Chronically Uncool – a Column by Ellie Bird

July 6, 2020July 2, 2020

It’s Not ‘Back to Normal’ for Those With Chronic Illnesses

Chronically Uncool – a Column by Ellie Bird, Columns

The world is re-opening. People are returning to bars, restaurants, and shops. They’re reuniting with loved ones and friends. I’m terrified. I’ve been locked down for over three months, ... Read more

June 29, 2020June 25, 2020

I’m Not ‘Lazy,’ I’m Sick

Chronically Uncool – a Column by Ellie Bird, Columns

One of the hardest parts of having chronic health problems is the guilt. Many people struggling with complex conditions are branded “lazy.” And sometimes we even brand ourselves. Before ... Read more

June 22, 2020June 18, 2020

It’s Important to Be Your Own Health Advocate

Chronically Uncool – a Column by Ellie Bird, Columns

Before I got sick I thought doctors knew everything. I thought doctors would know exactly what to do if I was ever unwell, and that I could just mindlessly ... Read more

June 15, 2020June 11, 2020

How COVID-19 Is Shining a Light on Ableism

Chronically Uncool – a Column by Ellie Bird, Columns

Society doesn’t make it easy for people with disabilities and health conditions, including in the workplace. Historically, people with disabilities have struggled to hold down jobs. People with pulmonary ... Read more

June 8, 2020June 4, 2020

Juggling Health Admin and a Full-time Job

Chronically Uncool – a Column by Ellie Bird, Columns

Sometimes I feel like having a health condition is a full-time job. I also have a “real” full-time job. Before I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH), I never ... Read more

June 1, 2020May 28, 2020

What People Should Know About Pulmonary Hypertension

Chronically Uncool – a Column by Ellie Bird, Columns

Since I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 2017, I have struggled with people in my life who don’t understand what my illness is or how it affects ... Read more

May 18, 2020May 14, 2020

Finding Love with a Chronic Illness

Chronically Uncool – a Column by Ellie Bird, Columns

I’ve written in previous columns about the difficulties I’ve experienced while navigating romantic relationships with a chronic illness. This week, I wanted to write positively about finding love with ... Read more

May 11, 2020May 8, 2020

Balancing Positivity and Realism When Facing Chronic Illness

Chronically Uncool – a Column by Ellie Bird, Columns

One thing we hear a lot about while living with a serious chronic illness is the importance of staying positive. But what does that mean? The “importance of positivity” ... Read more

May 4, 2020April 30, 2020

Dealing with the Fear of Losing Independence

Chronically Uncool – a Column by Ellie Bird, Columns

One of the hardest things about the diagnosis of a progressive illness is grappling with how your disease will affect your future independence. It can be scary and painful ... Read more

April 27, 2020April 30, 2020

Coping with Skipped Doctors’ Appointments During COVID-19 Lockdown

Chronically Uncool – a Column by Ellie Bird, Columns

The COVID-19 pandemic is a stressful time for everyone, but it can be particularly stressful for those trying to manage long-term medical conditions. Many people with serious health problems ... Read more

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