Sadly, over the course of my illness, I've had to write many letters of complaint to the doctors who were treating me because I wasn't receiving a good standard of care.
Are you a Spoonie?
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.
Crochet Bullet Journal Cover Tutorial
I made this crocheted cover for my bullet journal using some yarn I got on a recent trip to Edinburgh. I use a basic softcover dotted exercise book for my bullet journal. I got the one I'm using at the moment from Amazon. This cover is easy to make as it is just two large rectangles.
Studying with POTS: A Brutal 2nd Term
I've just completed the second semester of my MSc and, let me tell you, it was a wild ride. My semester got off to a bumpy start with a random doctor (who I've never met before) phoning me out of the blue to say that my infusions had been cancelled. After a visit to A&E,… Continue reading Studying with POTS: A Brutal 2nd Term
3 Tips For Effortless Cooking
Cooking can be a challenge when you're a Spoonie. Standing up for a long period of time in a hot room can lead to disastrous consequences. I used to love cooking and baking before I got POTS, but now I can't even stand up whilst the kettle boils. If your illness requires you to change your diet in any way, it may mean that you have to spend more time cooking than you used to.
Marvel’s Punisher Skull Gloves
Marvel's Punisher Skull Gloves © 2019 The Reluctant Spoonie As a person with a chronic illness, I spend a lot of time watching Netflix, especially the Marvel shows such as Daredevil and The Punisher. A few months ago, I decided to learn the art of tapestry crochet using probably the most complicated design to do… Continue reading Marvel’s Punisher Skull Gloves
A Week in the Life of a Student with POTS
Last year, I went back to University to get my Master's in Environmental Science. My typical week is different from most students' because I have to work around my fluctuating POTS symptoms. Sunday- Work Experience Working at my local nature reserve. I started working a local nature reserve a few months before my course started.… Continue reading A Week in the Life of a Student with POTS
My Thoughts on ‘Girl, Interrupted’
The film starts with Susanna (Winona Ryder) trying to explain her suicide attempt to her doctor. it appears like he is only half listening to her and he questions her about illegal drug use. This struck a nerve with me as I have been frequently accused of being a drug addict, when I'm not, by doctors which has hindered my access to proper treatment in the past. Maybe it was appropriate in the 60's, but not today.
Studio Ghibli Embroidery
Spirited Away Embroidery ©2018 The Reluctant Spoonie I just love designs by Liam Ashurst and when I first came across them on Pinterest I knew I just had to embroider some for my living room. I've been doing embroidery for over 10 years, but I now find it to be quite challenging as my hands… Continue reading Studio Ghibli Embroidery
Rail Travel (UK) Tips For Spoonies
Getting out of the house when you live with a chronic illness is hard. If you have to rely on public transport to get about, it can make things even more difficult. As a general rule, I avoid travelling at peak times. Here are a few tips on rail travel for those living in the UK.
My Illness In Numbers
This month marks my four-year anniversary with POTS. I recently sat down and considered my time with chronic illness with regards to numbers. Here's what I came up with:
Amigurumi Turtles
I made a bunch of these for my first batch of items I sent to Spoonie Survival Kits. I used Mariner yarns in one of their mermaid shades for the shells and pastel yellow, purple and blue for the heads and legs.
