Inspiration

Her husband thinks she's like a hot car, even if she's a sicko. The Professional Patient offers up a quick story to inspire and make you giggle.

Posted: 8/23/2007 in Inspiration

Our inspiration section is full of great stories, but we want more. Babe Cecilia suggested that we ask for photos of things folks love to do, and we think stories of great achievements would also be terrific. Email us your story and photos and we'll post as many as we can!

Posted: 8/20/2007 in Inspiration

From dLife, we bring you an exclusive interview of Soprano’s Star Aida Turturro talking about her battle with diabetes for the first time on television. Enjoy!

Posted: 4/26/2007 in Inspiration  |  Also posted in: Announcements

Recently, Editrix Jenni took her gym's holiday challenge: between November 15 and January 15, maintain weight, body measurements, and a consistent workout program. She really wanted to lose weight, but knew it was unrealistic — especially considering all the holiday parties, traveling and wonky schedule. Did she meet her goals? Yup - and she has some ideas to help you meet yours, too.

Posted: 1/22/2007 in Inspiration

Michelle recently found out she has Type 2 diabetes, and decided to become the Best. Patient. Ever. Of course, no one is perfect. But she's having fun trying to get as close to it as she can - and getting healthier in the process.

Posted: 11/12/2006 in Inspiration

In this personal essay, writer Kim Moldofsky gives us a new perspective on coping: Two weeks ago I woke up to my grandmother's hands. It wasn't her gentle caress rousing me from sleep; rather, it seemed that her stiff, arthritic hands somehow replaced mine in the night. It was like the movie Freaky Friday in which a teenager and her middle-aged mom mysteriously switch bodies except I'm 35 and my nana passed away at 72. Like a curious infant I stared at my hands as I wiggled my unfamiliar digits. Where did these come from? How do they work?

Posted: 1/29/2006 in Inspiration  |  Also posted in: Coping

I was brooding under the covers, talking to my mother on the phone. "I should just cancel my book tour,"I told her, frustrated to the point of tears. "I can barely get to the bathroom. How can I possibly get across the country?"My knee had been badly injured two weeks earlier, and hobbling to the kitchen had become about as much adventure as I could stand.

Posted: 7/25/2005 in Inspiration  |  Also posted in: Coping

Whether it's new or persistent illnesses (or anything else crappy for that matter), maybe you've had a tough year and you're ready to enter 2008 with a fresh mindset. I've got a few ideas that will get you in the mood for some major self-improvement. (If you've had a great year, terrific! Keep doing what you're doing. But still read on for some ideas to make it even better.)

Posted: 12/22/2007 in Coping  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

In our last Goodie Bag, we asked Babes: Have you been surprised by love? Many women with chronic illness or disabilities think they're not going to find love - or even have some great sex - because of their health limitations. Bogus! Here are just two examples of responses we received. Hopefully, they'll inspire you to open your mind to the possibilities.

Posted: 8/13/2007 in Relationships  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Is it possible to re-claim a word that has negative connotations and make it our own, turn it into something positive? We think so. Jenni Prokopy wrote this article for Young People For (she's been a guest blogger there during the month of May, so check out some of her other posts at the site!), and they've given us permission to reprint a slightly modified version of it here.

Posted: 5/22/2007 in Venting  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

We have five winners! Thanks to everyone who entered our contest—we had lots of inspirational stories to consider. Here are our five winners, and their stories. This is an article worth taking the time to enjoy in full!

Posted: 5/21/2007 in Announcements  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

I'm not the same girl I was a few years ago. Each time I take a cross-country trip, I'm reminded that I'm not the person I was in the late '90s - the chick who could sling a 40-pound suitcase without thinking twice, who could do a 10-hour travel day and then go dancing later that night. Now I'm the chick who shows up at the airport with meticulously packed lightweight rolling bags, an inflatable back pillow, a ziploc full of meds, and a reservation at a hotel that promises a comfy bed and lots of relaxing amenities.

Posted: 2/22/2007 in Coping  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

ChronicBabe is growing, and we're looking for more of your stories to tell. If you love to write and want to share an experience that could help another Babe, check out our article submission guidelines.

Posted: 8/3/2006 in Announcements  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Welcome to Grand Rounds ChronicBabe style, where it's all about the ladies. We got a ton of excellent posts, so take some time to really work your way down the list. You won't be disappointed! Thanks to everyone who participated, and to Nick for organizing Grand Rounds! We're honored to be your hostess this week.

Posted: 7/18/2006 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Babe Iris is wired with a Holter monitor - a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) machine - and to get completely accurate results, the 24-hour test should include, shall we say, exercise. It's time to call the boyfriend and see just how nimble he can be. What happens when intimacy includes wires and cables and batteries, oh my? Iris gives us the inside scoop.

Posted: 4/18/2006 in Chronically Sexy  |  Also posted in: Relationships, Inspiration

Here's the fifth 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.

Posted: 3/7/2006 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

There are so many great web sites out there created by, and for, ChronicBabes. But sometimes it can be hard to find them! That's why we feature LadyBloggers -- ChronicBabes who are doing superior writing. It's 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: TheDailyHeadache.com, by Kerrie Smyres.

Posted: 2/20/2006 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

There are so many great web sites out there created by, and for, ChronicBabes. But sometimes it can be hard to find them! That's why we feature LadyBloggers -- ChronicBabes who are doing superior writing. It's 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: DiabetesTeenTalk.com, created by Allison Blass.

Posted: 1/30/2006 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

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.

Posted: 12/15/2005 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

There are so many great web sites out there created by, and for, ChronicBabes. But sometimes it can be hard to find them! That's why we're starting a new weekly feature: LadyBloggers. Each week, we'll profile a ChronicBabe who's doing superior writing. It's 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: DiabetesMine.com, created by Amy Tenderich.

Posted: 12/7/2005 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

I have to admit, I hesitated to bring this book home from the store. From the outside, Chronically Happy: Joyful Living In Spite of Chronic Illness by Lori Hartwell--cover complete with silly happy face--was just not all that appealing. But this is actually an excellent book, full of helpful advice, fresh perspectives, and anecdotal examples of ways to improve your life even if you have a chronic illness.

Posted: 11/4/2005 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

If you're a regular reader of the site, you're probably a little annoyed with me, or perhaps disappointed. That's understandable. I haven't been around a lot these last couple weeks.

Posted: 10/21/2005 in Coping  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Christa Barnell is a fine artist living and working in Carbondale, Ill. Despite her chronic daily headache, Christa supports herself with art and uses it as a sort of therapy. ChronicBabe caught up with Christa about her work, her headache, and everything in between.

Posted: 9/17/2005 in Crafty  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

When I'm feeling less than fantastic, I often turn to stories of inspiration to boost my spirits. No, not the Chicken Soup for Your Stinky Feet variety... the That Takes Ovaries!, by Rivka Solomon, variety.

Posted: 7/21/2005 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Like J. Lo, I couldn't function without a fleet of people keeping me fabulous, aka Team Jenni. These are the folks in my life who help me be my best. When I'm feeling great, when I'm feeling crap, and everything in between, I've got Team Jenni.

Posted: 6/15/2005 in Relationships  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Sometimes you just need to be ridiculous. Seriously, go for it. Sometimes you just have to ride the cheeto.

Posted: 6/5/2005 in Coping  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

We now own the movie Garden State, which I totally love, and while watching it last night I found my new fave ChronicBabe movie quote.

Posted: 6/1/2005 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration