I’ve always loved the quote, "The greater the storm, the brighter the rainbow." And living with #chronicillness for so long now, there really have so many storms to conquer especially when it has all become too much. It can often be so difficult to see the positives, and all the good in your life when you are constantly at war with your body and mind as you battle debilitating and horrible symptoms. But when you do have good moments, or do and experience something positive, it makes that rainbow 🌈 a little brighter, and more beautiful. When I am in the midst of a storm, I need to remember to hold on for the rainbow to appear after it has wreaked its havoc. Now, I have a little charm to remind me - a new one for my ‘positivity’ bracelet, which has all charms with positive, uplifting quotes engraved on them, or inspired by my favourite sayings! #spoonie #chronicallyill #chronicallyillwarrior #chronicillnesswarrior #chronicpain #chronicpainwarrior #chronicallyillblogger #chronicillnessblogger #neisvoid #wherethetiredgirlsare #spoonielife #chronicillnessawareness #chroniclife #FND #FunctionalNeurologicalDisorder https://www.instagram.com/p/CgHX6PAsQGJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

CHRONIC ILLNESS HYGIENE TIPS AND PRODUCTS (photo of my mom's garden unrelated) I'm hoping this post might be helpful as I share some tips and products that help me with personal hygiene, and if you have any tips or products that help you please share them in the comments. It can help me and others too, so I would really appreciate that! I linked all of the helpful products in my Hygiene products Story highlight. One tip that helps me is breaking tasks down into smaller bits so they don't use as much energy and are also less overwhelming - for example not washing my hair and my body on the same day, sometimes breaking it down even further and washing the top of my body and the bottom of it on separate days as well. Another one is to make a list of hygiene tasks to try to accomplish each week. I mark them off as I complete them and it helps me not to forget something, like cutting my nails. Another thing is a bit more specific to the bath/shower, which is to look up products that may help you stay safe and complete your tasks. There are a lot of options, and if you can't really afford anything new I find that stepping onto a stable (not wobbly) bathroom scale before stepping into the tub helps. I also lean against my cane or the back of a folding chair while getting in and out of the tub. Again make sure everything is stable so you don't end up falling and getting hurt. A folding chair can also be helpful for transferring into and out of the bathtub, depending on how much mobility you have. If you can afford things to aid with the tub/shower, you have options like grab bars, shower chairs, and handles that clamp to the side of the tub. Stop reading here, hashtags below. . . . . . . #youarenotalone #sickbuthappy #disabledwoman #youarenotyourillness #chronicillnessandme #neurologicaldisorder #carryonwarrior #fightlikeawarrior #chronicillnesswarriors #lifeishardsometimes #itllbeokay #livingwithchronicillness #fibrofighter #fnd #functionalneurologicaldisorder #spooniestrong #chronicillnesswarrior #disabilitysupport #spooniehope #chronichope #chronicallyillwarrior #chronicfatiguefighter #chronicfatiguewarrior #restandrecovery #sickofbeingsick #disabledlife (at Carson, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiMGjpHL7GA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Doctor: "Okay, I'm faxing the prescription to your pharmacy now."

Pharmacy: "We have no idea what you're talking about, call your doctor."

Doctor's Office: "We will leave a note with your provider."

*Days pass*

Doctor's Office: "We faxed the prescription already."

Pharmacy: "What prescription? Call your provider." 

Doctor's Office: "Call your pharmacy again."

Pharmacy: "We have the prescription and it will be ready tomorrow."

*It's tomorrow*

Pharmacy: "We will have it ready by 10am."

And I still don't have my medication. This is the life I live, running in circles doing the job of every cog in the rusty, broke down wheel of "healthcare." I am exhausted. And knowing it won't change, makes me very sad. Welcome to poverty in America. I know my fellow chronically ill humans can relate to this nonsense.

