Category: Chronic Illness

Blogger Highlight-Musings on Life with Fibromyalgia
Chronic Illness · Chronic Pain · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

Blogger Highlight-Musings on Life with Fibromyalgia

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Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week I highlight Musings on Life with Fibromyalgia. Sarah is a tireless advocate for Fibromyalgia and she breaks down the chronic illness is a way that everyone can understand. She also shares her experiences and what’s she’s learned along her journey.

   Musings on Life with Fibromyalgia

I’ve lived with fibromyalgia for around a decade now, made many mistakes along the way, but learnt a lot about how to manage the condition and this is what I’m keen to share with readers of this blog.

So, if you want to find out more about living with fibromyalgia and other chronic illness, how life can change and yet still be full of everyday joy, then that’s where this blog aims to help.

I hope at least some of my blog posts will resonate with you – happy reading!

Sarah

Questions Asked

What is your favorite post and why?

My favourite blog post is this one about journaling. I’ve always journaled on and off since my teenage years and I find it such a powerful tool, not just for dealing with chronic illness, but for navigating life’s challenges generally. There’s real magic that happens with a pen and a blank page and it’s often amazing what will spill out onto the page.

What inspired you to start a blog?

After being diagnosed fibromyalgia, I thought my life was over. Everything changed for me – job, finances, physical capabilities and relationships (through not being believed about this illness). I hit rock bottom. Fortunately, my doctor suggested a CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) course for chronic illness, which started to turn things around. I learned to meet myself where I was at the time (not where I used to be or where I wished I was) and create some new goals. 

Slowly but surely, over a period of several years, I began to rebuild my life. I then began to read blogs about fibro and chronic illness and was both informed and inspired by the content. From there, I thought that blogging would be a good way for me to share what I have learned. My blog is about the stuff that I wish that I’d known when I was first diagnosed with fibro. We get a lot of good medical information from health professionals. But where I struggled was with things like, how can I still lead a meaningful life when everything has been turned on its head? What can I do so that I don’t just give up and spend the rest of my life sitting on the sofa wishing things were different? My hope is that through the blog, I can share all of this with others who might be feeling as lost as I was in the beginning.

Published Work

Articles below have all been published in UK Fibromyalgia magazine.

February 2019 – Swimming, fibro and me

March 2020 – Gardening when you have Fibromyalgia

July 2019 – Reasons to Snuggle Up with a Book – the Value of Reading

2020 – Fibromyalgia Magazine – 20th Anniversary Issue

February 2020 – What I’ve Learned about Fibromyalgia from my Dogs

August 2020 – Fibromyalgia and the Perimenopause

September 2020 – My Experience of Lockdown Yoga

December 2020 – Chronic Pain and Rural Living

March 2021 – Benefits of Time Spent in Nature

April 2021 – Open Water Swimming when you have Fibromyalgia

April 2021 – Audiobooks

May 2021 – How Living with Fibromyalgia Might Change You as a Person

June 2021 – Childhood Symptoms that might have been Fibromyalgia

February 2022 – Navigating a Bad Fibro Day

July 2022 – Summertime Blues and Fibromyalgia – page 1 page 2

December 2022 – Anxiety, Fibro and the Festive Season

February 2023 – Experiencing Covid when you have Fibromyalgia

March 2023 – My Top Five Difficulties Living with Fibromyalgia

May 2023 – Reframing the Experience of Living with Fibromyalgia

She’s is also a contributor to The Mighty.

Stop by Sarah’s blog, read through her archives and be sure to say hello.

Melinda

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Justin Timberlake reveals he has “relentlessly debilitating” Lyme disease
Chronic Illness · Chronic Pain · Health and Wellbeing · Lyme Disease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

Justin Timberlake reveals he has “relentlessly debilitating” Lyme disease

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Hear is a clear message to everyone! Lyme Disease is not picky who the host person is, everyone is prime picking for Lyme Disease’s.

Singer Justin Timberlake has revealed that he has Lyme disease, describing it as “relentlessly debilitating” both mentally and physically.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Timberlake explained that the diagnosis helped him understand why he was experiencing nerve pain, extreme fatigue, and sickness—even while performing on stage during his two-year Forget Tomorrow World Tour

Despite the challenges, he chose to continue touring, saying:

“I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”

He also shared that he had been reluctant to speak publicly about his health struggles, but wanted to be more transparent to avoid misinterpretation and to help others facing similar battles.

Timberlake joins a growing list of celebrities—including Justin Bieber and Bella Hadid—who have publicly discussed living with Lyme disease.

Melinda

More coverage:

The New York Times

People

How Cognitive Behavorial Therapy Can Help People With Fibromyalgia
Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

How Cognitive Behavorial Therapy Can Help People With Fibromyalgia

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  • New research has found that cognitive behavioral therapy may help people with fibromyalgia.
  • The researchers were able to identify differences between fMRI scans between participants as well as a significant reduction using survey-style tools. 
  • Experts are hopeful that these finding can help support patients and clients while reducing bias and barriers to care. 

For those in chronic pain, mental health supports are both vital and lack availability. A new study, published September 20 in Arthritis & Rheumatology, has found that the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be especially helpful for those living with fibromyalgia. 

The research—conducted by a team from Harvard, Norway, and Pittsburgh—included 114 participants and found that CBT was better at helping to reduce catastrophic thinking related to the disease. 

This was compared to people using educational materials alone.

Understanding catastrophizing, according to Dr. Chandler Chang (PhD), clinical psychologist and founder at Therapy Lab, is key to supporting people with a chronic illness like fibromyalgia.

“Let’s say you have fibromyalgia and you start thinking, ‘The rest of my life is going to be like this, my life is ruined, everything is going to suck after this.’ Those are examples of catastrophic thoughts that you might have,” Chang said.

How CBT can help with pain and catastrophic thoughts

The researchers used tools such as Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), BPI Pain Severity, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised (FIQR), and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), to assess participants alongside the scans. Once the participants participated in the imaging, they were either given eight weeks of CBT or educational materials about fibromyalgia and chronic pain. 

Those who received the CBT were provided weekly sessions across eight weeks.

The researchers used the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), a tool that is scored out of 52, to see how CBT could impact people with the condition. 

They found that those who received CBT therapy saw an average reduction of 8.7 points on the scale while those receiving educational materials saw a much lower drop of 4.6.

The team also used an fMRI scan and were able to see the impact of catastrophizing thoughts in the brain patterns. After the CBT, they could see evidence that changes in brain patterns coincided with people who benefited from CBT. 

Kelsey Bates (LPC), founder at Women’s CBT, says that catastrophizing is a particularly impactful element of both fibromyalgia and CBT treatment but that providing mental health support for those with chronic illness, in her practice, requires the use of trauma-informed tools.

“Reframing our thoughts is important. But we also need space to acknowledge the grief that might happen when people are going through a chronic illness or dealing with chronic pain,” Bates said. “There’s a level of acceptance that we have to figure out.”

Dr. Jeff Krauss, Chief Medical Officer at Hinge Health and Staff Physician at the VA of Palo Alto, says that this study could help reduce stigma and lead to better patient outcomes.

“One of the problems with chronic pain is that it’s very hard to see it. People used to get, and still do get, accused of faking their pain, because doctors will look and see that there’s nothing wrong with their back, or there’s nothing wrong with their knee… It’s really exciting that we can start to see it in the brain, and know that these feelings that people have are very real, even though it might not be correlated with tissue damage.”

Bates says that while “pain doesn’t discriminate” she also regularly sees clients who feel left behind by the medical system when it comes to the mental health side of chronic illness and chronic pain.

“I meet folks and they’ve felt really gaslit by medical providers, especially with fibromyalgia in particular, that they have heard the phrases like you just need therapy, you just need to relax, just manage your stress,” Bates said.

One of the stated limitations of the study was that, while fibromyalgia does disproportionately affect women, and all the participants were female, more work can and should be done to include both men and non-binary people in future research. 

Difficulty getting treatment for fibromyalgia

As for what comes next, Krauss says that while these results are encouraging they are still part of a larger picture that has many barriers to treatment for those experiencing these symptoms.

“I think until we have the ability at scale to do this very expensive imaging, and to find those interventions that can actually change the way the brain processes pain through some sort of pharmacologic intervention or something, through a drug, then we’re really left with a lot of these very foundational lifestyle changes that are so effective and necessary for treating chronic pain.”

Bates, meanwhile, says that her hope is that research like this can add to a more integrated approach when it comes to CBT, one that prioritizes trauma-informed care as well as other modalities like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

“My personal outlook is that chronic illness and chronic pain is considered medical trauma…So I think it’s our clinical duty to provide a safe, warm therapeutic space that’s conducive to holding space for all of those things.”

Takeaway

A new study, published this week in Arthritis & Rheumatology, has found that the use of CBT can be especially helpful for those living with fibromyalgia.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-cognitive-behavorial-therapy-can-help-people-with-fibromyalgia?utm_term=feature&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=fibro&utm_content=2025-07-22&apid=36735751&rvid=7f053d6ecf820dccd09e4914833cbd49bdfe95bb517404ee9b41601767d1bace#Difficulty-getting-treatment-for-fibromyalgia
California tops Terminix’s list of most tick-infested states
Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Lyme Disease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

California tops Terminix’s list of most tick-infested states

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With tick activity hitting alarming highs this summer, the pest control company Terminex has announced its first-ever comprehensive ranking of the Top 25 Most Tick-Infested U.S. States.

Based on proprietary 2024 pest management data, this report reveals which states are facing the greatest tick pressure and risk of tick-borne illnesses.

This first-of-its-kind list arrives at a critical time, offering homeowners and outdoor adventurers new insight into how geography and climate are shaping tick populations across the country.

States like California, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, and New York are at the top of this list due to their warm climates, high humidity and abundance of green spaces.

Notably, New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. rank as the top five tick-infested cities in the country, underscoring that even densely populated urban areas are not immune to tick activity.

Overall, the Northeastern region of the U.S. generally experiences the highest populations of ticks, with common species including the blacklegged tick and the American dog tick.

“This isn’t just a nuisance; tick activity is reaching new levels across the country, posing a serious and growing public health threat,” said Tom Dobrinska, Technical Service Manager at Terminix.

“Climate change continues to increase tick populations. As winters become milder and warm seasons increase in length, tick survival and risk for human exposure increase significantly.”

Top 10 most tick-infested states

  1. California
  2. Florida
  3. Texas
  4. Pennsylvania
  5. New York
  6. Georgia
  7. New Jersey
  8. Arizona
  9. Massachusetts
  10. Ohio

States most impacted by Lyme and other tick-borne diseases

While not all ticks carry illness-causing pathogens, disease risk can vary by tick species.

