The other day I was easily preparing dinner in the kitchen for my children and my sister and her children. My five year old nephew was sitting at the table very anxiously awaiting our chicken fettuccine meal and assuring me that this was going to be a very good dinner. He was clearly excited. I was enjoying putting together a meal and was amazed at how effortless it seemed. However, having Fibromyalgia this isn't always the case. I began to think about different ways I organize and plan meals so that on the days I am not feeling like dinner is an effortless task, I can still pull together a decent meal.

Continue reading "Tips on Meal Planning with Fibromyalgia " »

Managing a business is difficult, but adding in chronic pain, it can seem impossible. Every business and their demands will vary, however, incorporating some of these tips may help decrease symptoms and increase your profits.

Continue reading "Chronic Pain and Managing a Business" »

September is "Get Better Get Well Gifts" month at ButYouDontLookSick.com! Let us help you find that perfect gift!

When kids are sick or in the hospital, what is a good gift? Flowers aren't really appreciated by a 4 year old, and cards aren't that great if you can't read. We found some perfect get well gift ideas for any children in your life, who might need some extra love. Below we have listed some new get well gift ideas for kids.

Continue reading "6 Great New Get Well Gift Ideas for Kids" »

September is "Get Better Get Well Gifts" month at ButYouDontLookSick.com! Let us help you find that perfect gift!

They say that the fastest way to the heart is through the stomach! As long as the patient does not have any dietary restrictions (check first), then these gifts will be sure to be a hit! Snacks are the perfect get well gift, because they can be shared with company. Many times when the patient has visitors, they have nothing to offer so they can feel like a good host. When you send food gifts, they can choose to keep them for themselves or share. Also it is nice to have a “treat” that you might not normally eat. It is fun to try new foods and to indulge a bit, especially if you don’t feel well. Here are 8 new yummy ideas to choose from.

Continue reading "Product Reviews: 8 Yummy Get Well Gifts" »

You do not need to spend a lot of money. You can be thoughtful in so many ways. The point is to do something, and do something today. I have listed below 36 easy ideas that anyone would appreciate. Sometimes it is hard for a patient to ask for help. Just do it!

The hardest thing about chronic disease is that is is chronic. I had a friend who had a really bad flu and she received flowers that very week. With me – since I am sick all the time… I get nothing. Am I any less sick, sad, frustrated, lonely, or bored. NO, I need your love and support now more than ever. When everyone else forgets that I am still in this struggle with my illness….. please remember. It didn’t go away, I didn’t forget. I need you to be my friend.

Continue reading "36 Easy things that you can do to make the life of your chronically ill friend a bit better. " »

In 1990 the Federal Government passed a law called the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Act essentially “forced” any business that dealt with the public, to provide that public access to be able to purchase their product. The understanding of the law is that once you start sell something to the public is means all the public. Common interpretation calls this as being wheel chair accessible, and that’s the most obvious. But the law also provides for people who have challenges walking, talking, and seeing and so on. In short, if the business expects to make money off the public, than it must provide access to all of that public. In general that’s the tone, anything else is an exception and it could be open to future debate and fines.

Continue reading "Photo Essay: Americans with Disabilities Act: Accessibility for ALL" »

By Shobha S. Krishnan, M.D., Author of The HPV Vaccine Controversy

Over the past two years, the O-N-E L-E-S-S campaign for Gardasil, the new HPV vaccine to protect against cervical cancer, has brought discussion about the human papilloma virus to the forefront, shining new light not only on the vaccine itself, but also on the issues that surround it.

Continue reading "HPV Vaccine And Cervical Cancer: Is it worth vaccinating?" »

My "Waiting Bag"- Since I unfortunately spend alot of time in doctors' waiting rooms, I quickly learned to make the most of this seemingly wasted time.

Continue reading "What to Do When You Are Waiting to See The Doctor" »

This month we had a contest and asked some of our readers, members and volunteers to write a creative peice about What has BYDLS and "the spoon theory" meant to you?

The short essay was written by one of our readers.

Continue reading "Poetry: The Spoonie Career" »

This month we had a contest and asked some of our readers, members and volunteers to write a creative peice about What has BYDLS and "the spoon theory" meant to you? The short essay below was written by one of our readers/members. Her name is Janet Leah Noles. Thank you for sending this in.

Continue reading "Contest Essay: Face in the Mirror" »

There I was, pregnant in Germany with no family, friends or even an unpacked house. My husband was in Kosovo on a peacekeeping tour for 6 months and my flares got worse and worse. I was having Braxton-Hicks already in my second month and even when my husband did come home he was of limited use at best. How did I get through pregnancy and that first year? Not just luck! I had some of the best products and knowledge at my disposal. Here are my Top Picks for both pregnancy and then the first year! Twenty products and tips you cannot live without and why!