I was hospitalized twice mid December into early January with a week between hospitalizations because I had a gastroparesis and cyclic vomiting syndrome flare. When this happens I can't stop vomiting and can't eat or drink anything. Nothing helps other than being hospitalized and sedated for about a week so im not throwing up. I hadn't had an attack since 2019, but had run out of crucial medication so wound up having another attack. #gastroparesis #gastroparesissucks #gastroparesisawareness #gastroparesiswarrior #cylicvomiting #cylicvomitingsyndrome #vomiting #chronicnausea #chronicillnesswarrior #chronicillnessawareness #chronicillnesslife #chronicillnesscommunity #chronicillnessandme #chronicillnessproblems #chronicillnesswarriors #chronicillnessfighter #chronicallyill #chronicallysick #hospitalized #hospitalization #chronicallyillartist #chronicallyillwarrior #illness #invisibleillnesses #illnesssucks #livingwithchronicillness #livingwithgastroparesis #livingwithillness (at Waukesha, Wisconsin) https://www.instagram.com/amberanndesigns/p/CYzPAk-rQHT/?utm_medium=tumblr

I woke up feeling horrible today. Physically, mentally and spiritually. I just don’t have the energy today to pretend like I’m not devastated by these health conditions. The hardest part is that I’m being attacked by all angles. Physically by the #ankylosingspondylitis and #potssyndrome and mentally by the #ptsd. I’m grieving the person I was before getting sick. I’m grieving the fact I’m not physically able to do much of anything. I’m grieving the loss of all of it. Besides being a #youngwidow this is the hardest challenge of my life. I had so much hope for my life, now I’m faking smiles and faking being interested in the things that used to interest me before my world crashed. I do realize everyone has bad days and that I get another chance tomorrow to have a good day, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t killing me to the core. Thank you to @positively_chronic for the words to explain how I’m feeling today. Tomorrow I will try again, and in that lies my strength, but I’m honoring my feelings for today. . . Follow me @khronikallykarly . . . . #khronikallykarly #grief #thegrievingprocess #fightingformylife #fightingformyhealth #chronicallyill #chronicillness #chronicillnesswarrior #chronicpainawareness #ptsd #ptsdsurvivor #potssyndrome #potssyndromeawareness #ankylosingspondylitiswarrior #ankylosingspondylitisawareness #positivelychronic #grievingmyhealth #youngwidowsclub #chronicillnessmemes #depressionkills #feelingalone #posturalorthostatictachycardiasyndrome #tachycardiaproblems #fakeittillyoumakeit #lifequotes #chronicpainsucks #depressionawareness #chronicallyillwarrior (at Alvin, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7UShxKgR2Z/?igshid=ra1xte5iu0jv

#hairgrowth #biotin #ageisjustnumber #chronicallyillmom #chronicallyillwarrior #spoonie (at Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEaLmQwA1kn/?igshid=1ldcjwznqg8rq

My $8,000.00 chemotherapy time. 😑 My battle gear: 🎧 Headphones by @bose 🦅Hawk t-shirt by @beaksandtalons 💍Athena ring by @greekgoddessjewelry #spoonies #strongaf #autoimmunedisease #warriorwoman #chronicallyillwarrior #crohns #spoonie #paintudes #autoimmune #rheumatoidarthritis #infusion #autoimmunewarrior #paintudes #spoonielife #chronicallyillartist #chemotherapytreatmeat #hospitalselfie #bohemianjewelry #autoimmuneprotocol #hospitals #chronicallyillstudent #falconer #chemotherapysideeffects #chemotherapy #HS #spoonieproblems #chemotherapysucks #chronicallyill #spooniestrong www.hannahcrazyhawk.com (at Oregon Medical group, Infusion Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLVFe80l3f3/?igshid=zuizflcq2xa2