According to the CDC, Northeastern states like Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, as well as parts of the Upper Midwest, are often identified as the worst places for ticks in the U.S. due to their high rates of Lyme disease cases. Southeast and Southcentral U.S. might see more cases of ehrlichiosis or spotted fever rickettsiosis.

“Scientists and public health experts are constantly researching ticks to better understand the threats they pose,” said Dobrinska. “As these experts continue to monitor tick activity and disease spread, it is essential for the public to stay informed about the dangers and know how to prevent tick bites.”

Tips for tick prevention

To protect against tick bites and tick-borne illness, Terminix recommends the following steps:

  • Avoid tick-infested areas: Ticks prefer wooded areas with high grass and abundant leaf litter; wear long sleeves and pants whenever you plan to go on a hike or walk through forested areas.
  • Inspect yourself and pets: After returning home from being outdoors, conduct a full body check, especially under the arms, around the ears and on the back of the knees. Finding them before they bite will help prevent being infected with any diseases they may be carrying.
  • If you find a tick bite: Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. After removal, clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. It’s best to consult with a medical provider for extra precaution.

Click here for the full 2024 Tick Infestation Report.

Melinda

SOURCE: Terminex

The Many Ways to Healing By Guest Blogger Midwest Mary
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care

The Many Ways to Healing By Guest Blogger Midwest Mary

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Mary provides a comprehensive list of ways to heal yourself naturally.

Stuffy nose, headache, upset tummy, and even obesity. There’s a pill for that. Modern medicine has discovered an endless list of pharmaceutical drugs to “cure” whatever ailment may come your way. We also have an extensive list of alternatives or complementary remedies to conventional medicine, most of which have been used for hundreds, if not … Continue reading

Melinda

Fibromyalgia Thoughts #1-Fat, Sex & Shame
Chronic Illness · Chronic Pain · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Fibromyalgia Thoughts #1-Fat, Sex & Shame

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I wrote this post many years ago, I think the last one written was #17. This was written during a difficult time when Fibro ruled my life. I haven’t had a bad flare in several months and I’m so thankful.

————-

I had to accept the loss of everyday control once diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I go to bed with plans for the next day, when the morning rolls around, I can’t get out of bed. In the past, I would beat myself up, feel shame and anger. 

A shower takes an hour, it’s painful and exhausting. Instead, I use hospital approved cleansing wipes to bathe on the days when I can’t handle the thought of a shower. I’m embarrassed to tell my husband. 

I shaved my head yesterday, taking care of my hair takes too much energy. I’m housebound, only doctors see me. My husband doesn’t say anything but I imagine the negative thoughts he has. Why can’t his wife be normal like others, why can’t we go out to eat, why don’t we have sex, I’m fat………the thoughts can consume. 

I can ask myself questions about why not shower every day, I don’t. It’s not productive, within my control and doesn’t help my health. Stress creates inflammation creates more pain. 

I pray a lot every day. 

Melinda

Tick threat shuts down Connecticut beach for the season
Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Lyme Disease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

Tick threat shuts down Connecticut beach for the season

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Pleasure Beach, a popular summer destination in Bridgeport, Connecticut, will remain closed for the entire 2025 season due to a serious tick infestation.

City officials, in consultation with state environmental and public health experts, made the call after discovering multiple tick species on the island, including the Asian longhorned tick—an invasive species that poses unique risks.

Unlike native ticks, this species can reproduce asexually, allowing a single female to spawn a full-blown infestation. Even more concerning, it can potentially carry serious pathogens.

While disappointing for beachgoers, the closure may benefit the island’s fragile ecosystem. Pleasure Beach is a critical nesting site for protected Audubon bird species, including the endangered piping plover.

With reduced human activity, conservationists expect a boost in nesting success and habitat restoration.

Bridgeport officials plan to conduct treatment and containment efforts throughout the summer, with the goal of reopening the beach in 2026.

Melinda

SOURCE: City of Bridgeport, CT

Emergency room visits for tick bites at record levels
Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Lyme Disease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

Emergency room visits for tick bites at record levels

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Emergency rooms nationwide are reporting a record-breaking increase in tick bite cases, according to new CDC data.

July 2025 is already surpassing previous highs set in 2017.

Director of the University of Rhode Island’s Center for Vector-Borne Disease and its TickEncounter Resource Center, Dr. Thomas Mather, and Dr. Tom Daniels joined the Morning Joe to discuss.

They say Lyme disease is still the top concern when it comes to tick bites, but note that ticks can transmit other pathogens as well.

With ticks being so plentiful right now, they say it’s likely that more people will end up getting sick from tick-borne infections.

Watch their interview here:

Melinda

Referrence:

https://www.lymedisease.org/er-visits-for-tick-bites/

Is Gabapentin a Narcotic or Controlled Substance?
Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Is Gabapentin a Narcotic or Controlled Substance?

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Gabapentin isn’t a narcotic or federally controlled substance, but it is regulated and recognized as a controlled substance in certain states. 

Gabapentin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat seizure disorders and neuropathic pain. 

Some people misuse the prescription medication alongside opioids to boost their effects, though this significantly increasesTrusted Source the risk of unintentional opioid poisoning and death. 

This has led several U.S. states to classify gabapentin as a controlled substance, with more potentially looking to do the same.

There have also been calls for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to classify the medication as a federally controlled substance, though some doctors disagree with such a move. 

Read on to find out more about gabapentin’s current classification status across the United States and the various side effects and risks of the medication.

What class of drug is gabapentin?

Gabapentin has been a federally noncontrolled substance since its FDA approval in 1993.

It’s typically used for epilepsy and nerve pain, a severe symptom that other prescription medications can often not manage.

But some states do control its use, labeling gabapentin as a Schedule 5 controlled substance.

Why does gabapentin’s drug class vary from state to state?

Although gabapentin isn’t controlled federally, some states have listed it as a controlled substance and therefore regulate its use.

That’s because there have been increasing reports of gabapentin being misused, whether by being combined with opioids or used alone for nonprescribed reasons. 

Some neurologists believe that stricter gabapentin regulation may lead to greater opioid use and make it harder for people with neuropathic pain to receive proper care. 

The following states classify gabapentin as a controlled substance: 

  • Alabama
  • Kentucky
  • Michigan
  • North Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia

Several other states require gabapentin prescriptions to be monitored, allowing authorities to detect potential misuse:

  • Connecticut
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Nebraska
  • New Jersey
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Utah
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

These lists may be subject to change.

What side effects are possible when using gabapentin?

Gabapentin is generally well tolerated and safe for most people to use. But as with any medication, there’s a risk of side effects. Misuse can increase the risk of side effects.

Potential side effects include:

In rare cases, more serious side effects include:

If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek immediate medical attention or contact your local emergency services. 

Before taking gabapentin, tell your doctor if you:

What risks are possible when using gabapentin?

When first taking gabapentin, it’s best to be cautious when driving, using machinery, or drinking alcohol. The medication can cause drowsiness, which may affect your ability to do certain things, or have an adverse reaction when mixed with alcohol. 

But the biggest risks of gabapentin come when people take the medication with opioids, or if a person already has a substance use disorder. In these cases, there may be an increased risk of dependence or overdose. 

Serious breathing troubles can also occurTrusted Source in people with respiratory conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, or related risk factors. 

Finally, there may be a higher risk of fetal cardiac abnormalities in pregnant people, according to a 2020 study. But the same study did not find evidence of a link between gabapentin use and major fetal abnormalities overall.

When to consult a doctor or other healthcare professional

Before taking any new medication, it’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional. 

Let them know if you currently take any opioid medication or medications for anxiety or sleep, or if you have any health conditions, such as breathing disorders, kidney disease, or diabetes.

It’s important to be honest about any drug or alcohol use or misuse. This will help your clinician determine whether gabapentin is safe for you, or if there’s a better alternative. 

The bottom line

While there have been calls to make gabapentin a controlled substance across the United States, there are currently only limitations in some states. 

Concerns revolve around its use alongside opioids and the potentially dangerous effects of this combination.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/is-gabapentin-a-narcotic?utm_term=roundup&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=fibro&utm_content=2025-07-08&apid=36735751&rvid=7f053d6ecf820dccd09e4914833cbd49bdfe95bb517404ee9b41601767d1bace#medical-attention

Daily Writing Prompt
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Daily Writing Prompt

Looking for the Light11 Comments
Daily writing prompt
What are your daily habits?
View all responses

My life has changed so much because I have several chronic illness and I don’t leave the house that often. So my habits are a bit boring. The first thing is start the fireplace in my office, give the dogs a snack, eat breakfast and hit the computer to work on my blog. After the writing is done I play with the dogs, if needed do laundry and eat lunch and take a short nap.

I do any chores I can, spend time for self-care, make calls and at 4:30 I join my husband downstairs. A short time later we start working on dinner, watch the news and two shows we’ve recorded and then I’m off to bed an hour before bedtime so I can unwind and be relaxed when it’s time to sleep.

Its not a habit but each week there a couple of doctor apptoinments.

My life is the opposite of life before Lyme, cognitive impairment and agrophobia.

I keep looking for brighter and more exciting days.

Melinda

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Her 4 kids were born with Lyme. She wants to make sure that future kids won’t be
Chronic Illness · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

Her 4 kids were born with Lyme. She wants to make sure that future kids won’t be

Looking for the Light2 Comments

From the Tick Boot Camp podcast:

In this powerful, long-form interview, Kristina Bauer returns to the Tick Boot Camp Podcast to share her in-depth story of surviving decades of misdiagnosed Lyme disease — from childhood illness and misdiagnoses to motherhood, advocacy, and remission.

Diagnosed at age 40 after 32 years of medical dismissal, Kristina discusses her experience with congenital Lyme disease in her four children, postpartum Lyme flares, and her commitment to raising awareness through the Texas Lyme Alliance, Center for Lyme Action, and International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Ambassadorship.

Her testimony covers essential ground: pediatric Lyme, maternal Lyme, psychiatric symptoms like Lyme rage, postpartum depression misdiagnosis, sexual transmission, and the need for insurance and diagnostic reform.

This episode is a masterclass in Lyme disease education and empowerment, especially for women, mothers, and families navigating complex Lyme journeys.

