Columns

When someone is hurting or struggling, we may find ourselves wanting to have all the answers for them. We may jump to offering solutions and making assumptions about what’s needed, but that isn’t always the best approach. Other times we may back off because we don’t know what to say…

Michael Corleone is a central figure in “The Godfather” film trilogy, played by Al Pacino. In the third film of the series, he refers to a life of crime when he declares, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” So what does this have to…

College is stressful, but adding a chronic disease to the mix can make taking classes even harder. I didn’t realize it at the time, but at some point during my interpreter training program for English and American Sign Language, from 2017 to 2019, a pituitary tumor caused me to…

March Madness is the time of year for sports fans and nonsports fans to get together and watch the magic take place. Pools are created at work, some with small, friendly wagers and others with a more hefty prize for the winner. As for the basketball tournament itself, this is…

Navigating the medical system can be extremely time-consuming and stressful, as it often involves significant coordination and planning. It’s especially difficult when you’re struggling with the symptoms you’re seeking help for. When I first saw a neuroendocrinologist for the symptoms I now know were caused by Cushing’s disease, I…

There came a time on this journey with Cushing’s disease when I became exhausted both mentally and physically. Yes, I was tired of having to deal with the symptoms, but I’m talking about constantly going to doctors’ appointments, getting MRIs (with the dye contrast), and having bloodwork…

Have you ever wanted to just tear all the fat off your body? Have you grown tired of the weight it bears on your self-esteem, and how every day it becomes harder to lift a foot and plant it in front of the other? What about being so frustrated from…

Surviving a life-threatening event or other trauma can create guilt, even when others who’ve been through similar trauma may not have the same result. This condition is known as survivor’s guilt, and it’s an important mental health concern. A question related to this from an audience member during a…

When my Cushing’s symptoms first appeared, I thought they were due to a virus and I’d only be out of commission for about a week. When a week turned into several months, I began to wonder if something else was going on. I thought that maybe the symptoms were due…

Last week during a panel discussion, fellow columnist Claire Richmond, who writes for Porphyria News, talked about the effects of medical post-traumatic stress disorder. It took me some time, but I eventually realized that it was something I had suffered from, too. After reflecting on my own journey,…