Skål. I've successfully completed another orbit around our local star. It's been a rough day. I had kind friends drop off some good food. I'm so, so lonely. Last night I dropped a full 40oz. @HydroFlask on edge, on the top of my foot/toes. I couldn't figure out all night and day today why it felt like my foot was being crushed. I exist in a high state of perpetual pain - so I forgot. 🤕 The top of my foot/toes are broken. It's been a rough birthday and I'm smiling to make everyone feel better - the true Eccedentesiast. The chronically ill are masters of disguise. This is how we survive, most people can't handle/understand (or don't want to) hear the harsh reality of our daily suffering. And yes, someone told me that I was too beautiful to be in so much pain. Yes, true facts. 🤦‍♀️ #spoonies #strongaf #autoimmunedisease #warriorwoman #chronicallyillwarrior #crohns #spoonie #paintudes #autoimmune #rheumatoidarthritis #suicideawarness #autoimmunewarrior #paintudes #spoonielife #chronicallyillartist #chemotherapytreatmeat #quantumphysics #autoimmuneprotocol #hearingimpaired #suicidial #chronicallyillstudent #menieresdisease #chemotherapysideeffects #chemotherapy #HS #spoonieproblems #dying #chemotherapysucks #chronicallyill #spooniestrong #bluelightglasses www.hannahcrazyhawk.com (at Eugene, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/COCCmrllnJT/?igshid=10gufwy5szubk

Endurance. #spoonies #strongaf #autoimmunedisease #infusion #chronicallyillwarrior #crohns #spoonie #paintudes #autoimmune #rheumatoidarthritis #infusiontherapy #autoimmunewarrior #paintudes #spoonielife #chronicallyillartist #chemotherapytreatmeat #hospitalselfie #bohemianjewelry #autoimmuneprotocol #hospitals #chronicallyillstudent #sadness #chemotherapysideeffects #chemotherapy #aloneforever #spoonieproblems #chemotherapysucks #chronicallyill #spooniestrong www.hannahcrazyhawk.com (at Regional Infusion Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNs3-XAF8Ae/?igshid=t0mvhx0rqigm

What you see: a woman smiling. Reality: a dying woman in excruciating pain in light blocking glasses who is only dressed well from her chemotherapy appointment. The chronically ill are masters of disguise. This is how we survive, most people can't handle/understand (or don't want to) hearing the harsh reality of our daily suffering. These blue light blocking glasses do help with my indoor photosensitivity. I would highly recommend them to anyone. @theraspecs #spoonies #strongaf #autoimmunedisease #warriorwoman #chronicallyillwarrior #crohns #spoonie #paintudes #autoimmune #rheumatoidarthritis #infusion #autoimmunewarrior #paintudes #spoonielife #chronicallyillartist #chemotherapytreatmeat #bohemianjewelry #autoimmuneprotocol #hearingimpaired #chronicallyillstudent #menieresdisease #chemotherapysideeffects #chemotherapy #HS #spoonieproblems #dying #chemotherapysucks #chronicallyill #spooniestrong #bluelightglasses www.hannahcrazyhawk.com (at Eugene, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNNasqcFZQ9/?igshid=1b3jizlvrxw07

"But you don't look sick!" 🤨 Yes, I dressed up for chemo yesterday. It helped me feel strong, beautiful, and courageous. And it was the first place I've gone in months. #chemotherapysucks #chemotherapytreatmeat #chemotherapysideeffects #bohemianjewelry #spoonielife #chronicallyillwarrior #autoimmunedisease #bohemiandecor #selfieofday #spoonieproblems #autoimmunewarrior #spooniestrong #chronicallyillstudent #spoonie #makeupaddict #makeupartist #autoimmune #makeuptutorial #queerpride #bohemianrhapsody #makeup #sephorahaul #spoonies #chronicallyillartist #chemotherapy #chronicallyill #bohemianstyle #bohemian #spooniewarrior www.hannahcrazyhawk.com (at Eugene, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEup6FllW78/?igshid=jk7cts0qrurs

