Getting a new chronic illness diagnosis can feel like a bizarre moment to celebrate, but here I am—celebrating my new diagnosis at Disneyland of all places. Yes, you read that right. After years of pushing for tests, getting the brush-off from doctors, and dealing with the endless frustrations of unexplained symptoms, I found myself seated […] The post Celebrating a New Chronic Illness Diagnosis – Finding Joy Amidst Relief and Anger appeared first on The Disabled Diva Blog ..read more

When I was younger, press-on nails were more of a joke than a beauty solution. I’d lose one just by waving hello, and it was only a matter of time before I’d be searching the floor for rogue nails. Fast forward to today, and let me tell you—press-on nails have come a long way and […] The post From Pain to Pretty- The Press On Nails Benefits That Make My Life Easier appeared first on The Disabled Diva Blog ..read more

Summer is here, and for many, that often equates to many sleepless nights due to chronic illness and pain. Catch some zzz’s with these sleep tips! Extreme temperatures and heat waves are just two reasons that those of us with chronic illnesses struggle to sleep during the summer months. Summer storms, extra activities, stress, and […] The post Summer Sleep Tips appeared first on The Disabled Diva Blog ..read more

Becoming a member of a new and exclusive club might sound exciting, but this one comes with a heavy burden. I recently received a new diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia, and while having an answer brings some relief, it also raises a lot of uncertainty about my future. I’d never even heard of this rare, benign […] The post My New Diagnosis and What It Means for My Future appeared first on The Disabled Diva Blog ..read more

Life with chronic illness is unpredictable. Some years, you feel progress, and others, well, it feels like you’re walking through mud. The past year has been full of ups and downs, surprises, and setbacks, as life with chronic illness often is. So much has changed, yet some things remain painfully the same. Here’s a look […] The post Chronic Illness Life Changes – What a Difference a Year Makes, or Does It? appeared first on The Disabled Diva Blog ..read more

Living with a chronic illness isn’t just about managing physical symptoms—it’s about dealing with the ongoing and often overwhelming financial cost of being chronically ill. The reality is that chronic illness demands constant care, medication, and medical attention, all of which add up quickly. The financial burden is staggering, whether it’s the copays for prescription […] The post The Surprising Financial Cost of Being Chronically Ill appeared first on The Disabled Diva Blog ..read more

When your air conditioner breaks down during the hottest (and hopefully last) heatwave of the season, it can feel like you’re in survival mode. For those of us living with chronic conditions, keeping cool isn’t just about comfort—it’s essential for managing pain and flare-ups. In this post, I’ll share my go-to cooling products that help […] The post How to Survive a Heatwave with Cooling Products From amazon appeared first on The Disabled Diva Blog ..read more

Let’s talk about something that seems like it should be common sense, but based on how often it happens to me and others, it clearly isn’t: Do not touch me—or my mobility aids—without consent. It’s one of those things that sounds straightforward, but in practice, people often overlook it. Maybe it’s because they don’t realize […] The post Do not Touch Without Consent – Why It Matters for the Disabled, Chronically Ill, and Everyone Else appeared first on The Disabled Diva Blog ..read more

As I sit down to edit the footage from our 25th-anniversary trip to Disneyland, I’ve had to confront some uncomfortable truths about my health, emotions, and how I’m coping with chronic illness. Our stay at the Disneyland Hotel was meant to be magical—a celebration of 25 years together despite the daily struggles we face. But […] The post The Emotional Toll of Chronic Illness – Breaking Down at Disneyland appeared first on The Disabled Diva Blog ..read more

Living with chronic pain presents unique challenges, one of which is an increased risk of falls. Whether it’s due to balance issues, fatigue, or reduced mobility, falls can be particularly dangerous for those of us managing ongoing pain conditions. However, with some thoughtful modifications, you can make your home a safer place and significantly reduce […] The post Fall Prevention Home Modifications: 12 Essential Tips for Staying Safe with Chronic Pain appeared first on The Disabled Diva Blog ..read more