Until now I’ve discussed more traditional methods of treating migraine- ranging from medications to infusions to Botox. I’ve mentioned chiropractics and acupuncture and briefly brought up nutritional choices (still on the low histamine diet! More to come on that). Today I thought I’d discuss the more radical ‘treatments’ that I (and other chronic pain patients) … Continue reading Bruised Body Better Brain
Erasing the Worry Lines
So as promised in an earlier blog, today I’m going to speak a bit about Botox. Yes- the kind we hear about in People Magazine and joke about needing for our smile lines, and no- not for cosmetic reasons. After multiple failed attempts at oral preventative medications, I was approved for Botox injections for migraine … Continue reading Erasing the Worry Lines
Designer Epilepsy
Up until now this blog has been focused on those with chronic illness and how it impacts their lives. But it is equally important to give a voice to the caretakers, friends, family members, and lovers of those suffering. I am honored and proud to be able to share the writing of my mentor and … Continue reading Designer Epilepsy
The Limit Does Exist
Ever since I can remember I've wanted to become a doctor. For some reason, my frequent brush-ins with medicine throughout my childhood didn't scare me away from the field, but filled me with a love and passion for the biology and physiology involved in medical practice, as well as the care required to help patients. … Continue reading The Limit Does Exist
Healing of the Soul, Healing of the Body
The other day a friend was speaking to me about my blog, and gave me a standard Jewish blessing or prayer for the ill- that I should have a full 'recovery' or 'healing' of the soul and of the body. I had never thought especially deeply about this prayer, a prayer that I say often, … Continue reading Healing of the Soul, Healing of the Body
Hello, My Name Is Arthritis
Let us also take the time to work on finding the people behind the barrier of chronic disease, to acknowledge their complexity and sense of self, instead of allowing their medical issue to completely define who they are.
In Sickness (and in Health)
One of the most challenging parts of any pain is isolation. When you have a flu someone can comfort you and bring you soup but no matter how compassionate they are they cannot experience the discomfort you are suffering from. When you stub your toe you are alone in that frustrating moment of pain, cursing … Continue reading In Sickness (and in Health)
Chronic Illness’s Reflection
There is a challenging misconception that if someone looks really good, they are really healthy. Sure, if someone's hair is shiny and they don't have bags under their eyes that's a good biological indication that they're doing well, but there is an idea that if you fit back into that dress, and those yoga pants, … Continue reading Chronic Illness’s Reflection
The Many Faces of Chronic Illness
I have exactly 6,394 photos in my phone's camera roll. I love taking pictures of the nature that surrounds me, I'll readily admit to taking selfies frequently, and I save pictures and memes that I find online. When I'm bored or stressed, I often scroll through my pictures without even really thinking about it, smiling … Continue reading The Many Faces of Chronic Illness
Back to Normal
With the return of my (now) fiancé from a year abroad, I got many questions about my health status. Were my migraines decreasing? Did I feel a lot better? And in a way I had expected to see big changes as well, the peace of mind and excitement of his being home banishing migraines to … Continue reading Back to Normal
Going Against the 'Graine 