Hi! I’m Maria.
I’m a 27-year-old lawyer, and I live in Ontario, Canada. I have a chronic illness and physical disability.
I have a 3-legged cat that I adopted 4 years ago. Yes, we are both disabled. When I’m not lounging with my cat, you can find me looking after my plants, browsing farmer’s markets, or scouting out the best coffee shops with at least 19 alternative milk options.
Welcome to my blog!
By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I hope to help others dealing with similar health issues. No one should have to face the daunting task of conducting expert-level research and self-advocacy alone, particularly during severe illness. So, I decided to start a blog.
I’m so glad you’re here.
My Chronic Illness:
In December 2022, I was diagnosed with gastroparesis, a stomach motility disorder with no cure. My stomach muscles work too slowly, so I can’t digest food properly. When I eat, the food sits in my stomach for days at a time, causing extreme bloating, nausea, pain, and vomiting. As such, I had to stop eating.
In February 2023, I got a feeding tube, called a Gastrostomy-Jejunostomy Tube (GJ Tube). It was surgically placed through my abdomen, bypassing my stomach, to deliver nutrition directly to my small intestine. Ever since, I’ve struggled with chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and brain fog.
Before I was diagnosed, I had never even heard of this illness. I felt so confused and overwhelmed. I went from perfectly healthy to extremely sick, basically overnight. Within a few weeks, everything had changed. I lost my health, my independence, and all of my hobbies. It was a jarring, stressful, and sad experience.
All of a sudden, I had to do an extreme amount of research on an extremely under-researched illness, learn about all the treatment and medication options, and navigate the complicated healthcare system, all while being sicker than I have ever been in my life.
It felt like an impossible task. And it felt really unfair.
I really felt that I had to become an expert in my own illness, while also grappling with its debilitating effects. As a lawyer, this is what I am trained to do. And to effectively self-advocate, I had to learn everything I could. There have been so many cases where I had to educate a nurse or doctor on my illness, right before they were going to treat me.
Over time, with the help of an extremely supportive family, friends, and healthcare team, I was able to learn more – about my illness, about myself, and about personal advocacy.
My Blog:
I started blogging to create a space where people facing similar challenges can find clarity, support, and reliable information.
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness or disability is physically taxing and emotionally overwhelming. While difficult, our society and health care system require you to become an expert in your own illness to properly navigate it and receive the care you deserve and the rights you are entitled to.
I hope this blog serves as a resource that breaks down complicated topics into easy and simple pieces. No one should have to face the daunting task of conducting expert-level research and self-advocacy alone, particularly during severe illness.
On my blog, you’ll find posts about:
- Gastroparesis
- Feeding Tubes
- Chronic Illness
- Disability
- Self-Advocacy
I aim to be open and honest, and share as much information as I can to help others struggling with chronic illness and navigating the healthcare system.
But I’m not just here to share. I’m here to listen and learn from others too.
Sign up for my monthly newsletter to start conversations, swap stories, and become part of a community supporting one another by sharing our knowledge and experiences with illness and disability. Your voice matters, and I can’t wait for you to join.
I’m so excited to meet you!
Maria
Have questions about my blog or something you read in a post? Contact me here.