There is immense joy and satisfaction watching the seedlings grow that we planted in our makeshift greenhouse in late winter and then carefully transplanted them to prepared garden beds almost two months ago. With watering and nurturing the payoff is imminent. For the...
To a loved one of someone with a chronic illness: The intention behind this letter is to share the importance of believing and validating your loved one with chronic illness. This may seem simple, and perhaps even obvious, but the power behind these actions can be...
Intro: It is hard to know how to support others when their health becomes compromised. It can leave you feeling powerless and unsure of what to do. It is even harder when your loved one is afflicted by an “invisible illness.” One where there isn’t a cast around their...
My name is Lisa O’Brien, and I am a COVID Long Hauler and the founder of the Utah COVID-19 Long Haulers group, a group I started almost a year ago when no one would take me seriously after being sick for several months. I knew there would be others in my community who...
Being a Long COVID Warrior myself, I wanted to tell my story as well as millions around the world who have never felt well after contracting COVID-19. Many are being diagnosed with ME/CFS, dysautonomia, fibromyalgia and other post-viral illnesses. The weight we feel...
It takes courage to live with a chronic illness. It takes courage to be a prisoner in your own body. It takes courage to know that what you have isn't a cold or flu that has an expiration date. It takes courage to go to sleep at night knowing this nightmare won't end...
Some days fibromyalgia feels like “Mom.” Can I be your mom today? My mind screams out in dismay Headaches, fatigue, and pain take me away My body pulls me down day after day I struggle to be present when you play To help with your school on the display I want to be...
Share Your Message of Hope It’s time to start preparing for ME/CFS and FM Awareness Day! This will be our 2nd annual Messages of Hope virtual event. There will be a line-up of speakers (announced soon), a poetry reading, release of Believing Your Patient and Believing...
COVID-19 has changed our world and at least 10% of those who become ill may have long term effects. These “long haulers” have many similar symptoms to ME/CFS and FM patients. It is critical for BHC to join the assessment, treatment, and education of these patients...
We all have extra on our plates this year, and many coping skills, such as spending time with loved ones and being in community, are not as accessible when we are living with a chronic illness. Stress levels are rising and when stress levels rise, chronic pain and...
