July of 2022 marked one of the most frustrating moments in my health journey. I was on a fun trip back home for a friend's birthday and unexpectedly - with no warning - was unable to keep any food down. When I can't keep food down it means I'm so full it has nowhere to…
What ‘fighting for care’ really means
It has been a day. I mean it has really been a mind-boggling day. It started early this morning as my alarm clock went off and my body was in so much pain. More precisely, my lower back was broken and I was not going to be able to manage without my cane. As usual…
The Shittery -volume 1
I haven’t written a post in so long, and honestly, I was afraid that with everything going on I would just be a wet blanket. The fact is I was going in circles trying to figure out how my gut health - something I have worked so hard on - could all go down the…
I cannot poop
I cannot poop. It is not lost on me how ridiculous that sounds. It is not lost on me how much of an exaggeration and an over simplification this sounds to someone else. 'What do you mean you can't poop?' they ask. 'There are things you can take for constipation' they suggest. But it's not…
The Chair Technique
I was able to hold it together for so long, with the endometriosis pain running my life, and the new diagnosis of an immune disease changing my life forever. I could hold it together while I was alone in Vancouver, but then I moved. I moved a day late because of a pancreatitis flare that…
Cannabis for chronic pelvic pain
I wanted to do a post about medical marijuana as I think this is such an important topic. The legalization of these products has opened the eyes of individuals who would not normally smoke a joint - let's say - to explore the effects of cannabis on pain, as these products are becoming more accepted…
Our voices are much stronger when we shout together
Lately I have been able to channel my energy into my passion - an organization I am developing here in Ottawa, Canada - that allows me to put my advocacy into real action. While still in the early stages, the organization will turn into a pain center devoted to women with unresolved chronic pain, and…
Divorce and Chronic Illness
During the last year I have battled with my health, and as a result have battled with loving myself. When I look in the mirror I see scars from surgeries, cellulite from poor lymphatic systems, bloated belly from something Ive eaten or just a mere buildup of poop. I see swelling and tension. I see…
Pain Survey
Cramp My Style Blog is expanding. The new initiative is focused on neutralizing gender-biased outcomes in pain treatment. On the onset, the goal will be to understand the challenges presented to women (and transgender) when confronting their healthcare practitioners about pain. Once this initial information has been collected, the focus will be to lobby for,…
Listening to my body – Part 3
I would like to entitle this blog post "taking matters into my own hands" simply because the last month has been complete and utter HELL and I have not heard a peep from either doctor despite my concerns. I should preface this by saying I feel confident my doctors respect me so I don't think…
Cramp My Style 