Continue reading "Products for an Invisibly-Ill Pregnancy and First Year" »

Seeing the doctor is rarely what i would call fun. You are usually there because you don't feel well and you usually fall into the following categories: Having a diasnosis you thought you had walking into a door- and possibly seeing a new doctor for a 2nd opinion, or a treatment/ investigation of some new symtoms, or your usual treament isn't helping- and you are feeling worse.Being organized might be the best way to help yourself when seeing the doctor about your diagnosis or future treatment.

Nobody likes waiting, especially when you're not feeling well. Patients would rather be elsewhere, and contrary to popular belief, physicians do not like to keep patients waiting. Instead of spending time in the waiting room counting the minutes, you may be able to better use the time by preparing for the doctor visit.

Continue reading "Preparing for a Doctors Visit" »

This month we had a contest and asked some of our readers, members and volunteers to write a creative peice about What has BYDLS and "the spoon theory" meant to you?

The short essay was written by Stefanie Leale, one of our readers, writers and a huge help around BYDLS!!!

Continue reading "" »

Have a young man who isn’t reading like he should? This might be the book for him! These short stories are about sports, mostly with boys, but a few girls involved also. No one is a spectacular star, but they try hard, persist in their efforts and accomplish at least part of their goals.

Authors are: Joseph Bruchac, Lynea Bowdish, David Lubar, Terry Trueman, C S Perryess, Dorian Cirrone, Jamie McEwan, Max Elliot Anderson, and Peggy Duffy.

Each story has a subtle lesson. They are written for ages 10 and up. And they read up quickly and you can identify with the lead character.

Continue reading "Book Review: Lay-ups and Long Shots – an Anthology" »

This month we had a contest and asked some of our readers, members and volunteers to write a creative peice about What has BYDLS and "the spoon theory" meant to you?

Sharon Onyett ("Shazinoz", her bydls.com message board name) submitted this poem.

Continue reading "Contest Entry: Poetry "Please Don't..."" »

Being the frequent recipient of get-well cards as well as sender, I can well appreciate the efforts of the senders. I realize how challenging it can be to say exactly what you mean to say and evoke the proper response from the one you’re sending it to. I think it’s even more challenging to write a well-termed note to someone enduring chronic ailments since “get better soon” really isn’t going to be the reality.

Continue reading "A Few Tips on How to Write Great Get-Well Notes" »

This month we had a contest and asked some of our readers, members and volunteers to write a creative peice about What has BYDLS and "the spoon theory" meant to you?

This is a VIDEO entry by our friend from Canada - LA Gozzard, also known as ghdcanada on the bydls.com message boards! She is so creative and all her videos are always so good! She is a huge supporter of our site and we thank her so much for submitting this video!

Continue reading "Contest Winner: But You Don't Look Sick Video" »

Looking for a unique get well gift? Have you made a rule to not let Lupus get you down? How about a Tee shirt that reads ‘I am Stronger than Lupus!’? Looking for the right thing to say to those who tell you that you are always tired? We think a T-shirt that says ‘I am Too Tired To Argue With You’ or ‘I am Not Lazy, I have Fibromyalgia. What is your excuse?’ will get them to politely keep their comments to themselves! For these items and more look no further then the Butyoudontlooksick.com online store. Offering New apparel and merchandise designs with a twist, the ButYouDontLookSick.com online store will bring a smile to any patient suffering from Lupus, Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, or Arthritis, to name a few.

Continue reading "Get Well Gifts from The ButYouDontLookSick.com Store" »

It was in 1997 that my insomnia started, combined with an annoying twitching in my feet whenever I did manage to get to sleep. The symptoms were for the most part dismissed by doctors. It wasn't until I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 1999, that I realized I had a potentially life-threatening problem and began to research sleep disorders. That's when I found this book.

Continue reading "Book Review: "The Promise of Sleep: A pioneer in sleep medicine explores the vital connection between health, happiness, and a good night's sleep"" »

September is "Get Better, Get Well Gifts" month at ButYouDontLookSick.com! Let us help you find that perfect gift!

Sometimes the best way to cheer someone up, who is not feeling well, is to help them forget about their illness for a short while and think of something else. I like board games because for a good hour you are thinking of winning a game and you are able to get distracted from whatever cold, medical environment you are in to think about the game you are playing. A little friendly competition brings out the spirited “fighter” in anyone and a few laughs can’t hurt either. For those of you, who are bored with the usual board games, check out some of these games that we had never heard of before! They are fun and will be more unique then Monopoly or dominoes!

Continue reading "Get Well Gift Guide: Board Game Edition" »

This month we had a contest and asked some of our readers, members and volunteers to write a creative peice about What has BYDLS and "the spoon theory" meant to you?

This entry is by Sheila Talley

Continue reading "Contest Entry: Thanks For The Spoons! " »

This month we had a contest and asked some of our readers, members and volunteers to write a creative peice about What has BYDLS and "the spoon theory" meant to you?

