by benforred | Mar 28, 2024 | Health, Medical Procedures, Pain, Stress, Symptoms
This has been a story in the making for over a year now. I am now released from worker’s compensation and feel able to share my story with Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS).In 2015, I fell at work and hit my head due to my blood pressure bottoming out. I...
by benforred | Sep 26, 2023 | Cancer, Health, history, Medical Procedures, Medical Providers, Mental Health, Ostomy, Pain, Short Bowel, Surgery, Survival, Symptoms
La Mémoire Noire or The Dark Memory is a letter series written to my first surgeon. The man who caused everything ultimately in my life to reach this point today. I was to have 2 surgeries beginning at the age of 9 and his surgical errors altered the course of...
by benforred | Jun 23, 2023 | Anniversaries, Family, Grief, Health, Mental Health, Pain, PTSD, Relationships, Surgery
I started this article as 2022 was coming to a close and I was reflecting on all that has transpired and what is presently at hand. I only now feel ready to publish it though as it has been a pretty intense 6 months of 2023 already! As I was reflecting on 2022, I had...
by benforred | Apr 30, 2023 | Health, Medical Procedures, Medication, PTSD, Surgery, Symptoms
I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited to undergo medical testing as I have this last year. I felt like I was literally begging for any medical test to be ran and I wouldn’t even say I felt that way during the 6.5 months I spent seeing 7...
by benforred | Aug 15, 2022 | Advocacy, Health, Medical Providers, Medication, Symptoms
Self advocacy is often a trial by error skill that we learn out of necessity with chronic illness. Each encounter with a medical provider may be different and can be a teaching opportunity for us. Studies have shown that the more someone is motivated to be involved in...
by benforred | Apr 25, 2022 | Health, Medical Procedures, Medical Providers, Nausea, Pain, Symptoms
After 6.5 months of chronic pain that was only improved but not cured by Lyrica, consults with 7 types of doctors, a multitude of tests and an absorbent toll physically, mentally, and financially – I finally have a diagnosis: Abdominal Migraine. All of my...
