Author Archives: Jennie Spotila

New York Magazine Article Biased and Riddled with Errors

Posted on November 22, 2022 by Jennie Spotila

Today I sent the following email to the Editor of New York Magazine: As a reader of New York Magazine, I have come to expect your articles to be accurate, well-researched, and fair. Unfortunately your recent piece, “Has Long COVID … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 33 Comments

How to Avoid Covid

Posted on October 9, 2022 by Jennie Spotila

For the first time in three weeks, I live in a Covid-free house. Day 0: My husband was the first to get sick. He woke up with severe congestion and a headache, but tested negative for Covid on an antigen … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

In The World

Posted on August 23, 2022 by Jennie Spotila

I have spent more time in public in the last month than I have in two-and-a-half years. We were having some work done on the house, and I could not stay there in the midst of the noise, dust, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

A Million More, and Counting

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Jennie Spotila

Today is #MillionsMissing, a worldwide day of protest and awareness for the millions of people missing from their lives due to ME. We raise our voices on behalf of our own community, and also on behalf of our compatriots with … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Ten Years of Unreal Time

Posted on February 12, 2022 by Jennie Spotila

Ten years ago today, I tapped the internet microphone and published the very first post on this blog, then known as Occupy CFS. My intention was to step into the light, to bring attention to the disease by writing openly … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Pandemic Low

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Jennie Spotila

I hit a new pandemic low last week. CDC Director Walensky’s comments about the “encouraging” news that most vaccinated people dying of COVID had multiple comorbidities was the catalyst (see my op ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer), but my despair … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

My Favorite Books of 2021

Posted on December 31, 2021 by Jennie Spotila

I have always loved books, and now that I am writing one myself, I love them even more. I read for entertainment and education, and I pick them apart to see what makes them work (or not). There is nothing … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Community Gratitude

Posted on November 25, 2021 by Jennie Spotila

Talking about gratitude on Thanksgiving Day (in the U.S.) is cliche, I know. But I have to chime in because this year, I am feeling overwhelming gratitude for my communities. I have been blessed in my family and friends for … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Do We Ever Stop Counting?

Posted on October 6, 2021 by Jennie Spotila

I have been sick for twenty-seven years, today. My sickaversary gives rise to different feelings every year. Burdened. Triumphant. Heartsick. Contented. Marking the day, here with you or on my own, feels important. October 6th is the day my life … Continue reading →

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The Coding Problem: Why No American Can Develop ME/CFS, Including After COVID

Posted on September 16, 2021 by Jennie Spotila

Guest post by Mary Dimmock Please sign this petition to fix the coding problem making Americans with ME/CFS invisible. If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound? And if an American develops ME/CFS, would the US … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy | Tagged , , , , | 19 Comments