Tag: Coping with chronic illness

The ins and outs of IV access for saline to treat dysautonomia

~ Caroline Elizabeth ~ Leave a comment

In my last piece, I discussed practical approaches for building a case for IV saline to treat orthostatic and exertion intolerance, two primary features of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID (especially those meeting the criteria for ME/CFS). IV saline helps treat various forms of dysautonomia, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, orthostatic hypotension, … Continue reading The ins and outs of IV access for saline to treat dysautonomia

When positivity undermines connection

~ Caroline Elizabeth ~ 2 Comments

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

When playing “normal” with a chronic illness no longer works

~ Caroline Elizabeth ~ 9 Comments

I find it increasingly challenging to be part of the healthy world as my illness grinds on. After all, who wants to hear about the various insane things my body is doing at any given moment? Heck, I don't even want to think about my illness, let alone talk about it. On some level, I … Continue reading When playing “normal” with a chronic illness no longer works