The other day, I was in the pool kicking on my back and sculling with my hands on my side, which is all my body can now take on with my fused neck and vulnerable shoulders. Although it is hard to go from a former master swimmer and high school swim coach to this limited movement in the pool, I am...

I live with two incurable conditions that have led to many experiences in the hospital. Along the way, I have learned that, as a medically complex person, it is best to prepare for a planned or emergency hospital stay. I highly recommend taking time to create a “just-in-case” list or even pack a...

I love the moments in life that can be so peaceful, rewarding, interesting, and, at times, so unexpected. But, when things get tough, sometimes it’s hard to find that return of peace and wonder.  After experiencing a cardiac event during a stationary bike workout (causing me to wake up on the...

Disability Pride Month, which takes place each July, challenges the stereotype of defining individuals by their disabilities. Many people misunderstand what “disability pride” means: it’s not about saying “I love every minute of my health problems,” but rather it’s about being proud to raise our...

Although LGBTQ+ Pride Month is usually celebrated in June, it’s important year-round to acknowledge the unique challenges and experiences faced by the members of this community who experience chronic pain. “We’re just like everyone else,” says Sara Gherig, a trained volunteer support group leader...

We all face adversity at some point(s) in our lives. For many of us, the first thing we do is feel awful. That’s understandable. But what can you do after that? Can we learn to see our pain as it leads us into a new passion, project or even a more meaningful purpose?I believe it is possible. I’m...

I am almost 73 years old and live with multiple medical complexities. When you discover measures are available to improve or even possibly sustain life, any delays receiving those measures can create tremendous added stress and anxiety. I have spoken to many people who, like me, are dealing with...

In 2006, two years after being diagnosed with a condition I had actually been born with called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, I wrote a poem (below) to establish some grounding and normalcy in my life. It had been a long, unacceptable wait to finally receive the diagnosis followed by a huge slap in the...

We owe great gratitude to our veterans who have selflessly served our country. Unfortunately, many brave men and women suffer from neurological disorders and chronic pain, often due to their service. These conditions can significantly impact their quality of life, and it's crucial to understand...

Are you part of the older population like me? Do you find it harder to move forward when life throws another curveball? Is it becoming more challenging to rally when addressing new issues? It doesn’t seem to matter what the cause is—a broken appliance, car trouble, the cancellation of a needed...

I’m a 75-year-old senior citizen. I’ve experienced a life filled with the joys and sorrows typical of those of us facing life’s unpredictable challenges, sometimes bringing joy and often tragedy. Fortunately, my life’s journey has been one in which the joys have far outweighed the sorrows.  The...

Life has a wonderful way of rapidly changing from appearing to be running smoothly to suddenly feeling out of control. This drastic change in the flow of my life recently happened, causing me to have to wonder how I could live without fear again.  One Saturday, I was working out on my stationary...