Why It Takes Me Three Days to Get to the Doctor
This is a picture of the outfit that I wore to my most recent doctor’s appointment. My thoughts in choosing this were that I wanted to be dressed up so I wouldn’t look “slobbish,” but I didn’t want to look so nice that they’d think I had the time and energy to put lots […]
Invisible Pain, Invisible Walls: Chronic Illness and Isolation
It’s an early summer evening, and it’s warm out. We’re waiting to be seated, and someone says, “Let’s sit out here. It’s beautiful this evening.” My friend turns to me. “Will that be ok?” I can feel everyone’s eyes on me as I quickly scan my options. Outside, there are long, high tables with backless […]
“My Disability is Not a Lie” and More Statements I’ve Had to Tell at School
Most able-bodied people have an image in their mind of what they think a disabled person is and I’d bet the whole two dollars in my bank account that nine times out of ten that person is sitting in a wheelchair. Using this logic, me, a disabled person who can walk without obvious visual issues, […]
No, NPR, More Pain Is Not The Answer For Teens With Chronic Pain
Far too often, I and many other people with chronic pain have heard that we just need to “push through” the pain and keep going. This is especially prevalent among teenage girls. Our current society holds an image of teenage girls in its mind; lazy, dramatic, and emotional, which makes it harder for us to […]
Why Dieting Failed Me as a Migraineur
In a break between activities, you notice it. This morning, your head was heavy with thoughts and plans, but you now find yourself unable to string together sentences. Your eyes are unable to focus — you keep seeing lines and waves that aren’t really there — and it feels like your brain has been replaced […]