Life With a Rare Disease: How the Little Things Add UpI wrote about this topic 10 years ago, and while I forgot I had written about it, it's something I've been talking about lately as I've been struggling with this...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Community Views: Navigating the ER as a Rare Disease WarriorLiving with a rare disease creates obstacles to healthcare. Specialist doctors understand rare diseases best. But sometimes, you need emergency care. And most doctors in the emergency room (ER) are...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The 2024 Social Health Awards ProgramEditorial Note: Nominations for 2024 are now closed. We are very excited to announce the launch of the 2024 Social Health Awards program! The Social Health Awards is an awards...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Power of the Words We Tell OurselvesI didn't fully realize how much my physical health impacted my mental health until recently. Sure, I know I've struggled with depression, anxiety, and anger as part of my medical...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Finally Diagnosed... Now What?A rare disease is one that affects less than 200,000 people. Rare conditions are hard to diagnose because not much is known about them. A survey by the National Organization...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
SSI and Medicaid: Moving to a Place Based on Healthcare"What do you mean I'm not eligible for Medicare?" I groan into the phone. "I'm on Social Security, aren't I?" At this point, the Social Security agent kindly explained to...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Setting Boundaries: What Self-care Looks LikeWhile I started my medical journey when I was 8, it has taken nearly 30 years to understand the relationship between setting boundaries and one's well-being. I spent most of...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
A Journey to My Authentic SelfI have always strived to see the silver linings or the good in every situation. My immune deficiency diagnosis of hyper IgE syndrome came from a near-death experience. I was...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Zebras Can’t Be Tamed: Coexisting With a Rare DiseaseZebras are part of the equine family, but they have never been truly domesticated. While they are kept in zoos, wild animal parks, and safaris, they have never let themselves...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My Multidisciplinary Care Team: Why I Love My Hemophilia Treatment CenterI used to hate any type of doctor's appointment. Having been born with hemophilia, many of my earliest trips to the hospital resulted from a nosebleed or some type of...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Asking for Help and Applying for DisabilityEditor's Note: This article was written by Halimat Olaniyan and originally appeared on our partner site Sickle-Cell.com. I’m not very good at asking for help when I’m sick. It’s ironic...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What a Caregiver Means to MeI talked with an old friend from high school who just found out he has a rare disease about how much our partners and caregivers mean to us. First, we...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Children and Rare Diseases: Tips for Navigating Emergency CareWhen your child lives with a rare disease, you expect to make regular visits to the doctor for care. But sometimes the unexpected happens, which could mean a trip to...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What to Expect During a Disability Hearing (In America)My phone buzzed angrily. It was 20 minutes after the hour, and I’d been scrambling about frantically. I was searching for documents from Social Security that might explain what to...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Applying for Disability WebinarApplying for disability benefits can seem like an overwhelming ordeal. Coping with a rare disease can make the process feel even more stressful. There are forms to complete, questions to...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Grieving Loss in the Rare Disease CommunityRare disease communities provide a unique and much-needed benefit to their members. For many of us, it's through these communities that we connect with others with our same rare disease...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
5 Tips for Practicing Self-Care With a Rare DiseaseAs a person continuously navigating life with multiple chronic illnesses, self-care is an interesting concept for me. How I wish that a day at the spa could wash away my...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Keeping Your Medical Records OrganizedKeeping track of your medical records is essential for your health, especially when you or your child has a rare disease. With organized medical records, you can track changes and...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Terms to Know When You Have Adult-Onset Still’s DiseaseEven if you have lived with adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) for years, new terms can come up often. Whether you are new to the AOSD world or wanting to understand...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Surprise! It's Rare Disease Day!It's that special day of the year again. You know the one. The day when all of your friends bestow many a gift and regale you with all the knowledge...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments