Tag: hospital stay
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My Complicated, Needy, Irrational, and Humbling Relationship
The doctor/patient relationship will never be equal. I need him, but I don’t want to need him. I am so lucky to have found him, but I wish I never met him. What a phenomenally unfair burden to place on another person.
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An Interview with my Former Neurologist
Listen to a one-on-one interview with my former neurologist and read about what I’ve learned in my dual role as a patient and employee of Cleveland Clinic. I reflect on my physical decline due to MS, the importance of advocating for oneself as a patient, and my heartfelt gratitude for the medical team I’ve partnered…
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Ableism and Universal Design
People with disabilities are the largest minority group in our nation. It is the only minority group that any person can join at any time. The ADA is the bare minimum, not the gold standard. Because adding accessibility options and being smart about design helps everyone.
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My Village
We have all heard the phrase, “it takes a village,” but never has a phrase been more apt to encompass my life including my gratitude, my luck, my love of the street I live on and the friends and neighbors who have turned into chosen family.
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COVID, Paralysis & Deja Vu
Chronic illness is exhausting. When asked how I was doing via text message yesterday, I replied, “Equal parts fine and terrible.” Four years was a good run, but that nasty little bugger finally got me. I joined the masses and tested positive for COVID.
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The Not-So-Terrible Twos
Two years have passed since my stem cells were put back in my body to rebuild bone marrow and my immune system, it seems like a lifetime ago and yesterday all at once.
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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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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.
My Chronic Library 