Columns

There’s snow on the ground and a nip in the air. The smell of burning wood fills the air, with smoke dancing from the chimneys. Winter has arrived in northern Wisconsin. It’s different from the winters I’d grown accustomed to in Maine; it’s like the winters of my childhood. Growing…

“It really won’t hurt, but it will pull. Your skin will turn yellow. You should be back to normal in a few weeks, but you might not feel 100% for a few months.” What am I talking about? Getting an implanted port to receive infusions. For those of us with…

‘Tis the season! The last month of the year is filled with various celebrations, parties, and gatherings, depending on your family dynamic and your beliefs. In them, people typically come together and enjoy good food with good friends, family, and co-workers. But what happens when you experience bulbar…

Can you believe we’re in the last week of November? To close out National Family Caregivers Month, I thought it might be fitting to hear from my caregiver, as I’ve written enough columns putting words in his mouth. I wanted to give him the opportunity to share his unique…

“Hearty laughter is a good way to jog internally without having to go outdoors.” — Norman Cousins Jan. 9, 2011 began like any other day. I had no idea that by nighttime, one of the greatest and longest relationships of my life would have begun. That evening, I saw the…

How on earth is it the week of Thanksgiving already? It feels like we were just moving to Wisconsin, which happened back in April. We’re already seven months into this new life of ours, and six weeks from the start of a new year. How? Why? Huh? Is anyone else…

“Definition of chronic pain: being constantly in pain. Yes, constantly. Every single second. The person is smiling? Still in pain. The person doesn’t mention it? Still in pain. The person says ‘I’m fine.’ Still in pain.” — Unknown Chronic pain has been my constant companion for the…

Inconclusive: one of the most annoying, aggravating, but reassuring words to anyone with complex health issues. Why reassuring? Because at least it’s not negative. It provides some modicum of validation. Something is showing up on whatever test results have been deemed inconclusive. Why does it matter? Many of us in…

I’d been home from the hospital after my first myasthenic crisis for about two weeks when my husband looked at me as he’d never looked at me before and asked, “Honey, do you need help with showering?” I looked at him and instantly started to cry. Who wants to admit…

There are days when I feel like every day is Halloween because of the way I must live my life while navigating myasthenia gravis (MG). Is it a trick or a treat? Sometimes it’s hard to tell. Stability Now that I’ve been on a solid treatment plan that…