Key Topics Discussed

  • Early Lyme Exposure: Tick bites at age 8 in Illinois and decades of misdiagnosis (juvenile arthritis, Crohn’s, ulcers)
  • Chronic Symptoms: Sinus infections, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), fibromyalgia, neurological and psychiatric symptoms
  • Postpartum Lyme Flares: Crushing fatigue, misdiagnosed postpartum depression, and suicidal ideation risk
  • Congenital Lyme Disease: How all four of her children were born with Lyme and are now in remission
  • Mental Health Awareness: Lyme rage, mood swings, panic attacks, and the importance of therapy
  • Tick-Borne Disease Advocacy: Legislative work in Texas, ILADS, educating OB-GYNs, and pushing for proper diagnostic protocols
  • Medical System Failures: Inadequate Lyme testing, gaslighting, high insurance costs for chronic illness
  • Lyme & Pregnancy Research Study: An open call for pregnant individuals diagnosed with Lyme disease during their current pregnancy, OR with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) in the past 5 years.

Tick Boot Camp is available on all major podcast platforms. You can also listen here.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.lymedisease.org/kristina-bauer-podcast/

Daily Writing Prompt
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Daily Writing Prompt

Looking for the Light3 Comments
Daily writing prompt
How do you want to retire?
View all responses

How I thought retirement would happen is the opposite of how it actually happened. My granny had two major strokes which caused Dementia and she became violent regularly. I made a promise to both of my grandparents that I would make sure they could die at home which was their wish. After the first stroke, I would come over to allow gramps to run errands. This worked until the day it all fell apart.

He was at the grocery store and she thought he had left her at somebody’s house and wasn’t coming back. There’s no understanding or logical times when dealing with Dementia. I took the photos off the walls of my gramps, my father, myself, and her long-dead favorite dogs, nothing would bring her back to reality. I had to give her a sedative and it broke my heart.

The only way to calm her and keep her from trying to hurt herself was for gramps to be there.

I was semi-retired at this point but my grampa needed me every day to help. The reality is, I would not change one thing. I showed up, gave all I could four weeks on end and I has able to keep my promise to her about dying at home.

Melinda

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What Should You Know About Cortisone Shots?
Chronic Illness · Chronic Pain · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

What Should You Know About Cortisone Shots?

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Cortisone shots can help relieve joint inflammation. You may experience minor side effects.

Cortisone shots are injections that help relieve pain and inflammation in your joints, muscles, or connective tissue. They’re commonly used to manage symptoms of painful inflammatory conditions, such as:

Cortisone shots are fast-acting and can provide significant short-term pain relief for weeks to months. Although cortisone shots are generally safe, they do come with some potential risks.

Keep reading for an overview of everything you should know about cortisone shots.

How do cortisone shots work?

A cortisone shot helps relieve pain by reducing inflammation in a certain part of your body. The cortisone is delivered into the affected area with a thin needle. 

Cortisone is a type of molecule known as a corticosteroid, a precursor to the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is produced by your adrenal gland and plays many roles in your body, including suppressing the activity of your immune system.

Inflammation is your immune system’s way of protecting your body from injuries, foreign substances, or anything else potentially damaging. Inflammation releases various substances, including the hormones bradykinin and histamineTrusted Source. These hormones irritate nerves and send pain signals to your brain.

A cortisone shot reduces levels of molecules that stimulate inflammation. This can improve joint function and reduce stimulation of your nerves which leads to pain.

These shots often take effect within a few days, though some can be effective within a few hours, and can provide pain relief for up to several months depending on: 

  • the part of your body treated
  • the dose you receive
  • your individual response to the shot

What do cortisone shots treat?

Cortisone and other corticosteroid shots are used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory conditions involving joints, muscles, or connective tissues.

Shoulder pain

Corticosteroid injections can cause short-term improvements in frozen shoulder and shoulder impingements.

A 2015 study in American Family Physician found that over a period of 8 to 16 weeks, corticosteroid injections are more effective for managing frozen shoulder than oral corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and physical therapy. But the study found that the outcome between groups isn’t significant after a year. 

Osteoarthritis

Cortisone shots are often used to treat knee or hip osteoarthritis. 

For the knee, pain relief typically lasts for 1 to 2 weeks but may last up to 4 weeks.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of your median nerve that often causes tingling or pain in your hand. 

A 2017 reviewTrusted Source of studies suggests that corticosteroids can lead to short-term relief in about 45 out of 100 people.

Trigger finger

Trigger finger is the locking of a finger caused by inflammation of the tendons. 

The 2015 study mentioned earlier found 54 to 86 percent cure rates after corticosteroid injections.

Bursitis 

Bursitis is inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs called bursae found around your joints. 

Cortisone injections may help reduce this inflammation temporarily. Corticosteroid injections for the bursa around the head of your femur provide greater pain relief at 6 weeks and 3 months than physical therapy and pain relievers, but not after one year.

Are there any risks with cortisone shots?

Cortisone can travel into your bloodstream and cause full-body side effects. 

According to a 2019 review of studiesTrusted Source, the amount of cortisone that gets absorbed into your blood seems to vary significantly between people. But both joint and epidural injections can have effects that last for weeks.

There’s also some evidence from a 2020 study that a single shot can increase your risk of developing infectious diseases, such as the flu.

In rare cases, an improperly performed injection can lead to nerve damage.

Are there any side effects from cortisone shots?

The most common side effects of steroid injections include:

Rarer but potentially serious side effects include:

How much does a cortisone shot cost?

Cortisone shots typically cost roughly $100 to 300 but can be more than $1,000. Your insurance may cover some or all of the cost. 

The exact cost that you pay out of pocket for a cortisone shot varies widely between clinics and depends on: 

  • the clinic you visit
  • where you live
  • what type of shot you get

Medicare reports that patients pay an average of $84 for injections of therapeutic substances, such as cortisone, when performed at a non-hospital facility. The average price at a hospital is $146.

What’s the procedure for a cortisone shot?

Here’s what you can expect when you get a cortisone injection:

  1. Depending on what part of your body is being treated, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
  2. A doctor or specialist will clean the area around the injection site with alcohol wipes and wait for the alcohol to dry.
  3. The doctor or specialist will likely apply a spray or anesthetic to numb the pain.
  4. They will make an injection with a thin needle. You may feel some pressure, but most people don’t experience a significant amount of discomfort or pain.

Are there supplementary treatments for cortisone shots?

Supplementary treatment options vary depending on your particular issue. Some options may include:

Are there alternatives to cortisone shots?

A doctor may be able to recommend alternative treatments for your condition. For some issues like chronic knee pain, surgery may be the best option.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is an experimental treatment that may help you manage joint pain. More research is needed to understand their potential benefit.

Hyaluronic injections are also sometimes used to treat knee pain when cortisone shots aren’t effective.

The takeaway

Cortisone shots are used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory conditions affecting your joints or other parts of your musculoskeletal system. They’re generally safe, but they can cause side effects that either affect the treated area or your whole body.

Discuss the pros and cons with a doctor beforehand. Depending on your condition, there may be alternative treatment options that have fewer side effects or are cheaper.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/cortisone-shot?utm_term=feedcontent&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=fibro&utm_content=2025-06-03&apid=36735751&rvid=7f053d6ecf820dccd09e4914833cbd49bdfe95bb517404ee9b41601767d1bace#takeaway
Emerging tick species in CT found to carry rare bacteria that can be deadly, officials say
Chronic Illness · Chronic Pain · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Lyme Disease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

Emerging tick species in CT found to carry rare bacteria that can be deadly, officials say

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HARTFORD, Conn. — An invasive tick species in Connecticut has been found to carry the bacteria that can cause ehrlichiosis in humans, a discovery that has alarmed state biologists as the tick continues to increase its spread throughout the state.

Longhorned ticks, an emerging invasive species in the state, have now been found to carry the bacteria that causes ehrlichiosis. The bacteria, while rare in Connecticut, has been found in the state for a while, according to Dr. Goudarz Molaei, a state entomologist with the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station.

Between 2001 and 2019, the number of cases of the bacteria increased from 142 to 2,093, a roughly 15-fold rise. Only two erlichiosis cases were recorded in Connecticut between 2008 and 2018, however, 28 cases were reported in the state between 2019 and 2023, according to CAES data.Expand article logo  

“This is concerning because before we only saw this bacteria present in the lone star tick, this is the first case detected in the longhorned tick,” Molaei said. “What is concerning about this is that the longhorned tick doesn’t need a mate to reproduce. So it has the potential to spread quickly and we already are seeing that as its population increases.”

Longhorned ticks primarily reproduce through a process called parthenogenesis, where females can lay viable eggs without mating to reproduce. This means a single female tick can create an entire population without a male partner, increasing the risks of rapid spread, Molaei said.

“This is very unusual and something we don’t see too often,” Molaei said. “So far this is the only tick in the United States that has this ability to reproduce without a mate. In other animals like arthropods and certain vertebrae, parthenogenesis has been reported, but it’s still very rare.”

Molaei said that a rise in ehrlichiosis cases is expected in the future. The bacterial infection can be a serious illness, though most cases are not fatal with prompt treatment. Untreated, it can lead to severe complications like organ damage, brain problems and even death. There is no vaccine available, but antibiotics are the traditional course of treatment, he said.

The invasive ticks are not native to the United States and are considered an exotic species. They originally were found in tropical environments in Asia before being detected in the U.S. in 2017. Since its initial discovery, the longhorned tick has expanded into at least 21 states, primarily in the East and Northeast, as well as the District of Columbia, according to CAES. The species was first detected in Connecticut in 2018.

In both its native and invasive range, the longhorned tick is known to transmit a wide variety of pathogens, Molaei said. Researchers have found evidence of infection in field-collected specimens in the U.S. with pathogens that cause Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Bourbon virus disease and theileriosis. However, it is still unknown if the tick can spread many of these disease agents.

“What is also unusual about this species is that we have shown this tick is capable of attaching and detaching with partial blood feeding,” Molaei said. “Most ticks will stay on a host until they are fully engorged, so this increases the risks of disease transmission. Unfortunately these ticks co-exist with lone star ticks, and to make the matter worse, both of these ticks feed on white tail deer. Deer can act as a reservoir for the bacteria that causes ehrlichiosis. Longhorned ticks can pick up the bacteria after feeding on an infected deer.”

The tick species is now found scattered throughout Fairfield and New Haven counties, according Molaei. However, their range is expected to increase its range further northward. Last year, the ticks were identified in Fairfield, New London, Middlesex and New Haven counties, according to data from CAES.

“As the climate changes, we expect to see this species further north into New England and Canada,” Molaei said. “We are fortunate that. at least for the time being, the population is rather patchy in Fairfield and New Haven counties. It is not widespread yet, but eventually it will become more widespread, and that is where the concern increases.”

