“I’m a Grenade” – The Challenges of Being The Chronically Ill Loved One

We’re told all the time that it’s hard to have a loved one who’s chronically ill and how difficult it is on them mentally, but there are not enough conversations around what it feels like to be the chronically ill person in that situation. Having a loved one go through illness is extremely difficult, and

University and Chronic Illness

We Need To Talk About University I have always been passionate about sharing the realistic side of chronic illness and disability. However, due to the amount of toxic positivity that fills our community, realism is often seen as negativity. So firstly, I want to make it clear that I am not against chronically ill and

The Problem with Independence

The problem with independence is that it doesn’t exist. Not in the truest sense of the word anyway. The word independence is often associated with disability, as if it’s a goal to strive towards and something to be celebrated. This idea that independence is an achievable and desirable concept is inherently ableist and impossible. As

Creating a Sensory Safe Space – A Step by Step Guide

A ‘Sensory Safe Space’ is a space, usually your bedroom or a private space in your home, where you can feel completely comfortable, with as many of your triggers minimised as possible. This is so important for everyone, as we can all feel overwhelmed at times. However, for those with disabilities that are impacted by

Surviving Being Bedbound – Top Tips for Chronic Illness

I have now been bed-bound for over 8 months, and when I say bed-bound I mean the only times I have left my bed are to use the bathroom, to go to hospital, and the few minutes where my mum changes the bed linen. As a chronically ill and disabled person, this is something I’ve

Disability Pride Month: A Q&A Summary

For the last week of July, I had a Q&A on my Instagram stories about Disability Pride Month. This brought up a lot of interesting questions, so I thought I’d summarise a couple of the important ones. You can see the Q&A on my highlights on Instagram if you’re interested in reading more! (@a_spoonful_of_pain) What’s

University & Disability

To all the young people with chronic illnesses and disabilities, considering university If you’ve been sat in classes at school, sixth form or college and been told that going to university as soon as you leave is your only chance at success, this is for you. I’ve been exactly where you are. This is My

Why we need Disability Pride Month

Content Warning – this blog has a collection of statistics about the inequalities disabled people face, including abuse, financial and housing situations and ableism. Brain Fog or Limited Time? Scroll to the bottom or click here for some infographics summarising Disability Pride Month and 5 reasons we need it. Bonus information also on these! Happy

What I Wish Others Knew About Being Undiagnosed

A diagnosis doesn’t make a person disabled. Some live with undiagnosed conditions for months, years, decades, sometimes even lifetimes. This doesn’t mean their disabilities affect them any less than those with a name. Being undiagnosed is scary, and it’s hard work navigating the conversations that come along with it. Although all illnesses, diagnosed or not,

The Cycle of Grief

In 2019, I was given the opportunity to write a guest blog for FibroWarriors, and this is that post! I’ve linked the article below. People may wonder what grief has to do with chronic pain and illness… Well a whole lot actually. When a person starts to live with Chronic Pain, their whole life changes.