Recharged and Rewired – a Column by Brittany Foster

September 6, 2019September 9, 2019

Self-reflection Helps Lessen Anxiety and Depression

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

Sitting in a hospital room for the past few days has given me a lot of time to think. When my mind wanders, it could be good, leading to ... Read more

August 30, 2019September 4, 2019

Loving My Scars Involves Recalling Past Trauma

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

I can’t recall a time in my life when I didn’t have scars to show. Growing up with congenital heart disease left me with scars from drainage tubes and ... Read more

August 23, 2019August 27, 2019

How I Project My Physical and Mental Struggles

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

Last Sunday, I thudded up the stairs to my apartment, making as much noise as possible, unlocked the door forcefully, and slammed it behind me. As soon as I ... Read more

August 16, 2019August 14, 2019

The Importance of Assembling a Top-notch Medical Team

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

I don’t have control over a lot when it comes to my health. I can’t choose the surgeries I will have, and I can’t predict what my physical symptoms ... Read more

August 9, 2019August 13, 2019

The Side of Me Most People Don’t See

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

Living with chronic illness has made me more aware of the complexity of emotions that go along with health management. There are parts of me that I am not ... Read more

July 26, 2019July 24, 2019

Why I Am ‘Tearful’ and ‘Distressed’ at Medical Appointments

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

Clinician notes from my recent doctor’s visits have included comments such as “patient was tearful,” and “patient was in distress.” My initial reaction to reading these remarks was, “Oh, ... Read more

July 19, 2019July 17, 2019

To My Support System: Thank You for Never Giving Up on Me

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

Chronic illness often leaves me feeling frustrated with my physical and mental health. When I am feeling overwhelmed by my body’s symptoms or experiencing emotional distress, I am not ... Read more

July 12, 2019July 9, 2019

Acknowledging the Loss of My Health Allows Me to Move Forward

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

It is difficult to admit defeat. It is even more of a challenge to acknowledge something as a loss. Living with chronic illness and pulmonary hypertension, I’ve felt defeated ... Read more

June 21, 2019June 19, 2019

Talk Therapy Has Helped Me to Reach Acceptance and Learn to Advocate

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

Life with chronic illness is not easy. My days are unpredictable, and I often feel unsure and uneasy about what lies ahead. Some days I feel productive and physically ... Read more

June 14, 2019June 12, 2019

Moving Forward Despite the Setbacks

Columns, Recharged and Rewired - a Column by Brittany Foster

In the last few months, I have spent more time in the hospital than at home. When I am discharged, I feel the anxiety that is normal for me ... Read more