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/emerging-tick-species-in-ct-found-to-carry-rare-bacteria-that-can-be-deadly-officials-say/ar-AA1FDjJX

After 18 joint replacements in 6 years, she’s now a fierce Lyme advocate
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Chronic Pain · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Lyme Disease · Medical · Tick Borne Illnesses

After 18 joint replacements in 6 years, she’s now a fierce Lyme advocate

Looking for the Light4 Comments

Meghan Bradshaw was just 25 when severe joint pain appeared seemingly overnight.

Once active and independent, she found herself unable to walk, dress, or function on her own. She returned to her mother’s care while doctors struggled to explain her condition.

After two years of misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, Bradshaw finally received clarity. She tested positive for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

That diagnosis came after she turned to OrthoCarolina, where her orthopedic team helped connect her with a specialist who identified the root cause of her symptoms. Though the diagnosis came with its own challenges, it offered the one thing she had been missing: hope.

Over the next six years, Bradshaw underwent 18 joint replacements and reconstructions at OrthoCarolina, including procedures on her shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, hands, and meniscus. Her care was guided by a team of four orthopedic specialists who worked together to create a patient-centered, personalized treatment plan tailored to her needs.

“When I was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, it felt like I had a chance to fight again,” said Bradshaw. “The doctors at OrthoCarolina didn’t just treat my joints – they helped restore pieces of my life I thought were lost forever. Every surgery brought me closer to feeling like myself again.”

OrthoCarolina’s collaborative care model played a critical role in her recovery. Surgeons, physical therapists, and staff maintained open communication with Bradshaw throughout each stage of treatment. Shared decision-making, comprehensive education, and clear expectations helped her feel confident and supported at every step.

Extraordinary resilience

“Meghan’s case of Lyme arthropathy was one of the most advanced that I’ve encountered,” said Dr. Glenn Gaston, a hand specialist at OrthoCarolina. “She showed extraordinary resilience throughout her entire journey. Our goal wasn’t just to restore joint function, but it was also to help give her life back.”

Today, Bradshaw calls herself the “Bionic Woman,” a title she embraces with pride. But her story doesn’t end with recovery. It has evolved into advocacy.

After earning her master’s in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she became a national voice for Lyme disease awareness. As Government Relations Manager for the Center for Lyme Action, she has met with more than 100 members of Congress to push for improved education, diagnosis, and care for tick-borne illnesses.

“I’ve turned my pain into purpose,” Bradshaw said. “Every time I share my story, it’s for the people still searching for answers, just like I was.”

Marking a decade since her first symptoms, Bradshaw’s journey continues. This May, during Lyme Disease Awareness Month, her voice stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, the value of accurate diagnosis, and the life-changing impact of compassionate, expert care.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.lymedisease.org/18-joint-replacements-in-6-years/

Book Review Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness by Christopher Martin
Book Review · Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Book Review Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness by Christopher Martin

Looking for the Light2 Comments

I was kindly gifted an advanced copy of Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness, Proven Strategies for Discovering Happiness, Meaning, and Fulfillment by Christopher Martin from NetGallery for a review. 

Published 2021

I am a school psychologist, husband, father, and – pertinent to this website – an author who has multiple invisible chronic illnesses. 

And an invisible chronic illness is a beast.  On top of draining you physically, a chronic illness can impact all aspects of your life ranging from causing financial hardship to harming your relationships to dampening your spirits.  Try to be cheerful when you have this unremitting “monkey on your back” known as an invisible chronic illness that constantly demands your attention 24-7.  Needless to say, it’s easy to let yourself and others down. 

      Plus, your family or friends can’t see your illness, as it’s invisible, and they may not understand.  Most with an invisible illness are familiar with “advice” ranging from “stay positive” to “you look good” to “Have you tried ___ for your condition?”  Yup, you probably have, and it didn’t work. 

      On top of that, best wishes in accessing (and maintaining) high quality medical care when you are too tired to even take care of yourself.    

      Welcome to the world of an invisible chronic illness.  I should know.  I suffer from multiple invisible chronic illnesses, including a primary immune deficiency disorder and bronchiectasis. 

 But it doesn’t have to be this way – for you or for me.    While I am not cured of my illness, I enjoy a fulfilling life and experience ongoing joy, peace, and happiness.  Because of outstanding medical care, extensive self-educating and self-care, a supportive family, and a strong faith, I effectively manage my chronic illnesses.  But I didn’t want to be the only one to benefit.  It was my goal, in turn, to give back to others by doing what I love to do:  authoring books on these conditions. 

Blurb

“Finding Joy is a vital guide on how to best manage and navigate life with a chronic illness.”—James Nestor, New York Times bestselling author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

“Finding Joy provides a comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap for not only coping with chronic illness, but personally optimizing self-growth and resiliency from the experience.” —Joanne Joseph, PhD, professor of psychology and interim dean of the College of Health Sciences, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and author of The Resilient Child: Preparing Today’s Youth for Tomorrow’s World

* How can you experience those good thoughts and feelings, enjoy life to its fullest, and de-stress when faced with relentless physical suffering?

* How can you enhance your relationships, find support, respond to the naysayers, and possibly even help them understand you and your illness?

* When seeking medical care, how can you get the answers you deserve, and access and maintain quality healthcare?

Early Reviews

“”Finding Joy is absolutely phenomenal. Chris Martin’s heartfelt approach offers numerous meaningful strategies to thrive when faced with the many unseen and unrecognized issues of living with an invisible chronic illness.””—Heather Lewis-Hoover, MS, CAS, school counselor

““Finding Joy is a vital guide on how to best manage and navigate life with a chronic illness.””—James Nestor, New York Times bestselling author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

“Finding Joy provides a comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap for not only coping with chronic illness, but personally optimizing self-growth and resiliency from the experience.” —Joanne Joseph, PhD, professor of psychology and interim dean of the College of Health Sciences, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and author of The Resilient Child: Preparing Today’s Youth for Tomorrow’s World

My Thoughts

I think Chris says it best, the diagnosis is a step forward, it’s not the last. 

Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness is a great find, one for all to read, patients, loved ones, and, family members. It is a simple and practical approach to taking control by understanding how we think and what we have control over when it comes to our chronic condition and healthcare treatment. 

Enjoy Reading,

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@LookingLight

Heat or Cold Therapy for Arthritis
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Chronic Pain · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care

Heat or Cold Therapy for Arthritis

Looking for the Light13 Comments

Arthritis is a condition that causes joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Though there’s no cure, you can use natural treatments such as heat and cold therapy to slow its progression and manage symptoms. 

Heat and cold therapy are common treatments for arthritis due to their ability to alleviate pain, discomfort, and stiffness in joints, muscles, and soft tissues. The treatments may help to improve mobility, increase flexibility, and boost blood circulation, which may bring you immediate relief. Heat and cold therapyTrusted Source may also be slightly beneficial in improving function and quality of life.

You can use a combination of heat and cold therapy based on your symptoms and which treatments you find most effective, convenient, and enjoyable. Depending on time, convenience, and preference, you may add some of these therapies to your routine. Aim to do heat or cold treatments a few times daily. 

Continue reading to learn more about the various types of heat and cold therapy. These simple treatments may relieve arthritis symptoms and help you to feel better.

Types of cold therapy for arthritis

Cold therapy, or cryotherapy, decreases blood flow to the affected area, which can reduce swelling and inflammation. It may have a numbing effect and help to relieve pain. However, it may exacerbate muscular tension. 

In general, cold therapy is best for painful, inflamed joints, making it the best option for acute pain, inflammation, or swelling. It may be beneficial to do cold therapy after exercise or physical activity that causes discomfort. For best results, elevate the affected area.

Do not use cold therapy if you have poor circulation or a sensory condition such as diabetes that inhibits your ability to detect particular sensations. Talk with your doctor before using cold therapy if you have cardiovascular or heart disease.

To prevent nerve, tissue, and skin damage, do cold therapy for a maximum of 20 minutes. Continually check to make sure you can feel sensations in the affected area.

Ice pack 

Apply a bag of frozen food, a bag of ice, or an ice pack to the affected area. You can also freeze a wet towel or sponge before applying it to the affected area. Wrap a towel around your ice pack to protect your skin. 

Apply the pack for up to 20 minutes at a time. Stop the treatment if your skin begins to feel numb.

Check out some of the best ice packs for joint pain here. 

Ice massage 

Use an ice cube to massage the affected area. You can make a large ice block by freezing water in a paper cup. 

Have a towel handy to absorb excess moisture.

Ice bath

You can take a full or partial ice bath to reduce inflammation and muscle pain. Stay in an ice bath for a maximum of 15 minutes. 

Cold bath or shower

For an option that’s less extreme than an ice bath, take a cold bath or shower. According to a 2017Trusted Source study, cold mist showers may help to reduce pain in people with chronic inflammatory arthritis.

Types of heat therapy for arthritis

There are several types of heat therapy, called thermotherapy, options for arthritis. Heat therapy improves circulation and causes your blood vessels to expand. This helps your body to deliver more blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the affected area, which may reduce inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Heat therapy may also improve mobility, which makes it easier to relax, loosen up, and move.

If a heat therapy session causes swelling, redness, or inflammation avoid further treatments until your symptoms subside. Avoid using heat therapy during a flare-up or the acute stage of an injury. Talk with a healthcare professional before using heat treatments if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. 

Do not use heat therapy if you have any of the following conditions: 

  • diabetes
  • dermatitis
  • vascular diseases
  • deep vein thrombosis
  • multiple sclerosis (MS)

Hot shower 

Hot showers may be beneficial to prepare for exercise or the day ahead. They may alleviate stiffness, improve mobility, and increase flexibility. Make sure the water isn’t too hot, especially if you have any cardiovascular concerns.

Warm compress 

Apply a hot water bottle, electric heating pad, or homemade heating pad to the area of concern for up to 20 minutes at a time. For a full-body treatment, use an electric blanket.

This therapy is not suitable for people who have diabetes, have impaired sensation, or have had a stroke. 

Swim or exercise in warm water 

Swimming and exercising in warm water allows you to build muscle strength, improve flexibility, and increase mobility while reducing compression to your joints. This may help to ease discomfort and alleviate stiffness. 

If you live near a warm body of water, take a dip in a natural setting. Otherwise, find a heated pool in your area. Aim to spend at least 20 minutes in the water.

Bath

Take a warm bath to relax and release tension or pain. For more benefits, add ingredients such as baking soda, Epsom salts, or essential oils. You can bathe for up to 2 hours. 

