When it comes to talking to others about my chronic illness, I’m always on guard. Similar to the U.S. Military’s system of defense readiness conditions (DEFCON), I have my own defcon system that activates when I am approached by people who inquire about my illness. It happens all the time, a well-meaning, near stranger whom [...]
As a person who has dealt with chest pain, muscle pain, migraines, internal bruising, liver biopsies, heparin shots and several surgeries, I had a good laugh over a blog entry about the ten point pain scale by Elizabeth McClung on Ouch! this week. Enjoy!
As Hope For Families Counselling Centre’s new self-help facilitator, I have been working with the team there to develop a vision and plan for our self-help programs. Embracing Your Phoenix is our program for teens and young adults who are dealing with illness. Our focus is to provide events and groups where we can help [...]
At times, I’m terrible when it comes to having a balanced perspective. Years after events have happened, I still find myself cringing over things I have done and said, haircuts I once had (shudder – the mushroom cut), and things I wore (plastic pacifier necklace anyone?). One time when I was at the Hospital for [...]
