Don't you hate when you want a group photo and can't find anyone to take the picture? Or when your own hands shake so much that you get back from vacation with only blurry pictures?

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Many of us fight fatigue inducing diseases and get tired very easily. I know I find myself looking all around for a chair, often at the most "difficult" times. When shopping in the mall, grocery shopping or even when an errand
itself involves walking far distances, I often find myself wishing I could just sit and rest for a few minutes.

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Many people who face neurological disabilities, including the elderly and children, have trouble feeling when the temperature of water is too hot. Recently, I have (minimally) burnt myself, not realizing how hot the bath tub water was and so I was recommended to try an "anti-scald" device on my shower head/ faucet.

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The sofa was squashy, just the way I like it, ‘comfort before price’ was always my motto. Yet, all I could think about was the price of the sofa set----the set that we truly desired. “Nicole this is it” my husband said with a childish grin on his face. I forced a smile as my mind became fixated with the price tag. I wanted the sofa set---I really did---The sofa set would go deep into our pockets and hold us captive for over two months, as a short medical leave turned into long-term disability leave.

Continue reading "Chronic Illness Doesn’t Care!!! Memoir of Coping with Disability" »

I found this product while searching the Internet on a great site called perpetual kid.com. I wasn't looking for something that would help my day to day living, but I found one. It serves as a lesson to always "keep your eye out" for items that can be useful and make life a little easier. You may need to get creative, or try to use products differently then they were intended, but if it works? Great.

Continue reading "Product Review: Twist & Spout Pouring Handles" »

By Daniel J. Vance, synicated columnist

Continue reading "Media: Print "DISABILITIES" (Week #183) "LUPUS OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD" March/ 06" »

During my most recent hospital visit, I was bored out of my mind. I wanted to read magazines or books, but soon realized that I couldn't hold the book up high or steady enough to read comfortably. This was especially difficult
while I was lying down in bed or resting in a chair.

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This is another one of those little gadgets that can make a big difference in your daily life. Anything that can help you function easier and become more independent is a product worth trying.

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I was diagnosed with SLE in my teens, long before I'd become sexually active. When sex became a part of my identity, instead of being a glorious whirlwind of sloppy kisses and knock-your-socks off orgasms, I viewed it as
yet another physical activity, I had to worry about! My bones popped so often, my husband and I joked that I had the ability to make love and make music at the same time. My toes and legs would stiffen from the uncontrollable muscle spasms; and forget about spontaneity, I could be exhausted one minute and achy the next.

Continue reading "Breaking the Ice on Sex, Intimacy & Chronic Illness" »

Author: Elie Wiesel

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Author: Richard Kluger

Continue reading "Book Review: The Sheriff of Nottingham" »

My daughter Christine has a tee shirt with the above logo emblazened on it, and I have always disliked the crudeness of that phrase. Every time she wore that shirt I would wince and tell her how I hated that expression, but she would just laugh and smile an all knowing Mona Lisa smile. Well she has finally won me over to the dark side.

Continue reading "Lupus Sucks!" »

I mentioned to my daughter that I found it hard to fall asleep and to relax after a very busy day commuting to the city and teaching four year olds. She asked me to try a guided meditation CD called Restful Sleep, Healing Sleep by Dr. Carol Robin. Previously, I've tried an alarm clock with the sounds of the ocean and I found that helpful, so I thought I would give this CD a try.

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All you need is a DROPP!! A Dissolvable, Ready-to-use, Organic, Premeasured Packet. Each DROPP contains enough concentrated detergent to gently clean an entire load of heavily soiled laundry. The pouch dissolves completely in the washer, releasing great cleaning power.

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I have used heating pads of all shapes, sizes and quality. I consider myself a little "mini expert" on the topic of keeping warm. I use heating pads as a part of my daily routine for many reasons including; pain relief, relaxation,
and just plain keeping warm. I've even put a microwave in my bedroom to make it easier to use heating pads in the middle of the night, or right before bed.

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