Saunas and steam rooms 

You can use a dry sauna, infrared sauna, or steam room to improve circulation and alleviate stiffness.

The results of a 2018Trusted Source review suggest that consistent use of a dry sauna is beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis as well as chronic pain syndrome. It may also help athletes to improve performance.

You can stay in a dry sauna or steam room for up to 15 minutes though you may want to begin with shorter sessions. Give yourself plenty of time to cool down in between sessions.

If you’re pregnant, talk with your doctor before using a sauna or steam room. 

Paraffin wax treatment 

This treatment may help to boost circulation, receive tension, and alleviate stiffness. 

To do a paraffin wax treatment, dip your hands or feet in hot paraffin wax and cover the area with plastic or a towel. After 20 minutes, remove the wax. Pay attention to how your skin reacts and look out for any adverse reactions.

Does alternating heat and cold therapy help?

Many people find it beneficial to alternate between heat and cold therapy. You can switch between hot and cold therapies throughout the day. Usually, it’s best to wait at around 20 minutes between sessions, though you can also alternate between hot and cold water in the shower. Always start and finish with a cold treatment. 

Talk with your doctor before alternating between full-body treatments such as an ice bath and a sauna or hot tub.

The bottom line 

If you’re looking for remedies for arthritis to add to your existing treatment routine, heat and cold therapy are great options. You can use hot and cold therapies to manage symptoms of arthritis and improve your overall comfort. 

Heat treatments help to relieve stiffness, improve circulation, and increase flexibility. Cold treatments alleviate pain and inflammation, which make them useful to do following physical activity. The effect of heat and cold therapy may only last a few hours, though over time they may help to reduce the severity of pain and keep symptoms at bay for longer.

Choose the remedies that yield the best results and add them to your self-care routine. Always make sure to protect your skin since hot and cold therapy have the potential to cause skin damage. Talk with a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy, especially if you have any additional medical conditions or take medications.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/arthritis/heat-or-cold-for-arthritis?utm_term=roundup&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=fibro&utm_content=2025-05-27&apid=36735751&rvid=7f053d6ecf820dccd09e4914833cbd49bdfe95bb517404ee9b41601767d1bace#the-bottom-line
Fibromyalgia Awareness Month
Chronic Illness · Chronic Pain · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

Fibromyalgia Awareness Month

Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Fibromyalgia Awareness Month is important to me because I have it and know others that do. One of the biggest challenges Fibromyalgia patients face is there are so many different symptoms and they mimic other illnesses. That’s one reason it can years to get a proper diagnosis.

Why National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, complicated disease that affects millions of men and women throughout the world. A musculoskeletal illness produces widespread severe pain with symptoms like increased skin sensitivity, muscular rigidity, difficulty sleeping, memory and attention problems, excessive weariness, and headaches.

It is a challenging condition to identify because there isn’t a single test that can detect and treat it, and the symptoms get frequently misdiagnosed as attributed to other illnesses. Many people feel that the condition is psychological and not genuine due to a lack of research and the difficulties in defining the variables that cause it. Furthermore, there is no permanent relief for the suffering.

As a result, the keys to combating Fibromyalgia are awareness and financing. The goal of this day is to raise awareness about the condition and to encourage further research into finding a cure. The day’s observances greatly minimize the level of threat and the likelihood of being afflicted. When we try to learn more about a disorder like fibromyalgia, we realize just how far we’ve come in terms of innovation and advancement. Observing National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day allows us to reflect on our accomplishments.

Thoughts

Another huge challenge of having Fibromyalgia is it’s invisible, you don’t look sick unless you’re having your worst day. Most of the time you look fine and that is where the misunderstanding about the illness starts with friends and family. You can’t predict how you’ll feel tomorrow let alone next week, so you make plans, only to have a flair day and can’t get out of bed or can’t think straight and have to cancel your plans.

When people think you look fine and you’re not they can take it personally, that’s why it is important to share the basics of the illness and tell them that when you have to cancel on short notice it has nothing to do with them or not wanting to see them.

One suggestion for those newly diagnosed is to take your loved one or family member to a doctor’s appointment. This made a huge difference for me with my mental illness. My husband got to hear everything from the doctor’s mouth and got a better understanding of what I was dealing with. We also tell our doctor symptoms we don’t talk about every day and this is another time your loved one can understand all the ways Fibromyalgia affects your life.

Another way you can help is to participate in a Clinical Trial for Fibromyalgia, Keep your eyes open for news about trials in your area. It’s always possible you’ll get a drug that helps you in some way vs a placebo. It’s a 50% chance. The key is to understand the risks and or interactions with your other medications. 

Go easy on yourself. If the house isn’t as clean as you’d like, don’t worry about it. Work a little at a time or call a house cleaning service if you can.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

References:

https://www.nationaldaystoday.com/national-fibromyalgia-awareness-day/

 

New advanced screening tests for tick-borne diseases in dogs
Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

New advanced screening tests for tick-borne diseases in dogs

Looking for the Light4 Comments

Antech, a veterinary diagnostics company, has launched two advanced screening tests for tick-borne diseases, heartworm, and other pathogens.

Enhanced Accuplex™ can now test dogs for three Ehrlichia species, and two Anaplasma species, alongside heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis)antigen, and antibodies to confirm exposure to Lyme borreliosis (Borrelia burgdorferi).

Antech is also offering a new enhanced vector-borne disease PCR panel for dogs and cats. capable of detecting such threats as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and cytauxzoonosis.

Click here for more information from Antech.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.lymedisease.org/screening-tests-dogs/

Pain Medications and Kidney Health
Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care

Pain Medications and Kidney Health

Looking for the Light8 Comments

NSAIDs can pose a risk to your kidney health. But while acetaminophen may be safer, all pain medications should be taken with a doctor’s supervision if you have kidney disease. 

It’s almost a reflex: You have an ache or pain, so you reach for an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication. But as routine as this behavior is, not everyone should casually take pain medications, as there can be potential negative interactions. 

For example, people with kidney damage or reduced kidney function might not be able to use every OTC pain medication. Let’s look at why and what you can safely do for pain relief.

Which pain medication is safest if you have kidney problems?

Before taking any pain medication, you should speak with your physician or a health professional to determine any possible interactions or risks that you might encounter.

For people with kidney disease, aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding. And in those with reduced kidney function, aspirin is not recommended unless prescribed by a physician. The recommended alternative can vary depending on the type and severity of kidney problems that you have. 

Often, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the preferred alternative. But it’s encouraged that you use the lowest dose possible that still manages pain or fever symptoms, decreasing doses gradually. And likewise, you should not exceed more than 3,000 milligrams per day.

Alternatively, if an OTC acetaminophen drug doesn’t control pain symptoms, a physician may suggest a temporary prescription alternative like tramadol. In its immediate release form, tramadol can be used in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end stage renal disease (ESRD).

However, extended release dosing for tramadol is not recommended for people with advanced CKD or ESRD.

Which pain medication is safe for kidney transplant patients?

Similar to people with kidney disease, transplant recipients should only consider acetaminophen to manage post-operative pain symptoms. Again, best practices include using the lowest dose possible and never exceeding 3,000 milligrams per day. 

Which pain medication is safe for kidney stones?

The short answer to this question is, it depends. If a patient has kidney stones with no underlying renal issues, then any OTC pain medication can be used to manage the pain symptoms associated with passing a kidney stone. 

This includes ibuprofen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acetaminophen. Multiple studies and reviews have consistently shown positive patient outcomes when using OTC medications of all types to treat pain associated with renal colic or passing a kidney stone. 

However, if someone also has impaired kidney function and kidney stones, NSAIDs are not recommended. A physician will provide the best guidance, but typically, sticking with acetaminophen is the best choiceTrusted Source for managing kidney stone pain when you have kidney disease or impaired kidney function. 

Which pain medication can damage your kidneys?

Misusing any pain medication can increase your risk of kidney damage. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and of course, prescription opioid medications. The most common risks center around consuming too high a dose or taking medications for longer than recommended. 

But of all the OTC pain medication categories, NSAIDs pose the greatest risk of continuous kidney damage. Specifically, these medications can increase the risk of progressive kidney damage or sudden kidney failure. 

A 2019 studyTrusted Source involving over 764,000 U.S. Army officers found that participants who were prescribed more than seven daily doses of NSAIDs per month had an increase in the potential for an acute or chronic kidney disease diagnosis. 

Takeaway

Regardless of whether you have a diagnosed kidney disorder or have healthy kidney function, OTC medications should be used with care.

Excessive use by consuming too high a dose or for prolonged periods can lead to a variety of health problems throughout your body — including damage to the kidneys.

For people with kidney disease or impaired kidney function, avoiding NSAIDs unless directed by a physician is the safest way to avoid further harm. Instead, opt for acetaminophen and be sure to use the lowest dose for the shortest period to control pain symptoms. 

And when in doubt, speak with a physician or health professional before taking an OTC pain medication.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-health/which-painkiller-is-safe-for-kidneys?utm_term=feature&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=fibro&utm_content=2025-05-13&apid=36735751&rvid=7f053d6ecf820dccd09e4914833cbd49bdfe95bb517404ee9b41601767d1bace#takeaway
Suicide, What’s Left Behind?
Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Mental Illness

Suicide, What’s Left Behind?

Looking for the Light30 Comments

This is a previous post I feel is important to shine a light on for Mental Health Awareness Month.

Some states like Colorado have what’s called a Red Gun Law. It basically allows someone who is concerned that a person may harm themselves or others to go before a judge and if warranted, have their weapons taken away for 30 days. This type of law could save many lives, in that 30 days, you might be able to get your loved one or friend the help they so desperately need.

5/30/21

Melinda

Photo by Micael Widell on Pexels.com

My father committed suicide in 1992 after a long struggle with mental illness, he was 52 years old. This post isn’t about how to prevent suicide, or that it’s preventable, this post is about what is left behind after a person commits suicide.

September is Suicide Prevention Month and I’ve struggled with what to write. I do believe strongly that as a society we have to talk about suicide. As much as I advocate for everything I believe in suicide is something so personal to me that it’s different. It’s not the stigma, I don’t care what anyone thinks about my father’s death. It’s that in order to prevent suicide you have to start so far in advance of the person wanting to commit suicide.

My father abused me and we were estranged from the time I was a teenager. When I lived with my father I knew he was emotionally unstable but I was a kid and had my own problems. After 14 years my father calls me and starts talking about suicide. About how he can’t work, how he doesn’t have any money, and on and on.

