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Tips and Tricks for Dealing with OCD
Dealing with OCD is an interesting experience. For most of my life, I was unaware of the fact that my anxiety was obsessive compulsive disorder. Having intrusive thoughts is a normal part of life but for individuals with OCD there’s a hyper focus on them. I can spend literal hours doing mental gymnastics. I repeat phrases to myself and try to ensure my own or others safety. The reality of living with OCD can be somewhat harsh. The only way to truly beat or overcome OCD is to endure. This is a therapy known as Exposure and Response Prevention. The therapy consists of exposing yourself to your fear. Then you…
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Moving On
Dealing with chronic illness is unlike most experiences. It’s something unique, everyone’s experience is different. From talking with my doctors, it’s apparent that a lot of patients feel stuck in their circumstances. Having had an appointment that lasted over three hours yesterday, I find it important to have my physicians understand my goals. Goals are something sacred to me. In some situations, I am hesitant to set goals or objectives. If I feel unsure of whether I can make a goal, I fear failing. Leaving this lengthy appointment with lots to think about, I began to evaluate what I want for the future. For the first time in my life,…
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Dealing With Endless Possibilities
In life there are so many scenarios that make you scratch your head. It feels like in mine there are new situations that pop up everyday. Right now, life is filled with questions. New diagnoses, new symptoms, and new questions are around every corner. Some of them are hopeful, terrifying or even grim. Dealing with these situations makes me stronger but it doesn’t come easily. Here’s how I deal with endless possibilities…. Hope I don’t care what anyone says, I believe there is always hope. It may not be what you want or what you think you need but there’s a reason it’s happening. Despite two years of continuous and…
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Service Dog Essentials I Carry With Me
As I was reminded during the training process, Crush is still a dog. It wasn’t Crush who reminded me of this, it was the trainer. Of course, Crush has his essentials. This includes his hard handle harness, halti, and leash. That’s not what I’m discussing in this article. Although few and far between Crush makes mistakes. Whether he needs more payment for his work and focus or if he ever had an accident, I’m well prepared. Here are all the things I carry with me for Crush… Extra Treats This is important. He may not need extra treats but there have been times where I forget his treats at home…
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Finding My Footing (Literally)
The past two years have been a wild roller coaster. It’s been ups and downs, while my medical problems ebbed and flowed. I am finally (almost) two months without an angioedema episode. Although it may be too early to celebrate, I can’t help but feel excited. Since getting surgery, I am full of hope. Maybe it’s the stress that has slowly dissipated. Both of my surgeries are complete and recovery has been going well for both. I can honestly say I never imagined myself in this situation but that’s okay. I’m not under the assumption that life would come without it’s trials and tribulations. I think what I’m trying to…
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What I Learned From Hip Surgery
We all know that surgery, in one form or another, is not always an enjoyable experience. It’s not the worst by any means (at least mine haven’t been) but if given the choice, most of us would opt out. Orthopedic surgery is a whole new experience for me. It’s the first opportunity I have to jeopardize my health by trying to recover too quickly. It doesn’t matter if I want to walk, if I want to push through pain, or if I want to test the limits of what my new hip can do. I can cause damage. That scares me. Everyone who is close to me is aware of…
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It’s Okay to Talk About You
This is more for the spoonie supporters, unless a spoonie out there needs to hear this. I have been getting this a lot lately, “I’m sorry I shouldn’t complain, you’ve got so much going on.” It’s true, sometimes I may have to dig deep for sympathy but most of the time I love to hear what others are going through. Most importantly, it’s okay to talk about you!! What I am going through should not impact how you talk to me. I want to hear your thoughts and feelings. They didn’t disappear because I had to go to a doctor’s appointment. Your experience is valid. Often, I love to hear…
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Tomorrow is Surgery Day
I have to write about this because it’s heavy on my mind. I’ve been preparing all week, moving upstairs, buying snacks and sweatpants. Going out with friends and ensuring my health is all in order. Today, I have a few preoperative appointments. I’ll sign documents that accept the risks of surgery, which is always anxiety provoking for me. I’ll meet with a physical therapist that will tell me my restrictions. Most of which are pretty extensive for the first few weeks. I didn’t anticipate needing hip surgery. When my original physician brought it up I assumed it was a scare tactic. Stop running or you’ll cause real damage. I didn’t…
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An Appointment Survival Guide
Doctors appointments can be anything from exciting to downright terrifying. We’ve all had that one appointment. The doctor is running an hour late and has life changing news. You sit there anxiously awaiting the results and they have nothing new to tell you. No, just me? I’ve had several of these appointments and I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences. Here’s how I survive doctors appointments… Bring Distractions It may be a book or an app on your phone but prepare to distract yourself. Zone out and let yourself forget where you are. There is always someone who is running late. Chances are you’ll be waiting at some point during your…
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How to Build Your Support Network
Finding support can be a challenge. Depending on your support system and your mental state it can be an uphill battle. Fear not! I am here to tell you my tips in finding a support system. I am lucky. I have a very supportive family and a wonderful network of friends. Finding other individuals having a similar experience was a tough challenge. So I began my search for a bigger support network. Facebook groups and Instagram Social media is an excellent way to find others like you. You may be reading this because of Instagram or Facebook, if so, Welcome! I’m glad you’re here. There are great support groups on…
