Recharged and Rewired – a Column by Brittany Foster

March 27, 2020March 25, 2020

Goal by Goal, I Climbed Out from the Pit of Despair

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

For almost an entire year, I felt completely lost. Some mornings, I lacked motivation to even get out of bed. I was trapped in a vicious cycle of anxiety ... Read more

March 13, 2020March 11, 2020

My Nightmares Are Real-life Flashbacks

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

When I was younger, I had recurring nightmares about a kidnapping. Usually, I was the hero chasing the kidnapper. These nightmares would spark panic attacks when, in my waking ... Read more

March 6, 2020March 4, 2020

I See the Fragility of My Life as an Advantage

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

I remember attending a Tim McGraw concert a few years ago. I could have heard a pin drop during a pause in his song, “Live Like You Were Dying,” ... Read more

February 28, 2020February 26, 2020

My Rare Disease Intensifies My Emotions

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

Sometimes I think my emotions are too much to handle. I find myself wondering if I am overreacting or feeling things too strongly. However, chronic illness has taught me ... Read more

February 21, 2020February 19, 2020

Noticing the Subtle Signs of Pulmonary Hypertension

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

For most of my life, my illnesses were invisible. I could walk into a public place and not expect sideways glances or stares. I didn’t feel like a fish ... Read more

February 14, 2020February 12, 2020

I Will Not Be Silenced in an Emergency Room

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

“Can you keep it down? There are other sick people here.”  These were the words spoken to me in an emergency room last weekend. I was crying and voicing ... Read more

February 7, 2020February 5, 2020

Demi Lovato Sang About My Struggles

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

A couple of weeks ago, I listened with tears in my eyes as Demi Lovato sang her heart out at the Grammy Awards. I can’t relate to her addiction, ... Read more

January 24, 2020January 22, 2020

Convincing Myself that I’m Fine Is Hazardous to My Health

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

“I’m doing fine. Thanks for asking.” This is the response I usually give to people when they ask, “How are you?” Most people I say this to don’t want ... Read more

January 17, 2020January 15, 2020

Facing the Challenges of Fluctuating Weight with Chronic Illness

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

Gaining and losing weight is a part of life. In my 28 years, my weight has fluctuated for several reasons, including puberty, hormones, dietary changes, and acute illness. During ... Read more

January 10, 2020January 8, 2020

To My Fiancé: Thank You for Choosing Me

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

“I don’t have a choice, but he does. He doesn’t have to choose this type of life.” I said this to my mom with tears in my eyes just ... Read more