• top of a white hospital building with black windows and blue skies
    Chronic Illness

    Hospital Tips

    The great fear and dislike of hospitals tend to all stem from “the unknown”.  Going in, anxiety and stress can build up in not knowing what to expect. It can be very unsettling to be thrown out of your comfort zone. But that is where I would like to help. I too used to have a massive fear of hospitals. Heck, I was even afraid of a routine wellness visit. And don’t get me started on needles or medicine. If that isn’t enough, being raised “sheltered”, I was not used having any of my personal business out there. It was always more ladylike to keep matters to myself. But hospitals…

  • Khaki duffel bag on the floor next to a white chair
    Chronic Illness

    What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

    One of the hardest things about staying in a hospital is trying to get comfortable. It’s can be very difficult to adjust to an unfamiliar environment, and if your body is trying to recover or get well, the added stress never helps. Hospitals do try their best to provide everything you may need. When you first arrive to your room, you will probably find a bucket of toiletries, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, lotion, bar soap, and hand sanitizer. Hospitals can even provide towels, socks, and a gown. If, however, you are able to pack a bag in advance, it always makes things much easier and more comfortable. There…

  • teal and green awareness ribbon
    Chronic Illness,  Intracranial Hypertension

    Living with Intracranial Hypertension

    Have you been battling Intracranial Hypertension and the life-altering symptoms it causes? Don’t fight it alone. Let us be there for you. Which topic has been eating away at your mind? Are you struggling in your marriage? Are you having trouble working yet can’t afford to stay home? Are you wondering how to function and communicate while staying in the hospital? Have you even fully accepted yet what happened to you? Pick a topic and read away. Know you are not alone in this battle and that there is a purpose behind your pain. We are here for you. Relationships Parenting Working A Day in the Life Coping with an…

  • close up of doctor crossing arms holding a red stethascope
    Chronic Illness

    Health Care Frustrations – How You Can Help

    So you’re sick. You’re feeling miserable, and your body is in so much pain that you think you might be dying. What do you do? If you’re like me, you’re thinking the ER might be your last hope. Of course, nobody ever wants to resort to going to the hospital, but when you’ve tried everything, and nothing is working, what choice do you have? Except, say you get there, and there’s nothing they can do. Let’s say you wait for hours in the ER, go through the hoops of IV’s and questions only to be told nothing is wrong with you – only to go home in the same exact…

  • hand writing a to do list of checkboxes in a notebook with a pen
    Chronic Illness

    The Chronic Illness Game Plan – How to Stay Prepared

    Here in Louisiana, we’re all gearing up for hurricane season. After having been through some of the worst storms, the people around here have learned how to prepare. Even though it’s only for a season, you don’t take any chances. Living with a chronic illness, however, is like living through hurricane season all year round. It’s unpredictable. It’s destructive. Episodes can come out of nowhere, and you never know which direction they will take. But like with a storm, you can only learn to be prepared. Having a plan in place will make everything go a lot smoother not only for you, but for everyone involved in the path of…