The short essay was written by Linda C. Defew

Continue reading "Contest Entry: My Renewable Source of Energy" »

This month we had a contest and asked some of our readers, members and volunteers to write a creative peice about What has BYDLS and "the spoon theory" meant to you?

"stationaryfaery" (her bydls.com message board name) submitted her groovy written word and poetry.

Continue reading "Contest Entry: Essay and Poem "Spoon Speak"" »

This month we had a contest and asked some of our readers, members and volunteers to write a creative peice about What has BYDLS and "the spoon theory" meant to you?

The following essay is one of our winners and was written by Caitlyn Pilkington

Continue reading "Contest Winner: Have you Read the Spoon Theory Lately?" »

This month we had a contest and asked some of our readers, members and volunteers to write a creative peice about What has BYDLS and "the spoon theory" meant to you?

The following essay is one of our winners and was written by Elizabeth DeLouise!

Continue reading "Contest Winner: What has BYDLS and "the spoon theory" meant to you" »

On Semptember 8th 9am EST Christine Miserandino kicked off "National Invisible Illness Week" in a casual conversation with the Lisa Copen. We took questions and comments from phone in callers. We even received a surprise call from Christine's husband Frank. We talked about being mothers with Chronic Illness, having hope despite illness, finding support online and more! You can listen to, download, and share the radio show by clicking the blue widget below!

Continue reading "Listen to Christine Miserandino and Lisa Copen Talk on BlogTalkRadio!" »

September is "Get Better, Get Well Gifts" month at ButYouDontLookSick.com! Let us help you find that perfect gift!

Flowers and treats are great. They are fun and taste good and they do a good job of cheering someone up, but if you have a chronic condition or a long time stay at a hospital, then as the days get longer there is only so much a bouquet of flowers can do. There are some really helpful things that someone who is sick can use. Sometimes these things are expensive, or maybe the patient doesn’t even know they exist. Why not get the person you love something that will help them in their recovery? I have listed some of my new favorites below.

Continue reading "Get Well Gift Guide: 5 Practical gifts that will someone who is sick really could use" »

	Christine Miserandino of butyoudontlooksick.com, and Lisa Copen of Restministries.org will "kick off" National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week Monday September 8 at 12 EST. Click here for a time zone converter. Seminars will be conducted via Blog Talk Radio FREE and is easy to particpate. Do not let this event pass you by! Click here for more information on the weeks event or to sign up.
	Remember to come this Monday September 8th at to talk to Christine directly or show your support!

Continue reading "Christine Miserandino will be speaking during the kick off of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week" »

September is "Get Better Get Well Gifts" month at ButYouDontLookSick.com! Let us help you find that perfect gift!

Are you looking for a good gift for someone with special needs? Are you a caregiver of a child with fine motor skills issues? These gifts will help you, help them at the holidays or any day of the year that they need a smile!

Continue reading "Top Ten Gift Ideas for Kids with Fine Motor Skills Needs." »

Very few people truly understand the hardship that a person endures when they are diagnosed with an invisible condition. However, there are the select few individuals that understand the agony of having a chronic condition. Some of them understand because they share the same condition. Others have seen you at your worst, and know every side effect of every medication you have ever been on. These are the people we, as butyoudontlooksick individuals, lean on for support. We depend on family members, friends, and significant others to pull us up in our darkest hours. They wait on us, feed us, sit with us, cry with us, and take care of us. They are the security blanket that keeps us from falling apart. They are our guardian angels.

Continue reading "Personal Essay: Your Own Guardian Angel" »

“Lupus”, my daughters said, “What’s Lupus?” Now 33 and 25 years of age, they’ve known for years that I was sick, but they never knew why, or exactly WHAT was wrong with me. There were moments I believed they thought I was a hypochondriac and each new symptom took on less and less severity to them.

Continue reading "Talking To Your Grown Children about Chronic Illness " »

September is "Get Better Get Well Gifts" month at ButYouDontLookSick.com! Let us help you find that perfect gift!

The main problem in our house is vacuuming. I can do it, but I ache afterwards. Mom can’t do it. Dad and my husband try to alternate, but they just never get to it. So, mom’s birthday came up and Roomba 530 it was!

Continue reading "Product Review: Our new cleaning Toy – Roomba 530" »

August is "Good Night, Sleep Right" month at ButYouDontLookSick.com! Sleep Gadgets Edition

Traditional alarm clocks wake you with a sudden jolt of noise that interrupts your final stage of sleep, causing a condition known as sleep latency that makes it hard to get out of bed. The effects of sleep latency can last all day. Especially with the upcoming winter season, it is even harder to wake up when it still may be dark outside.

We’ve taken the liberty of reviewing a few ‘sleep gadgets’ that use different methods to help you get to sleep and/or wake up feeling rejuvenated – not slow and lethargic.

Continue reading "Sleep well, then rise and shine with these sleep gadgets!" »