This is a question that I asked myself when I started doing research into chronic illness. It took me a long time to accept that fact that I had a chronic illness and that I would probably be sick for the rest of my life.
3 POTS Advocates To Befriend Today- Dysautonomia Awareness Month 2019
POTS is a common form of dysautonomia and is a very debilitating condition which leaves 25% of those who have it unable to work or study (Grubb, 2008). 90% of people with POTS are female and there are many types of POTS including adolescent, hyperadrenergic and secondary POTS. Although POTS is though to affect millions… Continue reading 3 POTS Advocates To Befriend Today- Dysautonomia Awareness Month 2019
POTS and Exercise: Are You Aiming for an Unobtainable Fitness Goal?
When I was first diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), I read about the Levine protocol: a specialised exercise programme for those with POTS. I went to see a physiotherapist who started me on a similar graded exercise programme. At first, it was hard. I struggled with the '5 active minutes' a day that I was supposed to do. After being bedridden for over a year, my muscle strength was non-existent.
Dysautonomia Awareness Month- Hannah’s POTS Story + Poem
Today we have a guest post by Hannah (Chronically Challenged) for Dysautonomia Awareness month . Hannah has kindly written a post about here experiences with POTS and has shared one of her poems with us. You can follow Hannah on Instagram or Facebook. My name is Hannah, I live in a small town in New… Continue reading Dysautonomia Awareness Month- Hannah’s POTS Story + Poem
Easy Spoon Crochet Pattern
I was looking for a way to use up the scrap yarn that I have collected from various crochet projects over the years and I came up with this mini spoon pattern. These spoons are easy to make, although they can be a bit fiddly for the novice crocheter. These spoons can be used as… Continue reading Easy Spoon Crochet Pattern
A PhD with POTS- Laura’s Story
Looking back, in the year leading up to the start of my PhD, my health had already started to go downhill. I didn’t acknowledge it. It had happened a few years ago and with a few medications I was able to get back to normal. I got really stuck into my PhD; working hard day, night and weekends. Four months into my PhD I had to take a medical leave of absence (thanks to gastrointestinal dysmotility and POTS). When I returned I was even more determined to hit the ground running.
5 Tips For Planning a Spoonie Friendly Wedding
Weddings and events are difficult if you have a chronic illness. You often have to stand around for long periods of time and the food can be restrictive not just doe to allergies but timings as well. At one wedding that I attended, I sat down to a full meal at 3 pm! My stomach… Continue reading 5 Tips For Planning a Spoonie Friendly Wedding
Totoro Amigurumi Plus 3 Amigurumi Secrets
I just love Studi Ghibli films. There's just something about them that's a little bit magical. I'm not talking Disney magic here. It's definitely something better and there's not a handsome prince in sight (just a brooding wizard in Howl's Moving Castle). My favourite film has to be My Neighbour Totoro even though it is… Continue reading Totoro Amigurumi Plus 3 Amigurumi Secrets
The 5 Best Study YouTube Channels
I started watching 'study with me' YouTube channels last year to get myself in the student mindset again after taking a break of almost 4 years due to my illness. Here are my 5 favourite study channels. 1. Caitlin's Corner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyBjBfI7U_w Caitlin's Corner is one of my favourite YouTube channels. Caitlin makes practical bullet journaling… Continue reading The 5 Best Study YouTube Channels
5 Tips for Living Independently with Chronic Illness
Living independently can be a challenge for any twenty-something. Add a chronic illness into the mix and you may think that it is impossible. By living independently, I mean living in your own space and not with family. You may be in a shared house/ flat or living with your significant other where you are responsible for your own bills, laundry, groceries etc. These chores can be a challenge depending on the nature of your illness or energy levels.
5 Tips for Bullet Journaling with Shaky Hands
When I first started bullet journaling I was disappointed that my spreads didn't turn out the way that I wanted them too. I know that we can't all be Amanda, but I was disheartened all the same. We all want to have the perfect Instagram worthy bullet journal. Here are a few things that I've learned over the years to enjoy bullet journaling with shaky hands.
