My heart breaks when I meet a young person sharing that they are confronting life with chronic pain. At the age of 74, and living with two progressive and incurable conditions, I find it emotionally upsetting to think of the future they must learn to adjust to. I can only hope that they, too, will...

Have you ever wondered about the advantages of having a service dog? If you are living with a difficult medical diagnosis, you might be interested in learning the many tasks a service dog, properly trained, is able to do to help improve the quality of your days. I have learned this firsthand after...

What would you do if your refuge, a place where you went to be cared for, suddenly became a place where you were dismissed, gaslit, and made to feel worse than when you arrived? If you’re like me, you would choose to leave—but what if you couldn’t? Last year, I developed severe abdominal and chest...

When I was growing up, excitement was in the air as a snowstorm approached. The wooden slat sleds were retrieved and waxed, as we anticipated the opportunity to slide down those hills. Plans were made on the design of the snowman we would create in the front yard. It was a moment of joy, waiting...

No matter what painful condition you are living with, issues with inflammation can be common and, in turn, can add to your body’s pain level. Inflammation not only can cause fluid retention, but it also can bring on headaches, aching, brain fog, and even subluxations for those living with...

Almost 20 years ago, my wife Ellen was diagnosed with a rather rare medical condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Simply put, this condition limits the body’s capacity to produce healthy collagen. Collagen is critical for the production of healthy connective tissue, which is invaluable...

The other day, I was in the pool kicking on my back and sculling with my hands on my side, which is all my body can now take on with my fused neck and vulnerable shoulders. Although it is hard to go from a former master swimmer and high school swim coach to this limited movement in the pool, I am...

I live with two incurable conditions that have led to many experiences in the hospital. Along the way, I have learned that, as a medically complex person, it is best to prepare for a planned or emergency hospital stay. I highly recommend taking time to create a “just-in-case” list or even pack a...

I love the moments in life that can be so peaceful, rewarding, interesting, and, at times, so unexpected. But, when things get tough, sometimes it’s hard to find that return of peace and wonder.  After experiencing a cardiac event during a stationary bike workout (causing me to wake up on the...

Disability Pride Month, which takes place each July, challenges the stereotype of defining individuals by their disabilities. Many people misunderstand what “disability pride” means: it’s not about saying “I love every minute of my health problems,” but rather it’s about being proud to raise our...

Although LGBTQ+ Pride Month is usually celebrated in June, it’s important year-round to acknowledge the unique challenges and experiences faced by the members of this community who experience chronic pain. “We’re just like everyone else,” says Sara Gherig, a trained volunteer support group leader...