I never really understood how much space hobbies take up in a “normal” life until mine shrank down to the size of a bedroom.

Before chronic illness barged in like an uninvited guest who refuses to leave, my life was full of movement. Work, errands, friends, little spontaneous adventures — all the usual things you don’t realise are luxuries until they’re suddenly gone.

Before ME/CFS, I never really thought about allergies. Hay fever season would come and go, a bit of sneezing, maybe some watery eyes, but nothing dramatic. I could eat what I wanted, drink what I wanted, and fill my house with scented candles like a normal person.

Now? Not so much. Somewhere along the line, my body decided it hates everything. It’s like my immune system’s taken it upon itself to cause me additional challenges.

When people talk about medication side effects, they often mention the obvious ones first: fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and weight gain. What I rarely heard anyone talk about, before I began experiencing it myself, was how profoundly uncomfortable and disruptive chronic dryness can be, dry mouth, dry nose, and dry eyes that linger day after day. It sounds mild compared to the dramatic lists printed on leaflets, but when you’re living with it, dryness can influence everything from your confidence and concentration to your ability to enjoy a meal or get a good night’s sleep

Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with severe degenerative jaw disease (TMJD), I can only open my mouth one finger width. Living in constant jaw pain has changed everything, from talking and eating to smiling. Here’s my story of coping, pain, and finding small moments of relief.

I’ve been on a journey these last six years, a long, exhausting, and painful downward spiral with my health. When I look back, it feels like I’ve been living in survival mode, just trying to get through each day. Along the way, I lost so much of myself.

When I have a flare-up or a relapse, it wipes me out completely. There’s no easing into it, no gentle warning, just a sudden, overwhelming wave that crashes over me and drags me under. In those moments, I’m pretty much housebound and bed-bound. Even staying awake feels like a battle I barely have the strength to fight.

Navigating life with a chronic illness is a mammoth task, made even more challenging when you throw long-term medication into the mix. As someone managing fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), I’ve developed a toxic yet close relationship with my medication. On the surface, they offer hope. Relief. The possibility of feeling “normal,” even for just a few hours.

So I decided to clean my bathroom cabinet out. It seemed like a small project, something that most people could tackle in a matter of minutes. But for me—living with chronic pain—it turned into a monumental task. What should’ve been a quick chore became a delicate balancing act between determination and self-care.

Over the past few weeks, I've witnessed a troubling shift in how the media portrays chronically ill and disabled individuals. What should be a compassionate dialogue about health struggles has turned into a wave of vilification. We’re no longer seen as victims of our conditions but as scammers or burdens. And it's not just hurtful—it’s dangerous.

I greatly regret and dislike how this Chronic illness of MECFS, Spinal Stenosis, and Fibromylagia dominates my life and takes so much away from me. This past weekend was my youngest brother's wedding. It was a long day, starting early in the morning and returning home quite late. Despite the length of the day, it was truly delightful.

Our first significant heat wave of the year is coming up this week. And, as someone living with chronic illnesses, the arrival of a heat wave can bring about extra challenges. I live with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), chronic pain, and fibromyalgia; I understand the toll that extreme temperatures can take on our broken bodies.

As summer approaches (next week), many of us have plans that involve day trips, travelling, and holidays. For someone who relies on a mobility aid, finding the right products can make a world of difference in the quality of their travel experience. Over the years, I have discovered some amazing products and services that have not only made travelling with a mobility aid easier but also added a touch of style and comfort to my journeys.

As someone battling chronic illness, I can attest to the rollercoaster of emotions and stages we go through when faced with such a life-altering condition. The journey is far from straightforward, and each stage presents its unique challenges and hurdles.

Living with a chronic illness is not enjoyable. It's not ideal, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. It affects every part of our lives and our loved ones' lives, from our social lives to our careers, to how we manage self-care, and not forgetting the most mundane tasks like keeping up with household chores.

Last week, I was thrilled to be accepted into the NCTJ foundation course through Ability Today charity funding. This incredible opportunity will allow me to pursue my passion for journalism and equip me with the skills and knowledge needed to

Chronic pain is a relentless companion that intertwines with every fibre of my being. It's a constant reminder of my limitations and an invisible force shaping the contours of my daily life. As someone who battles with various chronic illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome (MECFS), fibromyalgia, spinal stenosis, and chronic pain, I have encountered many misconceptions