Category Archives: Occupying

Limited Capacity

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

Life with ME/CFS is all about limits. Physical. Mental. Emotional. It’s like living in a glass box that remains far too small, no matter how much you practice acceptance or positive thinking. And the torture of it is that since … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , | 25 Comments

IV Saline: Magic Juice

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

Back in March, I started an experiment with IV saline. Four months in, I have learned a lot about how and when the treatment helps me. IV saline has been used to treat orthostatic intolerance for many years*, and some … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

On It or In It?

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

I’ve been spending a lot of time in bed, recently. This is unusual for me. Usually, I’m ON the bed but not IN the bed. I see a really big distinction. On a normal day, I’m out of bed in … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , | 17 Comments

Infused

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

I’m beginning a new experiment: IV saline. Regular saline infusions have been used by many ME/CFS patients to cope with orthostatic intolerance for years, but I’ve never taken them regularly. Yesterday, I received the first of four weekly treatments. How … Continue reading →

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

Viral

Posted on February 28, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

I had it all under control. After coming down with a virus (mild flu?) in January, I got the message and seriously scaled back my activity. Joe Landson, Denise Lopez-Majano, and Claudia Goodell all came through for me in a … Continue reading →

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

Guest Post: Frustration

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

I continue to struggle with the crash from hell, but Denise Lopez-Majano has graciously provided a guest post. Her thoughts on ME-frustration are right on target for me this week! As a caregiver for her two adult sons, Denise is … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 29 Comments

The Finger

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

Last week, my body gave me the finger. I can’t even say I didn’t deserve it. After more than 19 years, I still don’t always listen to my body and this makes her very, very angry with me. I’ve previously … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , | 44 Comments

There Is No Spoon

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

After I read How To Wake Up last summer, Toni Bernhard was kind enough to answer some of my questions about the book and the Buddhist practices she suggests. You can read the full text of our conversation here. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , | 30 Comments

Giving Thanks

Posted on November 30, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

November has become a gratitude month in the US, with Thanksgiving happening this week. Last year, I posted a list of ME/CFS related things I was grateful for, and I think it might be a healthy tradition to maintain. I … Continue reading →

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

WEGO Best in Show Nomination

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

I am honored to have been nominated for a WEGO Health Activist award in the Best in Show: Blog category! You can see my profile page, and endorse the nomination if you are so inclined, here. To create my profile … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments