I spent 2014 in an acute state of fear. Yeah, I know that seems hyperbolic, but I was quite terrified. The chronic pain I had been experiencing from the neuropathy of fibromyalgia had levelled up to a state where it felt like someone had injected several areas of my body with burning hot, vibrating curling … Continue reading
Editor’s note: This is K.W. Ramsey’s debut post with the Spoonie Authors Network. Welcome to the family! Until a couple years ago, I’d never heard the word ableism, never mind examining how I might have internalized it in myself. You see, I was born in the ’70s, when the idea of being disabled was anathema, … Continue reading
So, today, I decided enough was enough—I was doing the dishes. We have a dishwasher, so you would think it would be a breeze. Unfortunately, my particular injury makes bending painful, especially that halfway bend to load something above floor level. Then, in my infinite wisdom, I decided not to stop part-way through for a … Continue reading
Most of my health problems have been with me since childhood. I was diagnosed with a learning disability at eight years old. I acquired insomnia, anxiety, depression, and PTSD in my prepubescent years. I developed a repetitive strain injury at fifteen. Yet it was not until last year that I really felt comfortable claiming the … Continue reading
Welcome to our first series of 2020: Internalized Ableism. In the upcoming weeks, a SpAN contributor will share about how ingesting ableist narratives has affected their life. So, a general content note about this series is that it includes themes of internalized and externalized ableism. For decades, I’ve managed some type of chronic pain. I … Continue reading
I use a mobility device. I’m on the autism spectrum. I manage mental illness, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue. I’m the creator of the Spoonies Authors Network and co-editor of the Nothing Without Us anthology. A huge part of my existence is now about promoting the works and voices of disabled/Deaf/neurodiverse folks and those who … Continue reading
I’m sure many of you will read that title and think: One too many cupcakes, Cait? Is all that sugar affecting your perception? Nope. It’s true. My first entry into feeling in community with a disabled person was when I bonded with Noola Quirk from Life in the ’Cosm. Okay, yeah, I know it seems … Continue reading
It’s just aches and pains; I’m not a real spoonie. That’s what my brain tells me and has been telling me for the past five years. I was first diagnosed at 30 years old with mild Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in the joints of my big toes. At the time, it felt like I had dislocated … Continue reading
Disclaimer: The following article is based on Laurie’s personal experiences with managing chronic pain. Always consult your own medical professionals to ensure you’re getting the best advice for you! Don’t get me wrong, summer is my favourite season. Usually. It’s hot, so the cold doesn’t make my bones ache. It’s dry, so the damp doesn’t … Continue reading
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