I do believe my mask and earrings are a match made in heaven. It's chemo time. 🦋 😷 🦋 #spoonies #strongaf #autoimmunedisease #maskssavelives #chronicallyillwarrior #crohns #spoonie #maskup #autoimmune #rheumatoidarthritis #infusion #autoimmunewarrior #paintudes #spoonielife #chronicallyillartist #chemotherapytreatmeat #hospitalselfie #monarchbutterfly #autoimmuneprotocol #hospitals #chronicallyillstudent #etsyfind #chemotherapysideeffects #chemotherapy #butterflyearrings #spoonieproblems #chemotherapysucks #chronicallyill #spooniestrong www.hannahcrazyhawk.com (at Oregon Medical group, Infusion Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGS1tFtlD1L/?igshid=1rdi8pnhg24je

Despite it all, this new chemo cap from @hellocourage is beautiful, soft, and cozy. And it helps me feel pretty - for the first time in months. 🌹 #spoonies #strongaf #autoimmunedisease #braintumor #chronicallyillwarrior #crohns #spoonie #strength #autoimmune #rheumatoidarthritis #infusion #autoimmunewarrior #paintudes #spoonielife #chronicallyillartist #chemotherapytreatmeat #kidneydiseasesucks #photolab #autoimmuneprotocol #bluelightglasses #chronicallyillstudent #spooniestrong #chemotherapysideeffects #chemotherapy #sickandtiredofbeingsickandtired #spoonieproblems #chemotherapysucks #chronicallyill #mecfs #1950sfashion www.hannahcrazyhawk.com (at Eugene, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKnfLESF91X/?igshid=k1opcdma5sxo

When the infusions suck just as much as all of the illnesses. 😔 #spoonies #strongaf #autoimmunedisease #infusion #chronicallyillwarrior #crohns #spoonie #paintudes #autoimmune #rheumatoidarthritis #infusiontherapy #autoimmunewarrior #paintudes #spoonielife #chronicallyillartist #chemotherapytreatmeat #hospitalselfie #bohemianjewelry #autoimmuneprotocol #hospitals #chronicallyillstudent #sadness #chemotherapysideeffects #chemotherapy #aloneforever #spoonieproblems #chemotherapysucks #chronicallyill #spooniestrong www.hannahcrazyhawk.com (at The Regional Infusion Center SH hospital) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIPP01bl8h9/?igshid=t39g5bvf8pqh

The Chemo life. These infusion nurses always get the vein on the first time! ✌ #spoonies #strongaf #autoimmunedisease #strengthtraining #chronicallyillwarrior #crohns #spoonie #strength #autoimmune #rheumatoidarthritis #infusion #autoimmunewarrior #paintudes #spoonielife #chronicallyillartist #chemotherapytreatmeat #hospitalselfie #bohemianjewelry #autoimmuneprotocol #hospitals #chronicallyillstudent #peacesign #chemotherapysideeffects #chemotherapy #HS #spoonieproblems #chemotherapysucks #chronicallyill #spooniestrong www.hannahcrazyhawk.com (at Oregon Medical group, Infusion Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFKuuJMFr26/?igshid=8mzle00ubn5g

My Chemo cap from @chemokits. What a wonderful gift and I couldn't have asked for a better day to receive it. I love how soft, comfortable, and cute it is. 💓 #spoonies #strongaf #autoimmunedisease #braintumor #chronicallyillwarrior #crohns #spoonie #strength #autoimmune #rheumatoidarthritis #infusion #autoimmunewarrior #paintudes #spoonielife #chronicallyillartist #chemotherapytreatmeat #challahbread #chemokits #autoimmuneprotocol #pjsallday #chronicallyillstudent #wristtattoo #chemotherapysideeffects #chemotherapy #sickandtiredofbeingsickandtired #spoonieproblems #chemotherapysucks #chronicallyill #spooniestrong www.hannahcrazyhawk.com (at Eugene, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHHN28nFQ20/?igshid=1s29gm3nuc2wo