Hi, I’m Carolyn and My Chronic Library is a personal blog detailing my life and learnings of living with MS, my experience undergoing and recovering from an experimental bone marrow transplant (HSCT), my opinions and recommendations for navigating healthcare in the U.S., and all things reading and books.
I endeavor to provide lessons for the chronically ill and impossibly curious. I’m navigating disability in an ableist world and trying to make an impact by helping others through education and advocacy.
I’m a voracious reader, avid traveler, and singer of show tunes. Four years in means there’s a lot of content here. If you don’t fancy scrolling, ask me a question directly!
Read about my former self as well as my thoughts on releasing body shame and comparison in health.
LATEST POSTS
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Reflections on an Unexpected Year
I am letting go of anger. I release the illusion of control. I revel in possibility and the unknown, and I am learning to hold both joy and sadness, acceptance and striving for more, contentment and wanderlust — simultaneously. I am loved. I am safe. I am enough.
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Speak Up: It’s pay day
A $10,000 refund doesn’t come along every day so today, I’m going to rejoice in this moment, take a calming breath, and appreciate that the outcome was worth the effort.
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Speak Up: The ‘not it’ mentality
This is part three of my episodic retelling of battles fought, questions asked, and lessons learned this calendar year with healthcare and insurance. In this segment I highlight that names are deceiving, few people are helpful, and it takes religious and maniacal follow up, documentation, veiled threats, and a flexible work schedule to get answers.
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Fernweh: My 2023 travels
Fernweh means an ache to get away and travel to a distant place. It literally translates to “distance-sickness.” For three years, I did not travel. I knew I missed travel; I just didn’t know how much until, with each trip this year, I found a bit of me.
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Speak Up: The pen is mightier than the sword
This is part two of my episodic retelling of battles fought, questions asked, and lessons learned this calendar year. Know your insurance, understand the appeal process, write the letter and follow up. Assume nothing. Take nothing for granted. Put things in writing.
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Speak Up: I will not go quietly into the night
This is part one of my episodic retelling of battles fought, questions asked, and lessons learned this calendar year. I fought insurance, my employer, my care team, and time. I fight for those without a voice, a safety net, or a platform. I have a loud voice, and I will be heard.
DON’T MISS OUT ON MY MUSINGS!
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My Chronic Library 