Viewing: chronic illness; support
June 15, 2017
3 Truths About Relationships in the Belly of the Cave
If like me, you’ve known sickness of any kind, or even simply walked through a particularly difficult time in your life, you’ve most likely also experienced a myriad of responses from those close to you. Maybe the people you least anticipated being the heroes in your story showed up on the scene and continue to show time and time again. More... Read morePosted in chronic illness; support | By Stacey Philpot
June 8, 2017
Is It Invisible Illness or Not Willing to Be Understood Illness?
By now you’ve probably figured out I’m “sick.” I have issues with that statement for two major reasons. One, to me the word sick has always seemed so temporary. There needs to be a better, stronger word for what I am. But yes, I guess I am sick. I guess I know it. Grumble, grumble, grumble. Two, I don’t want... Read morePosted in Chronic illness and relationships, chronic illness; support, Chronic Life | By Stacey Philpot
June 5, 2017
When Faceless Rescues Count the Most
At sixteen, I had a cyst that ruptured, causing me to lose over half the blood in my body. I was sweeping the hallway bathroom in preparation of my brother’s homecoming when a gush of blood flooded my legs and then the floor. “Concerning.” I thought. I’d already had my period that month, and I’d certainly never had a period... Read morePosted in Chronic Illness and Diagnosis, chronic illness; support, Chronic Life | By Stacey Philpot
May 11, 2017
IBS: A Humorous Look at a Posterior Predicament.
My raunchy rump has been very bad lately, so I think that qualifies me as a bad-ass. Well, it’s not actually my rear end that’s been naughty, it’s the things inside of it. You know. I hate to even say the names. I never thought I was a prude, but a few years ago, when that part of my anatomy started... Read morePosted in chronic illness; support, Chronic Life, IBS, Testing | By Stacey Philpot
April 24, 2017
When Kindness Meets You Where You Are
Some of my fondest memories as a child include the year I was in an elementary school classroom just down the hall from my little brother Ben’s kindergarten classroom. I got to poke my head in and check on him periodically and walk him home from school. Yes, some of the older kids mocked me for this practice. No, it... Read morePosted in chronic illness; support, Community | By Stacey Philpot
April 10, 2017
When Chronic Illness Leaves You in the Darkness
One minute you sit within the light. Comfort and companionship surround you. Perhaps, it’s a Friday night tradition, hosting dinner at your house, your closest friends laughing and dining together. The climate of the room adds to the perfection of the night. It’s cool, but not too cool, a welcome reprieve from the punishing heat outside. The food and fellowship... Read morePosted in chronic illness; support, Chronic Life, Coping | By Stacey Philpot
February 20, 2017
What Do You Treasure Most?
“What do you treasure most?” This was the question gingerly tossed out among friends. A smirk crossed my face as I listened to the first answer. Ah, young love. Surely, only it could drive a grown man to invest hours in hand painting a heart-covered teapot for his love? Then a full on smile broke out, such beauty. Yes, I... Read morePosted in chronic illness; support, Love | By Stacey Philpot
February 13, 2017
How One “Spoonie’s” Bravery Healed My Heart
Some people open their mouths and change your whole world. They tell their story and suddenly your fractured heart begins to heal itself. Confusion and isolation, your long-time companions go out for a smoke break. Someone is singing your heart’s song when you didn’t even know they knew the words. So this is what it feels like? To be seen,... Read morePosted in Chronic Illness and Diagnosis, chronic illness; support | By Stacey Philpot
February 6, 2017
10 Ways You Can Help Me on the Bad Days
Living with chronic illness is hard. There are days the pain, fatigue, and every-day-ness of it is too much to push through. A huge part of chronic illness, at least for me, is pushing through because giving up isn’t a choice, but there are some days when it’d be easier than others to throw in the towel. Your friends want to help.... Read morePosted in chronic illness; support | By Stacey Philpot
February 2, 2017
Learning to Live in Times of War and Famine of the Soul
I sat before the doctor; equal parts wise and kind, spritely and gentle. He has one tuft of white hair that shoots straight up while the others have been tamed. Somehow this makes me love him all the more. His spectacles sit low on his nose as he studies my most recent labs. He is eager to get to work.... Read morePosted in chronic illness; support, Coping | By Stacey Philpot