The daughter and human in me responded, I was heartbroken, in shock, felt responsible and started paying his bills, sending him money and we talked all the time. He constantly talked about people bugging his phone, and people following him. I didn’t realize at the time my father was delusional.

I continued to beg him every time we talked to not kill himself, to think about my granny, his mother who would be devastated. I talked and pleaded for months. Begged him to go to the doctor. I did what I could.

I got a call late one Sunday saying “your father did away with himself” from my gramps. I was in such shock I called right back and asked was he dead or on the way to the hospital. No, he’s dead.

Here are a few things I learned after my father died.

He had been in a downward spiral for years by looking at his living conditions. He had boxes and boxes of cassette tapes by his bed, recordings he had made. I remember him talking about someone bugging his phone so I listened to every one of those tapes several times. There was nothing on most of them, some were recordings of my father talking on the phone. Some were just noise or his breathing. My father was delusional.

I could go on and on but there are a few takeaways.

One of the most difficult things you have to deal with in a suicide death is a closed casket funeral. You can’t see their face and say goodbye so there is an unmet emotional void that never goes away.

I did everything within my power, my dad was a grown man. A man with his own free will. I could not make him go to the doctor for help. There wasn’t a Gun Law in Texas where you could call the police and they would come out to take away a gun. There may not be one now.

I felt unbearable guilt, the pressure of the weight of thinking I could have prevented my granny’s pain was so much I drank myself crazy.

What I did learn from his death as we had the same mental illness, Bipolar Disorder, and I was 75% more likely to commit suicide because my father had. I took that information and I found the best Psychiatrist I could. He is still my doctor today and has saved my life many times.

You can’t stop someone from killing themselves if they are determined. They will find a way now or later.

What we can do is look for signs early in life and during a crisis to see if a person needs help and guide them in that direction. If you’re a parent you have much more control when your child is younger.

The key to preventing suicide is to bring all the emotional damage to the surface to be dealt with and treat mental illnesses with the help of a Therapist & Psychiatrist. I will also add that if you’re inclined you can push for laws that allow the police to be called and for them to take the gun away for some period of time. Each state is different. You can also push for stronger gun laws if that is your wish.

It took me many years to grieve my father but I have reached the other side. You can too.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Can a Chiropractor Help with Knee Pain?

Looking for the LightLeave a comment

If you’re living with a knee condition, you may wonder if a chiropractor can help treat your knee pain. The answer is, it depends.

Knee pain is a common concern that frequently occurs due to aging, injury, or overuse. Mild, acute knee pain usually subsides within a few days using home treatments. However, chronic and severe knee pain requires treatment to ease discomfort and prevent it from worsening. 

One treatment option for knee pain may be chiropractic care, which uses holistic methods to treat your whole body and improve overall well-being. A chiropractor may be able to treat some knee pain and address underlying issues.

However, this method may not be for everyone. Chiropractic treatment is ideal if you prefer a natural healing approach, and if your knee pain is not caused by an injury or condition that requires surgical intervention. 

In some cases, chiropractic care may be enough to help ease knee pain. In other cases, you may use it alongside conventional medical treatments. 

Read on to find out more about common causes of knee pain, how chiropractic care can help, and what to expect during sessions. Plus, you can learn about the risks and considerations of treatment.

What is a Chiropractor?

Chiropractic care is a type of complementary medicine that focuses on your body’s natural healing ability. It is based on the belief that aligning the body enhances the functioning of the nervous system and overall well-being.

A Chiropractor is a healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic pain. They use a holistic approach to address your primary concerns and consider contributing factors, including injuries, movement patterns, and lifestyle habits. 

Chiropractors use soft tissue and manual therapy techniques to realign your spine and joints. Treatment may help with movement, ease discomfort, and improve function. Chiropractic care may also increase your range of motion and ease tension, helping you feel more relaxed and less stressed.

What knee conditions do Chiropractors treat?

Chiropractors can treat several painful knee conditions and concerns, especially those that get in the way of mobility.

Knee conditions that chiropractors treat include: 

  • Osteoarthritis (OA): OA occurs when the articular cartilage of the knee breaks down due to age or an injury. The bones then create friction that leads to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. 
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Symptoms of this inflammatory autoimmune condition include swelling and stiffness. Over time, RA can cause bone, joint, and cartilage damage. 
  • Meniscal injury: Meniscal tears occur due to aging, arthritis, and forcefully twisting or rotating your knee. 
  • Patellar tendonitis: Patellar tendonitis is a repetitive injury that causes inflammation and weakness in the patellar tendon, which connects your kneecap to your shinbone. Often, this condition occurs in athletes.

Other common causes of knee pain

Chiropractors may also treat other causes of knee pain. However, for more severe knee injuries and chronic conditions, you’ll also want to consult a doctor. 

Chiropractic treatment may also be suitable for postsurgery rehabilitation as well as overuse and athletic injuries, including sprains and strains.

Having too much body weight is a common cause of knee pain. Being overweight puts extra pressure on your spine, hips, and knees, which results in inflammation. 

Additional causes of knee pain include: 

How do Chiropractors treat knee pain?

Chiropractic treatment for knee pain will depend on the cause, symptoms, and contributing factors, which may include excess weight, poor posture, and workplace ergonomics.

To create a treatment plan, your chiropractor will determine if your knee pain is due to a primary cause or a compensatory cause. A compensatory cause is when your knee’s alignment or function is compromised in order to make up for another issue, such as tightness in another area of your body. 

The chiropractor will also consider your accompanying symptoms, including inflammation, stiffness, and weakness. 

Treatment will usually include other areas of your body, including the neck, spine, and hips. Tightness and misalignments in these areas can contribute to knee pain. Plus, you may have developed poor posture and movement patterns in order to reduce pressure on your knee. 

Common chiropractic treatments for knee pain include: 

  • Manual manipulation: This hands-on technique involves aligning your spine and joints to reduce stress, improve posture, and boost mobility. 
  • Traction: This technique involves stretching the knee to reduce inflammation and boost mobility. 
  • Ultrasound: The massaging effect of sound waves can alleviate pain, inflammation, and stiffness. 
  • Electrotherapy: A stimulation device, such as a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit, delivers tiny electric pulses to reduce swelling, ease tension, and boost blood flow. 
  • Cold laser: This treatment helps with inflammation and speeds healing. 
  • Infrared sauna: Infrared heat can help reduce pain, ease stiffness, and boost blood flow. 
  • Home exercise program: Your customized plan will include rehabilitation exercises and stretches to strengthen your knee and its supporting muscles.

Chiropractors may also recommend: 

What to expect from your Chiropractic sessions

During your initial chiropractic session for knee pain, your chiropractor will ask about your personal and family medical history, lifestyle, and occupation.

Your chiropractor will ask how and when your pain began and which activities make it feel better or worse. Be ready to explain the type, location, and frequency of pain.

They will perform a physical examination to check your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing patterns. If necessary, they will take an X-ray. 

Usually, you will stand, sit, or lie down on the table during treatments and can stay fully clothed. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Thin, loose fabric is preferable to stiff, thick, and bulky fabric. You can wear tight clothes if they are stretchy. 

Avoid wearing jewelry and accessories like belts, which can get in the way during adjustments.

To determine the cause of your knee pain and create an appropriate treatment plan, your chiropractor may apply light pressure to tender areas. They may feel the joint as you move and listen for sounds, including grinding or clicking. 

Your chiropractor will let you know how many treatments they recommend. Typically, sessions are more frequent during the initial weeks. 

A chiropractor does not prescribe medications or perform surgery. If they are unable to treat your condition, they will refer you to a suitable healthcare professional.

Risks and considerations

Chiropractic care for knee pain is generally safe and poses few risks. However, it is not suitable for everyone. If you have concerns, share them with your Chiropractor or a healthcare professional to decide what is best. 

Since it’s beneficial to relax during treatments, choose a Chiropractor with whom you feel comfortable. 

You may experience mild discomfort during your treatment, but it should not be painful. If you feel intense pain, speak up immediately. After treatment, it’s typical to have soreness, headaches, and fatigue. 

If you have an inflammatory condition, it is not advisable to have an adjustment during a flare that affects your spine and joints. However, a Chiropractor can perform adjunctive therapies to treat the surrounding tissues and other areas of concern.

Chiropractic care may not be suitable if you have any of the following: 

  • broken bones
  • ruptured ligaments
  • osteoporosis
  • bone cancer
  • spinal cord disorders
  • bone marrow diseases 
  • a high risk of stroke

The bottom line

Chiropractic care is a natural, holistic treatment that can help with musculoskeletal concerns, including knee pain from a variety of causes. The goal of treatment is to improve mobility and function so you can move with ease. 

You’ll also learn to implement healthy lifestyle changes, including stress reduction techniques, physical activity, and a healthy diet.

I love my Chiropractor!

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/can-a-chiropractor-help-with-knee-pain?utm_term=roundup&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=fibro&utm_content=2025-05-06&apid=36735751&rvid=7f053d6ecf820dccd09e4914833cbd49bdfe95bb517404ee9b41601767d1bace#what-to-expect
How to Afford Your Insulin If It Costs Too Much
Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

How to Afford Your Insulin If It Costs Too Much

Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Insulin prices have risen steadily since the 1990s. In fact, between 2012 and 2016, the cost of insulin increased by 20.7 percent every year. Increases have been slower in recent years, but costs are still on the rise. 

A 2018 survey on insulin affordability from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) found that 39 percent of respondents had seen their insulin prices go up between 2017 and 2018. 

Insulin is a lifesaving medication for people with diabetes. Access to affordable insulin is imperative.

The rising cost of insulin

The rise in insulin prices in the United States may be due to a few factors. One major reason for the cost increase is that the insulin available in the United States comes from only three manufacturers:

  • Novo Nordisk
  • Eli Lilly
  • Sanofi

This allows those manufacturers to set prices and keep those prices high.

The role of pharmacy benefit managers

Prices are also driven up through the use of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). PBMs are companies that create and manage the lists of prescription medications that insurance companies cover. These lists are called formularies. 

PBMs give priority to prescription manufacturers that offer large rebates. Manufacturers that offer large rebates are placed on more formularies and are favored by insurance companies. 

More expensive prescriptions can offer larger rebates because their starting costs are so high. This has driven the price of insulin up dramatically.

How this affects people with diabetes

The rising cost of insulin makes it difficult for many people to afford it. According to the ADA survey, 27 percent of respondents said the high cost of insulin changed how much insulin they were able to buy or use. 

For many respondents, these changes included using less insulin than their doctor prescribed by regularly skipping doses or rationing their supply. 

