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Home » Articles » Cool Tools
LadyBlogger Profile #2: MooglesThoughts
Here's the second edition of LadyBloggers, where we profile a ChronicBabe who's doing superior writing. There are so many great web sites out there created by, and for, ChronicBabes. But sometimes it can be hard to find them! LadyBloggers is a way to connect you with some of our favorite resources, and offer a peek at why and how these women are sharing their voice in the community. And maybe we'll spark some creativity in you, too! If you want us to profile your web site, let us know and we'll consider your project.
And now, without futher ado, we bring you:
MooglesThoughts, created by Tracy Young
What's your chronic?
I suffer with daily severe disabling migraines.
How old were you when you were diagnosed? How old are you now?
I was diagnosed in October 2001. I was 23 years old, turning 24 in December. The migraines became increasingly worse and on Dec. 20, 2002, I had to go on Long Term Disability through work and apply for Social Security Disability. I have been disabled and unable to return to work since then. Right now I am 27 about to turn 28 this month.
What's your everyday life like?
I live with my wonderful husband, my 15-year-old sister, and my 10-year-old step-son. I also have a darling Chihuahua, Zeus, who is my therapy dog. When I am not feeling good he stays snuggled up next to me the whole time.
My life is very restricted due to migraines. I wake up with moderate to severe pain every morning, so it usually takes me a few hours and multiple doses of pain killers to be able to get out of bed every day. Sometimes I don’t make it out of bed, and other times it is a victory to make it to the couch. When I am having a better day I try to do as much as I can since I have so few good days.
My favorite things to do are watch movies, read, listen to music, and crochet. I also love swimming and hiking, but I haven’t been able to do either of those for many years now due to the migraines.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing young women with your chronic?
Migraines are an invisible disease and many migraineurs often feel that they are not believed, and are ignored, by their family and doctors. It can be extremely difficult to explain the severity of your situation to other people who don’t live with you. Let’s face it, situations like mine are quite rare and it can be hard to believe that such pain for no perceivable reason can be real.
How about the biggest issue facing ChronicBabes in general?
Making themselves heard in the medical community. Sadly, many women with chronic conditions, chronic pain specifically, are faced with disbelief. They are told that they are making things up in their heads, that they are wimps, or that things can’t really be as bad as they say. Doctors either ignore their complaints, or misdiagnose them. Many women are forced to try doctor after doctor before their condition is properly diagnosed and treated.
What inspired you to start a blog? When did you start it?
I had never seen a blog until a fellow migraineur started one. After reading her blog regularly for a few months, on Sept. 8, 2004, I decided to start one of my own. My friend’s blog was mostly a place to vent all her negative emotions toward the migraines. I wanted my blog to be a counterpoint and look at the positive things in life in spite of the migraines. I also hoped that maybe I could help brighten other people’s days too.
What is your main goal with the blog? Have you achieved it, or are you close to achieving it?
My main goal is staying positive and never surrendering to despair. I want to inspire myself and others to squeeze every bit of joy out of life that is possible. In spite of disabling pain, live life to the fullest while you can. I have achieved this goal, and in the process I’ve discovered a new goal: to connect with other migraineurs and ChronicBabes. It is empowering to know that you are not alone in your suffering.
Who are some of your favorite health bloggers, and why do you like them?
I read too many health blogs to list all of my favorites, so I’ll just give you my top three. ChronicBabe is definitely one of my favorite blogs! (Aw, thanks! - the Editrix) I like The Daily Headache (http://www.thedailyheadache.com) for the latest migraine news and miscellaneous info, and Limbodacious (http://limbodacious.typepad.com/limbodacious) for the incredible writing.
How does the blog impact your health? Do you feel a connection with others, or do you learn new things? Does it energize you?
My blog helps me focus on the good things in my life and that gives me emotional energy to fight the migraines. I also love the connections I’ve made with other migraineurs. Not feeling alone has helped me stay positive.
What are your future plans for your blog - expansion, partnerships, merchandise, anything at all.
I plan to just keep doing what I am now, but I’m open to any suggestions.
Do you accept submissions, or do you partner with blogs and web sites to enhance your content?
I sometimes use posts from other blogs as a topic springboard from which to write my own thoughts, but I haven’t ever had any submissions. I have links to all the other migraine blogs that I am aware of, and most of them link back to me. My favorite artwork sources on my blog are stock.xchng (http://www.sxc.hu) and typoGenerator (http://www.typogenerator.net).
Posted: 12/15/2005 in Cool Tools | Also posted in: Inspiration
