chronic-and-visible
That feeling when one shoulder blade just POPs out of place
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Scoliosis problem #52
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Music and Identity
I have a sarcastic, and sometimes dark, humor when it comes to my life experiences. In high school I was going through typical teenage woes: puberty, new school, etc. – along with the added layer of a new diagnosis, new treatment plan, new medical accessories, and nursing care.
Part of the treatment plan involved blood work every 6 months or so, which involved overnight stays in the ICU because they needed to put in an arterial line. Not including the blood-gas-sleepovers, the first three of my four years in high school I was admitted a number of times varying from 2 weeks to 2 months. When I wasn’t in the hospital it still felt like I was because of my at-home nursing care.
Around the time of all this, My Chemical Romance (MCR) released their album “Welcome to the Black Parade.” My best friend had already turned me on to them but this album touched me in a way that I couldn’t explain; much like Linkin Park’s “Meteora” had in middle school. After I listened to MCR’s song “Blood” I quickly dubbed it my personal them song.
To this day MCR is my go-to band to listen to and “Blood” still makes me giddy inside.
Below is a fan-made video that I found while looking up the music video above. I thought it fit the song (and what I’m writing about) so well that I decided to add it in here.
**WARNING: The video “Blood (animated)” might be too graphic/triggering for some people.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Apartment, Doctors, and Car Mirrors
Since January there have been some changes in my life – thankfully all good.
New Abode:
My boyfriend and I recently moved into a new apartment and are renting from my mom. Its a permanent place and we have the freedom to renovate and truly make it our own. I’ve been blessed to have accommodating land lords since moving out of my parent’s house – since our lease wasn’t up till June we ended up breaking our contract about five months early. We let our land lord know in December about the potential move, we agreed to forfeit our deposit in exchange for not being charged the lost rent, and we spent February moving stuff into the new place. By the end of the month every muscle in my body hurt – my knots had knots. My boyfriend found it funny because compared to everyone else I hadn’t done much bull-work, yet I was hurting like I had.
Doctor Visits:
Between the holidays and moving I almost didn’t get the blood tests done in time for my doctor’s appointment. But I did it! The bone age test, though, had completely left my mind. Luckily her and I had enough to talk about at the visit. We went over the blood work – everything’s good. I have a decent Vitamin D deficiency but that’s because of where I live. Boyfriend and I were joking that if I’m that low he’s probably in the negatives; I’m the one who enjoys the sun while he’s a creature of darkness. Needless to say I have a prescription for Vitamin D now.
An awesome revelation that I learned while there is that she has access to all of my surgical records dating back to the day I was born! I actually got to read the notes for my first ever surgery which was mind boggling. We learned that I don’t have to worry about my appendix because its already been removed and the steps they took in correcting my birth defect – the idea that they were able to safely remove all the organs, clean, inspect, and then put back into a tiny preemie just blows my mind.
Car Mirror vs Garage:
With the new apartment comes a garage. My dream (since getting my license) came true! It also means I have things to learn. My driveway growing up was around 30 ft long, but it had two parking areas that allowed me to turn around so I didn’t have to back out, and both of my apartments had parking spots not really driveways. We have a driveway now that’s the length of the house and I’m learning how to keep from driving onto the grass or into the house. Also pulling out of the garage and around other cars without busting my mirror off. Been there, done that.
Thankfully I was able to find a new one online within my budget, and with my dad, I learned how to put it on. YouTube videos and team work!
Until next time,
– Courtney
Monday, March 20, 2017
This isn't the 1st time I've heard a story like this 😒 #disabilityrights http://wgrz.com/news/local/man...
Friday, March 17, 2017
Day in the Life: 03/16/17
Today started out well until I decided to vacuum, then apparently my lungs decided to take a break. I’ve been lethargic and wearing my medical O2 since.
My favorite part about having low O2 is the impaired cognition! (fun!) I’ve been bumping into things, almost spilled my water at dinner via restaurant menu, and knocked a couple packs off the shelf while doing groceries. Talking to people has be interesting, between processing slower than I normally would and having difficulty stringing words together correctly. I’m glad to be back home where I can get comfy with my oxygen bottle.
If it wasn’t for having the shopping cart with us, it was one of those days that my boyfriend would have just picked me up and carried me to the car, cause I was walking that slow XD
Until next time,
– Courtney
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Low oxygen made mine and my boyfriends outing interesting for me. https://medinheritance.wordpress.com/2017/03/17/day-in-the-life-031617/
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
After a long hiatus & secretly deleting it, my blog has been relaunched. Look out for upcoming posts! https://medinheritance.wordpress.com/2017/03/15/im-back/
Monday, March 13, 2017
To help people on scene who have #mentalillness, local police officers are getting extra training http://wkbw.com/am-buffalo/the-crisis-services-team-cit #MentalHealth
Thursday, March 09, 2017
After insurance my monthly bill is $600-$1000. Without #Medicaid I wouldn't be able to afford it. #chroniclife
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W/out my vent my body would slowly poison myself to death in 1-2 years. Almost happened in middle/high school #chroniclife
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W/out supplemental oxygen my ability to function both physically & cognitively becomes limited #chroniclife
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I feel like I pay rent for my own life. W/out insurance + gov assistance I can't afford to live in my body #chroniclife
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My twisted sense of humor pictures the Grim Reaper collecting the payment: "You did good. See you next month" #chroniclife
Saturday, January 21, 2017
You know your a professional patient when you spout out medical terms like "infantile scoliosis" like its nothing >.>
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And then get a weird look from people for it because it was unneeded -_-
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Could have just said "scoliosis" but word vomit ... oh well, live and learn.
