed
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Mary Oliver Every now and then, I like to drop into chronic fatigue forums. I think it's an exercise in recognizing how far I've come, practicing empathy for those still suffering, and a chance to identify new research into... Continue Reading →
How To Stay Positive in the Face of Chronic Illness
One of chronic illness and pain's most powerful weapons is the sense of helplessness that the patient often feels in controlling their disability and discomfort. Aside from the most obvious answer of finding effective medical care, I think the most important things are to have a positive outlook, aim to feel productive, and be as... Continue Reading →
This Isn’t Normal
Six years ago, I was diagnosed with a condition I had never heard of, despite living in the epicenter of fungal respiratory chaos. Three years ago, I learned that the infection had disseminated to the soft tissues of my leg, hiding behind my patella, clinging to my shins, and padding the soles of my feet.... Continue Reading →
When Chronic Fatigue Strips You Of All That You Thought That Your Were
Six years ago, I was a high-functioning and successful Type A personality who had seemingly achieved success in all areas of life. I was an overpaid department head who excelled at my work. I had a fit an athletic body and loved teaching others how to achieve the most challenging poses in yoga. I had... Continue Reading →
Missing Memories
Lately, I've been feeling a bit down. We're re-watching Seinfeld because it's the obvious choice when we can't decide what to watch. With each episode, I find myself verifying, "We've seen this before?" Several seasons in, I am realizing that I have absolutely no recollection of any of the content. It seems that I mentally... Continue Reading →
But You Look Healthy!
In December of 2017, my body begin falling apart. My physical fitness regressed substantially after two years of resistance training progress. I woke up tired and yawned constantly throughout the day, deeply offending friends and family. I struggled to stay alert at work and in conversations, and my acute sensitivity to caffeine slowly dissipated. I... Continue Reading →