The nurse explained that the Severe Foraminal Spinal Stenosis in my MRI results is caused by arthritis and degeneration in the spine. However, she also casually dismissed it as mere “wear and tear’. These words deeply affected me.

As someone who has experienced the journey of living with chronic pain, I understand the challenges and struggles that come with such a life-altering diagnosis. However, through my personal experience, I have also discovered that there is a silver lining to be found amidst the pain and uncertainty.

Living with a chronic illness and chronic pain is debilitating, challenging and ubiquitous, but I’ve found that incorporating gentle yoga poses into my weekly routine offers some relief. Even if the relief is small, I'm going to embrace it. I always make sure to listen to my body, modify the yoga poses as needed, and adapt.

Living with chronic illness and chronic pain, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a daily battle that is all-encompassing. The constant struggle to manage pain, navigate daily activities, and maintain a sense of well-being can be overwhelming. For me, accepting the reality of living with chronic pain was a crucial step towards finding peace and improving my mental health and overall wellness.

Spring is a beautiful season of renewal and rejuvenation, but for those with chronic illnesses like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (MECFS), chronic pain, or fibromyalgia, the changing season can bring its own set of challenges. The shift in weather, allergens in the air, and fluctuating temperatures can often exacerbate symptoms and make it harder to manage daily life. However, with the right self-care strategies in place, you can navigate the spring season with more ease and grace. Below I have written 10 self-care tips to help you manage chronic illness during spring:

Living with a chronic illness, such as ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and chronic pain, has impacted every aspect of my life, even something as seemingly simple as our weekend family walks with our beloved dogs. Our once carefree long strolls, time with our children, and upbeat walks with our furry babies have now turned into slow, laborious, and much shorter walks with the support of my crutches. My chronic illness has brought about a significant change in our physical routines and how we spend our valuable family time together.

Unrefreshing sleep

Living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) presents a daily battle of exhaustion, pain, and the struggle to function. Despite seemingly getting a good night's sleep, the mornings greet me with unrefreshed fatigue and crippling pain in my back, neck, and arms. As I navigate the tasks of the day, from getting my children ready for school to tending to daily chores, the fog of fatigue and pain clouds every moment.

When life presents challenges, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated. But have you considered the power of gratitude? By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, even when things aren't going well, you may be able to turn those challenges into something sweet. Let's explore this idea together.

Living with long-term illness, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or experiencing sudden fatigue/pain episodes, can feel like navigating through a relentless storm. The continuous cycle of fatigue symptoms, doctor's appointments, and the unpredictability of chronic pain can leave us feeling adrift and disconnected from the activities that once brought us joy.

As I sit down to write this post I am filled with a mix of emotions - excitement, relief, and a sense of accomplishment. I reached a new milestone in my Chronic Illness journey: buying disability aids such as crutches/walking stick. While this may seem like a small and insignificant purchase to some, for me it marks a new era in my life. It serves as a reminder that my body is failing me.

Navigating the challenging path of chronic illness, such as chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (MECFS), transforms the simple question of 'How are you today?' into a loaded question. It carries the weight of countless unseen struggles and unpredictable symptoms, making living with chronic fatigue and chronic pain a complex reality to convey.

Living with myalgic encephalomyelitis (MECFS) has presented me with a variety of challenges, one of the most difficult being the impact on my vision. As the fatigue sets in, I often find that my vision becomes blurry or hazy, making it difficult to focus on tasks or even just see clearly. This has been frustrating and at times overwhelming, as it adds an extra layer of difficulty to my daily life.

As someone who suffers from chronic illness, when it comes to embarking on a vacation, one cannot underestimate the significance of careful packing. It is an essential step that can make or break the entire trip.

Navigating through life with a chronic illness can be daunting. The never-ending struggle to complete even the most basic self-care tasks can leave one feeling defeated and in despair. But amidst this turmoil, I have found solace and empowerment in my daily routine rituals.

Pain is a universal human experience; however, chronic pain -- the kind that lingers, interrupts your life and refuses to leave -- is a different beast altogether. This is a glimpse into my daily struggle with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), chronic tennis elbow, and severe cervical foraminal narrowing.