Rationing insulin or skipping doses is very dangerous. It can lead to serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis. This complication, which can be fatal, is more common if you have type 1 diabetes and ration your insulin.

However, there are resources available to help you afford the insulin you need. We’ll be discussing several of those resources below.

Pharmaceutical assistance programs

Insulin manufacturers offer pharmaceutical assistance programs to help people afford their insulin. Each major manufacturer has its own program. You’ll need to meet set income requirements to qualify for these programs.

Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program

The Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program provides free Eli Lilly insulin products for people with a limited income who have Medicare Part D or no insurance coverage. 

The income requirements depend on your state and the specific Eli Lilly insulin your doctor has prescribed. You’ll need to reapply for this program every year.

Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program 

The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program assists Medicare enrollees and people with no insurance who have an income at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level. 

The program provides up to 90 days of free Novo Nordisk insulin to participants. It also offers discounts on insulin once the 90 days are up. Exact prices depend on the specific Novo Nordisk insulin your doctor has prescribed.

Sanofi Patient Assistance Connection

The Sanofi Patient Assistance Connection provides free Sanofi insulin products to people with an income at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level. 

The program is open to Medicare Part D enrollees and people without insurance. You’ll need to reapply for this program every year. 

Copay coupons and drug cards

Manufacturers also offer copay savings cards. These cards can help reduce the amount you pay out of pocket for your insulin. Unlike patient assistance programs, copay savings cards are available regardless of your income. 

It’s worth noting that Medicare enrollees can’t use copay coupons or drug cards. 

  • Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk offers a savings card that reduces the copayments for its products. Your exact savings will depend on the insulin your doctor prescribed, but copayments when using the card range between $5 and $25. 
  • Eli Lilly. Eli Lilly offers the insulin value program. With the program, you can get most Eli Lilly insulin products for $35 per month. You can use the program with or without insurance, and there are no income limits. 
  • Sanofi. The Sanofi copay savings card is for people with insurance. It reduces copayments for Sanofi insulin to between $0 and $10. Those without insurance can join the Valyou Savings Program, which allows people to purchase Sanofi insulin for $99 per month.

Program matching services

Many programs that provide free or low-cost insulin are only available to people who use specific insulins, fall within income guidelines, or live in certain areas. 

You can find the programs that best fit your situation by using one of the matching services below. These services don’t provide direct aid or supply insulin, but they can connect you with resources that will help. 

GetInsulin.org

GetInsulin.org is a service that can match you with ways to afford your insulin. You’ll enter your prescription, income, insurance information, and location to get matched with programs that can help you get the insulin you need. 

The program can also match you with urgent insulin support to get emergency insulin. 

Medicine Assistance Tool

The Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) is similar to GetInsulin.org. You’ll enter information about your prescription, income, and insurance to get matched with programs that will help you get free or low-cost insulin. 

The MAT can also help you find programs to cover any additional prescriptions you take.

NeedyMeds

NeedyMeds is a database of healthcare information and resources. You can search by your location, condition, and more. Its list of diabetes resources can help you find low-cost or free insulin. 

RxAssist

RxAssist can match you with patient assistance programs that can help you get free or low-cost insulin. You can search for your insulin prescription to get started. 

RxHope

RxHope works just like RxAssist. You can enter your insulin prescription and get matched with patient assistance programs. You can apply for any program you find directly from the RxHope website. 

Coupon sites

Coupon sites, which are free to join, can help make sure you’re always getting the best available price for your insulin. They can reduce your cost significantly.

You can then present a coupon at the pharmacy by using your smartphone or by printing it out. Most coupon sites also offer discount cards that you can present every time you pick up a prescription.

Some popular coupon sites include:

  • Blink Health. Blink Health will help you find the lowest prices for your prescription and can arrange for your insulin to be delivered to your home.
  • GoodRx. GoodRx offers coupons and discount cards.
  • Inside Rx. Inside Rx allows you to search for coupons and sign up for a discount card. 
  • SingleCare. SingleCare allows you to search for prescription coupons that you can bring to the pharmacy with you.

Government assistance

Some states offer pharmaceutical assistance programs. These programs help people with limited incomes afford any prescriptions they take, including insulin. 

Not all states offer these programs, though. In states with programs, the eligibility requirements vary by state. You can check for a program in your state on the Medicare website.

Other ways to save

There are a few other options to help you save money on your insulin. These include:

  • Walmart’s ReliOn Insulin. Walmart carries over-the-counter insulin for $25 per vial. This insulin is an older form of insulin called synthetic human insulin, and using it requires sticking to a strict eating schedule. Talk with a doctor before making this switch.
  • Community health centers. Community health centers often have sliding scale options that allow you to get affordable insulin. You can locate a community health center near you by using this interactive map. 
  • Pharmacy loyalty programs. Your local pharmacy loyalty program can help provide savings.
  • Your insurance company. If you have insurance coverage, you can call your insurance company and ask them what their preferred insulin is. The cost may be lower if you’re able to switch to the preferred insulin.
  • A doctor. A doctor might be able to provide you with emergency insulin to tide you over. They might also be able to switch you to lower-cost insulin. 

Legislation and the future of insulin affordability

There are multiple efforts underway to reduce the cost of insulin. Lawmakers and advocacy groups alike are working to help people afford insulin. 

The ADA has endorsed three possible pieces of legislation that could affect insulin affordability if they were passed. These are:

  • The Insulin Price Reduction Act. This act would provide incentives for manufacturers to lower the cost of insulin.
  • The Safe Step Act. This act would eliminate insurance company “step therapy” programs that can drive up costs.
  • The Chronic Condition Copay Elimination Act. This act would remove copays for medications used to treat conditions such as diabetes. 

These acts may not pass and become law. However, they’re among the current suggestions to help bring down the cost of insulin. Broader healthcare laws and acts that aim to bring down the cost of accessing care in the United States could also affect the cost of insulin.

The bottom line

The cost of insulin has risen dramatically over the past few decades. Many people have difficulty affording the insulin they need to manage their diabetes. 

However, there are discounts and programs available to help you find free or low-cost insulin. You can also find coupons to help lower your copayments and overall spending.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/how-to-afford-your-insulin-if-it-costs-too-much?utm_term=roundup&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=alzheimers_carejourney&utm_content=2025-05-06&apid=36735751&rvid=7f053d6ecf820dccd09e4914833cbd49bdfe95bb517404ee9b41601767d1bace#government-assistance

Eyes wide open: Tackling Lyme-induced spatial visual dysfunction
Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Lyme Disease · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

Eyes wide open: Tackling Lyme-induced spatial visual dysfunction

Looking for the Light11 Comments

Rachel Leland, who often posts on social media about her Lyme-related experiences, recently visited the Padula Institute of Vision Rehabilitation. She posted the following account of her appointment on Instagram.

What I knew before this week

My eyes have been hurting every single day for quite some time now. The muscles behind my eyes felt a constant pain and strain. I had daily headaches around my eyes and temples.

In college, I had a rare eye condition for a 21 year old that no one should be getting until they are elderly. That specific problem resolved a long time ago. But, my eyesight has been getting significantly worse over the past few years. My contacts prescription is only good for a few months before I need a stronger one.

What I thought before this week

Everything I was experiencing was normal and that everyone’s eyes probably felt like mine, but they just weren’t talking about it. So I should just keep taking Advil each day to manage the pain and keep smiling through everything, like always. If you pretend everything is fine, then it’s fine…right?

What I know now after my appointment

My eyes should not be in pain every day. The muscles behind my eyes should not feel constant pressure and pain just from turning them slightly left and right, or up and down. My eye muscles are spasming each time I try to focus on something, causing me to sway between double vision and seeing just one thing.

My eyes and brain have to work too hard to correct this, which is causing my eyesight to rapidly deteriorate. I should not be slamming my shoulder into the door frame multiple times a week when I walk through doors. My eyesight should not be getting worse every few months.

Spatial visual processing dysfunction

Extensive testing yesterday shows I have spatial visual processing dysfunction and the problems I’ve been experiencing aren’t just with my eyes, they are with how my eyes communicate the information to my brain.

I was originally going to schedule this appointment during the summer, so as not to miss work. But after a phone consultation with the doctor, we learned that this couldn’t wait. I’m so grateful that we listened.

There is no quick fix. A number of changes are coming my way, and it’s been a lot to process and it all feels overwhelming right now. If you have Lyme and are dealing with issues with your eyes, here’s an interview my mom did with this doctor a few years ago:

Rehabilitating your Lyme-impaired vision

Rachel Leland is co-author of Finding Resilience: A Teen’s Journey Through Lyme Disease. On Instagram, she’s @ResilientlyRachel. For more information about Lyme-related eye problems, see the website of the Padula Institute of Vision Rehabilitation.

Melinda

Reference:

Lyme Disease Org

Looking for the Light

Lyme Disease Awareness Month-My Experience
Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Lyme Disease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

Lyme Disease Awareness Month-My Experience

Looking for the Light12 Comments

Before my diagnosis of Lyme Disease, I would have looked at this graphic and paid no attention. After 18 months of IV Antibiotic Therapy, experiencing unbelievable pain, and cognitive dysfunction. I would be the poster child for the graphic. Lyme Disease kills and it can take you down slowly. I’m blessed to be in remission.

Testing is inaccurate because doctors have The Western Block test, which tests for several strains of Lyme, but only use one or two of the tests available. Interestingly enough all of my tests for Lyme came back negative until years after I’d been in remission.

When you read about Lyme you will hear about the Bulls-eye rash, yes some people do have a round puffy rash emerge but it’s only about 30% of the time. Don’t be bullied into thinking no rash, no Lyme. BS. I did not get the rash and I’m not sure where I picked up a tick.

If you catch Lyme early a 2-4 week treatment of antibiotics will kill the virus. If not caught early, the Spirochetes make their way into your blood-stream looking for an organ to play host. At this point, you’ve entered the Chronic Lyme stage. Your journey will be the fight of your life.

The CDC does not ackowledge Chronic Lyme exisist which means medical insurance companies will not pay for your doctor visits, IV Therapy and many of the other drugs you need. Some of my prescrptions were covered but not any of the suppliments recommened.

When choosing a doctor, look for a Lyme Literate Doctor or an Infectious Disease Doctor. If you run into problems finding the right doctor, visit the ILADS website and request a referral. They are tight with the information because many of the doctors are being targeted for treating Chronic Lyme.

You and your family do not have to go down the rabbit hole. If you firmly believe you or a loved one may have Lyme go directly to one of the most comprehensive lab testing companies, IGenex. It’s worth every penny spent because my treatments cost over $150,000 and caused us to take a second mortgage.

