Kick At Darkness
You are not alone.
Though at some times, it may feel like it. That feeling is lying to you.
There are always people that are here for you - there are actually a lot and a big community that's ready to rally for you.
Chronic SOS - November 21, 2024
It's been a helluva year! We're officially in the full holiday season swing now! But I'll spare you any more holiday content - it's bountiful and a hard time for many.
So instead, how about I share my mental health metal playlist again and we look at some memes?
The Promise
TW: weight gain/loss, self harm, body image, death
When I was a teenager, I struggled with both mental and physical health. Physical health struggles were isolating at times - especially when I had to miss out on an event and then hear everyone at school talk about the event. I had severe anxiety and was diagnosed with OCD and depression in middle school.
Inspirational
Most disabled and chronically ill people wince at the word, “inspiration(al)”. It seems harmless initially, but the toxic positive people and a specific breed of condescending ableists have made it anything but harmless.
Dating is hard.
Dating is hard.
That's true for everyone, but there's an extra layer of difficulty when you're a disabled woman and dating.
“You're just fat”
TW: weight, fatphobia
Moving through the world as a disabled woman can be monotonous: have you tried to diet? What about exercising?
Time to talk about my body
It's time to talk about my body
Palliative Care
Palliative care focuses on easing symptoms like pain and nausea. They also can provide you and your family with extra support, including emotional and spiritual support if you're struggling with the mental toll of everything. Many providers are able to make home or telehealth to cut down on the amount of (often difficult) trips to a clinic or hospital. A relatives's provider will go to their house to collect samples for the lab or take simple x-rays.
The Future is Squeaky
I'm celebrating an entire year of writing for The Squeaky Wheel! My first article, “Man devastated to learn his girlfriend (with IBS) poops”, was published on November 5, 2023. It's been an awesome year of comedy and community; TSW has grown so much in just the year I've been here.
Chronic SOS - October 31, 2024
Happy Halloween!
Dateability Review
Dateability was created by two sisters, Alexa and Jacqueline Child, after Jacqueline experienced nasty ableists on a dating app. So many of us have experienced the same thing, and they realized the need for an inclusive space.
Chronic SOS - October 24, 2024
I covered a few serious topics recently, so it's probably time for a fun post. The season thankfully provides no end of entertainment!
The October Slide
What is the “October slide”?
Put simply, many disabled and chronically ill people have more symptoms during the transition from summer to fall - often in October. Though it may initially seem very strange, it does make a lot of sense! Major changes in the weather and barometric pressure often coincide with a flare; October often has some very drastic ones!
Disabled & Barren
Many disabled people have children and everyone's family and experience is different. However, many people are unable to have children - biologically or otherwise - due to health issues. I am one of many.
The Squeaky Wheel SureHands Lift Giveaway!
I wanted to make a quick post boosting the current Squeaky Wheel giveaway for a custom SureHands Lift! Lifts are an incredibly helpful piece of medical equipment for those who have issues transferring, but can be difficult to get!
Wait.
Wait.
Nobody talks about how much of being disabled and chronically ill is waiting:
Chaotic Spoonie Hacks: Fart Machine
In cases where it's safe to do so, I like to cause some slight chaos for entertainment. On that note, you can purchase remote control fart machines online.
Spoonie Hacks: PEG tube edition
Feeding tubes are sometimes life saving necessities - but that doesn't mean that they're not annoying sometimes! Over the course of my eight years with a PEG tube, I've developed a few hacks to make everything a little bit easier.
Ask Aunt Lori: most asked questions about my PEG tube
Feeding tubes seem to be something that is very interesting to most people and I've been asked about it a lot! Though there are some that I haven't been asked much, a few come up often.
My PEG tube bumper was put on incorrectly - twice: the second time
I'm still surprised this was ever an issue the first time. It left me wary and annoyed with IR in general. When I was hospitalized for a very bad infection in my abdomen, my PEG tube had to be replaced. It was not in the right position and bleeding and leaking often, as well as causing a lot of pain!