IV saline for dysautonomia in ME/CFS and long COVID

There are no FDA-approved treatments for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID, a problem patients are acutely aware of. Despite this shortcoming, there is one treatment that has the potential to give people with these diseases a boost in physical and cognitive function: intravenous (IV) saline. I wish people with ME/CFS and long … Continue reading IV saline for dysautonomia in ME/CFS and long COVID

When positivity undermines connection

Positivity harms many with chronic illnesses because it can deny people their experience. A quick scroll through my friends' social media accounts reveals meme after meme decrying "toxic positivity" - a form of gaslighting involving dismissing and invalidating genuine emotions. Looking on the bright side and focusing on the positive may be helpful in some … Continue reading When positivity undermines connection

Balancing hope and acceptance with a chronic illness

Finding acceptance while holding on to hope with a chronic illness is like walking a tightrope, especially as the years grind on. Hope is a vital life force that propels us, whereas acceptance allows us to discover new ways of living within the moment. Clearly hope and acceptance are not mutually exclusive, but over time … Continue reading Balancing hope and acceptance with a chronic illness