Be Lyme and Tick-Borne Illness aware. Your health depends on it.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Reference:

www.lymedisease.org

Babesiosis on the rise in the Mid-Atlantic region of US
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Lyme Disease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

Babesiosis on the rise in the Mid-Atlantic region of US

Looking for the Light2 Comments

A newly published study in the Journal of Medical Entomologyhighlights the growing presence of babesiosis in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

Researchers documented human cases and detected Babesia microti in local tick populations.

Historically concentrated in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, babesiosis is now emerging in areas where it was previously rare.

Key findings indicate that locally acquired babesiosis cases have been reported for the first time in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Additionally, Babesia microti was detected in ticks collected from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and D.C., marking a concerning expansion of the disease. The study also presents Ixodes keiransi as a potential vector—a first in babesiosis research.

Click here to read the press release from the Entomological Society of America

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Lyme Disease Org

Lyme advocate Julia Bruzzese remembers when Pope Francis blessed her
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Climate Change/Global Warming · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Lyme advocate Julia Bruzzese remembers when Pope Francis blessed her

Looking for the Light2 Comments

Ten years ago, then-13-year old Julia Bruzzese was unable to walk, due to complications of Lyme disease. Her family took her to JFK airport, to see Pope Francis, who visiting the United States at the time.

She made the national news, when the Pope stopped and blessed her.

Now, after the death of Pope Francis, Julie recalls how that moment changed her life. See this report from ABC7 New York:

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.lymedisease.org/bruzzese-pope-blessing/

May Awareness Month
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

May Awareness Month

Looking for the Light2 Comments

May is packed with awareness topics and there are too many to list, you can find the entire list HERE.

ALS Awareness Month

American Stroke Awareness Month

Arthritis Awareness Month

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month

Brain Cancer Awareness Month

Fibromyalgia Awareness Month

Gardening for Wildlife Month

Lyme Disease Awareness Month

Melinda

Looking for the Light 

Reference:

https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/may-awareness-days-months

Managing Fibromyalgia In Children
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Self-Care

Managing Fibromyalgia In Children

Looking for the LightLeave a comment
By Brent Wells, DC, a chiropractor and founder of Better Health Chiropractic and Physical Rehab

If your child feels tired and achy, you may not worry initially. After all, there’s nothing urgent about what seems to be mild, general discomfort. However, if your child is constantly in pain, exhausted, having trouble sleeping, and experiencing intense moods, he/she may have fibromyalgia.

This condition is fairly common in adults, but parents and clinicians may overlook the possibility of juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome — that is, fibromyalgia in children.

JUVENILE FIBROMYALGIA SYMPTOMS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by pain and fatigue. According to experts, children will often describe this pain as “stiffness, tightness, tenderness, burning or aching.” This pain can last for months and is often accompanied by other symptoms that affect a child’s overall well-being, energy level, and emotional health, including:

  • Tender spots on muscles
  • Difficulty sleeping and fatigue
  • Aches, including stomachaches and headaches
  • Lack of focus or memory
  • Anxiety and depression

If your child is experiencing these symptoms, you should see a doctor. There’s not one test to confirm it, so he/she will go through a range of tests to rule out other conditions.

Unfortunately, there is no one “cure” for fibromyalgia, which can be frustrating for patients, especially children. If left untreated, symptoms can lead to issues at school or making friends. Many parents describe this as a “vicious cycle” where symptoms continue to feed the condition.

Experts still aren’t sure what causes fibromyalgia or how it develops in the body. Some believe that mixed-up pain signals in the brain cause greater pain chemicals and/or overactive pain receptors. Others think it might be triggered, in part, by an emotional event like an illness, injury or psychological stress. But even if the cause involves emotions, the pain is still real.

HOW CHILDREN CAN COPE WITH FIBROMYALGIA

It’s important to create a support team and get your child’s primary care doctor, pain specialist, psychologist, physical therapist, and teachers on board. The more people are aware of your child’s condition, the more they can help him/her cope with symptoms at home and school. You may also want to look for pain support groups near you, for both your child and you as a parent.

Your doctor can help you decide whether medication, such as anti-inflammatories, antidepressants, or nerve pain medications, may be right for your child. He or she also may recommend therapies like injections or topical creams. In conjunction with these interventions, your doctor will probably prescribe treatments like physical therapy and behavioral changes, which are crucial to long-term management of fibromyalgia.

Let’s go over some nonpharmacological strategies for coping with fibromyalgia.

FIVE STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVED SYMPTOMS

Although fibromyalgia may disrupt your child’s life, affecting school and friendships, you may be able to improve your child’s quality of life with these natural therapies and changes. Of course, there’s no cure for fibromyalgia, but by managing symptoms, you can help your child get back to some sense of normalcy.

  1. Get moving!

Exercise can be incredibly valuable for managing your child’s fibromyalgia symptoms. Exercise can relieve muscle stiffness and tire out the body physically so that your child can fall asleep more easily. In particular, pool exercises have been shown to help patients because the warm water can have a soothing effect on pain and also promote blood circulation.

Consider signing up your child for swim class to get regular exercise that is both fun and good for symptoms. Start with limited intervals of exercise at first, and slowly increase them as symptoms allow. Aquatic physical therapy can be extremely beneficial for patients whose fibromyalgia is too severe for regular pool activities.

  1. Incorporate meditation methods

While your child may not be interested in meditation, try to incorporate some of the practices in your child’s daily life. After playtime, encourage your child to take a moment to relax and reset. In addition, teach your child how to use relaxing breathing exercises when he/she feels overwhelmed during school or before bed.

Studies show that meditation can help reduce fibromyalgia patients’ stiffness, anxiety and depression. In the least, promoting a stress-free environment and creating a sense of relaxation will help your child feel less anxious.

  1. Say goodnight to fibromyalgia

Your child’s sleep routine is essential for improving fibromyalgia symptoms. Chart out the best routine for your child together. Make sure he/she goes to bed at the same time every day and start “sleep-ready” habits an hour before bed. This routine could include a break from screen time, reading a story together, listening to a relaxing song and/or taking a hot bath. Promoting a relaxing environment will help your child get to sleep.

Make sure you’re not giving your child food late at night, especially items with any caffeine or sugar. Also, be sure take away tablets and cell phones. The blue light can wake up your child instead of helping him/her get sleepy. Sufficient sleep is essential to managing pain.

  1. Change your child’s diet for success

Some experts recommend following an anti-inflammatory diet to prevent aches and pains. In general, an anti-inflammatory diet is based on the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fish, fish, vegetables, whole grains, and olive oil.

Update your child’s lunch to include a handful of nuts, or add an apple for a snack. Anytime you can add fruits and vegetables to his/her diet, do it! This boost of nutrients will fuel your child for success. Try to limit junk food as well, which has no value and could actually inflame your child’s pains.

  1. Schedule your child for a physical therapy session

Your child could benefit from seeing a physical therapist or chiropractor near you. Recent studies show how physical therapy or chiropractic can have a positive impact on fibromyalgia patients. Finding the right physical therapist is important. Call in advance to ensure they have experience with fibromyalgia and/or with children. Specific exercises in physical therapy can help to improve your child’s core strength and incorporate techniques to soothe muscle aches and pain. Similarly, regular massage therapy sessions with an experienced masseuse can improve your child’s exercise, sleep and mood.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR

A fibromyalgia diagnosis can be challenging, but doesn’t have to take over your child’s life. It’s a good idea to talk to an expert to come up with the most effective care plan for your child, one that ideally includes a diverse range of strategies, like those listed above. Together, you can talk about your child’s specific issues and needs, and figure out the best way to improve symptoms.

About Dr. Brent Wells

Dr. Brent Wells is a graduate of the University of Nevada where he earned his bachelor of science degree before moving on to complete his doctorate from Western States Chiropractic College. He founded Better Health Chiropractic and Physical Rehab in Anchorage in 1998. He became passionate about being in the chiropractic field after his own experiences with hurried, unprofessional healthcare providers. The goal for Dr. Wells is to treat his patients with care and compassion while providing them with a better quality of life through his professional treatment.

Melinda

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A mother’s story: When “just anxiety” was really Lyme disease
Chronic Illness · Infectious Diease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

A mother’s story: When “just anxiety” was really Lyme disease

Looking for the Light3 Comments

By Whitney Goetsch

I was a young mother living my dream life when everything changed. At a wedding, I absentmindedly pulled a tick off the back of my leg, crushed it into the pavement, and moved on.

I never realized that tiny creature would alter the course of my life.

Not long after, my health began to unravel. Crippling symptoms emerged, yet every doctor I saw dismissed them as anxiety. But deep down, I knew something was terribly wrong.

What followed was a terrifying descent into medical uncertainty, a relentless fight to uncover the truth while my body continued to deteriorate.

For five years, I battled through a system that refused to listen, all while my family suffered alongside me. I suspected Lyme disease early on, but each time I voiced my concerns, I was brushed aside. “It’s just anxiety.” “You’re overreacting.” “Maybe it’s depression.” The gaslighting was endless.

Finally, after years of searching, I received the diagnoses that changed everything: Lyme disease, multiple co-infections, and alpha-gal syndrome. By then, the damage had already been done.

Documenting every struggle

Throughout this journey, I kept a journal, documenting every struggle, every setback, and every moment of resilience. In 2023, newly diagnosed and still fighting for my life, I turned those pages into a book—because this cannot not keep happening. Not to young mothers. Not to fathers, children, or anyone else. The cycle of medical dismissal and gaslighting must end.

I wrote my book while still in the fight, in the trenches of this disease, so it would be raw, real, and relatable. So others would know they are not alone.

You are not Lyme. You are not a burden. Lyme is the burden placed upon you.

Today, my battle continues. In the summer of 2024, I began SOT therapy for Lyme disease. This winter, I started SOT therapy for Babesia and Bartonella, alongside herbals and methylene blue.

Recent tests have revealed demyelination and autoimmune markers resembling those seen in multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s — the result of years of untreated infections.

To help heal my brain and reduce inflammation, I will soon begin peptide therapy. My medical team is also exploring stem cell therapy in Europe. The road ahead remains steep, but I refuse to give up.

Because this fight is not just for me. It’s for every person who has been dismissed, misdiagnosed, and left to suffer in silence.

For more information about Whitney Goetsch’s book, click here: Waves: A Memoir of Perseverance in Battling Chronic Lyme Disease. 


Melinda

Reference:

https://www.lymedisease.org/just-anxiety-lyme/