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Medical Musings With Sam

Medical Musings With Sam

By My Medical Musings

I'm a blogger, writer, and founder of online support Group, Medical Musings With Friends. I'm also the author of "My Medical Musings, A Story of Love, Laughter, Faith and Hope."
Before becoming chronically ill, with a rare bone disease, I was an Executive Manager with a passion for change management, coaching,and developing my team. Medical Musings With Sam is all about connecting with others, who are trying to live well with chronic illness, in the midst of difficult challenges and hurdles. Come on a journey with me as I share my experience of living a life of faith and hope with my disease.
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My 2 Minutes Of Fame

Medical Musings With Sam Mar 20, 2021

00:00
14:49
Pause and Ponder, Divide and Conquer
Mar 16, 202433:28
Definite Diagnosis, Cancer Investigation, and Treading Water

Definite Diagnosis, Cancer Investigation, and Treading Water

As a patient advocate, I am often called, inspiring, motivating, and full of strength despite my adversities.

While I want to be all those things in order to reach others and help them through their own inspiring, motivating, and incredible chronic illness journeys, the truth is most days I am just treading water.

I feel every inch of my daily pain. I look in the mirror, and my heart sinks at the reflection of the woman I used to be, let alone the woman I’d like to be now.

When we are treading water, we are not drowning. I think that’s an important point. Quite likely to the outside world, we look like we are managing very well.

When treading water, your head is still above the ocean, and while a few waves may threaten to crash over, you are generally afloat. Others would have little idea of the struggle going on underneath the calm blue sea.

Does A Diagnosis Make a Difference?
The diagnosis doesn’t change the outcome in terms of treatment or cure. There isn’t any, but it answers so many questions for me, and that’s priceless!

Everything I’ve experienced now makes so much sense. Yes, it’s rare. Yes, it’s a crazy disease. Yes, it’s progressive, and I’m acutely aware of the ramifications of that as my symptoms and my pain levels increase.

But I now know why, and for some reason, that knowledge removes its power over me. It’s part of me rather than being something attacking me from nowhere.

I hope you enjoy this episode as I share highs and lows and celebrate an amazing diagnostic milestone.

Take care

Sam xx

www.mymedmusings.com

#rarediseaseday
#Osteopetrosis
#cancer
Feb 24, 202439:29
February is the Month of Love...... Let's Look at Loves and Losses
Feb 03, 202425:08
2024 - A Change of Focus for My Medical Musings

2024 - A Change of Focus for My Medical Musings

As a new year looms, I have begun thinking about what’s important to me, what’s missing from my life, and what changes I want to make and need to make in 2024.

I've done a lot of sharing over the years!
I’ve been blogging for eight years now, sharing my chronic illness story, my love story, my personal life in general, and I’ve even had my memoirs published in a full book.

It’s been a lot of sharing!

All the while managing my Facebook support group, volunteering for Arthritis Queensland, moderating some of their online support groups.

I also established a podcast two years ago and have consistently recorded and published episodes once or twice a month.

It’s been a lot of sharing and a lot of work.

Each element is a full-time job in its own right.I still want to be an open book, but I need to close some of it to reclaim space to be private, reflective, and hold on to things extra special to me. I need to protect those things that do not require the scrutiny that comes with a public life.

So 2024 will have a strong private focus.

For more on why I'm making this change, this podcast episode reveals all.

Hope you enjoy it!

Love, Sam
Jan 14, 202419:14
It's My Christmas Episode
Dec 03, 202330:02
Learning to Reclaim "Me"
Oct 27, 202315:11
Swapping Sleeping Sides After 28 Years... Did We Achieve It?
Oct 11, 202325:45
My "Troll" Story
Oct 10, 202319:52
A "Newsy" Episode...We Never Thought We Would Do This!
Sep 21, 202340:30
It Takes A Village
Sep 12, 202321:26
My Epiphany Letter
Aug 24, 202316:53
Wow! A Huge Podcast Milestone..4000 plays

Wow! A Huge Podcast Milestone..4000 plays

I'm so excited that "Medical Musings with Sam" has reached 4000 plays.

This is a huge achievement for a small podcast with a unique genre. I'm also in the top 10% of podcasts globally, according to Listen Score.

I can not thank my listeners enough. You are all amazing, and I am beyond delighted to know I am not talking to myself, and I do have a loyal podcast community supporting my vision.

To celebrate this milestone, I've included the very first episode I recorded on the podcast, which is simply my.."My Story".

Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart,

Love, Sam xx
Aug 15, 202328:10
An Interview, A Signed Book Sale, and Frequently Asked Questions

An Interview, A Signed Book Sale, and Frequently Asked Questions

This is a slightly different Podcast episode....you could say it's three for the price of one!

I'm introducing you to an amazing podcast ,"Inspired To Be," hosted by two beautiful, inspiring, and talented young ladies, Sammy Wynn and Elise Ingegneri. I was honoured to be a Guest on their show, and as promised, here is the link to the interview which was published this week:
open.spotify.com/episode/7jgnGSXev5tu9ALurJGgN8?si=IunBjDPzR3q4PvaRmXl0_g

The second part of this Podcast is a Virtual Book Launch by way of a special Signed Copy Book Sale. All the details are in the Podcast but for basic information here is a link from my blog:
mymedmusings.com/2023/08/10/dont-miss-out-on-our-exclusive-signed-with-a-special-message-from-sam-book-sale/

Lastly, but not least I answer some Frequently Asked Questions I have received over the years since I started blogging and had my book published. I hope you enjoy this segment. I mentioned a particular blog post as part of this FAQ segment called "A Case of Chronic Illness Overload" and I promised to link it here:
mymedmusings.com/2020/01/11/a-case-of-chronic-illness-overload/

Thank you for listening everyone. I really hope you enjoy this very different episode.

Take care,
Sam xx 😘

Aug 12, 202335:59
The Real Picture When I Say I'm Good
Aug 04, 202319:11
What Does a "Chronically Ill Contented Life" Really Look Like?

What Does a "Chronically Ill Contented Life" Really Look Like?

I know there will be tough moments followed by good moments. As I’ve accepted my chronic illness diagnosis and consequential life changes, good moments are more than enough for me. They mean so much and are so precious.Rather than expecting a perfect life filled with halcyon days, I choose to love and cherish the moments of my life where I can engage with some of the activities I enjoy. I choose to live for moments of happiness, creativity, community, love, and moderate pain. I choose to hold on to hope for bright moments to follow tough ones.
Aug 01, 202316:36
The Winners Are Announced!
Aug 01, 202311:22
Podcast/Blog Party Month, A Book Giveaway (Ch 38 Climbing Mountains With My Chronic Illness Friends)
Jul 22, 202314:38
Podcast/Blog Party Month (Book Giveaway Competition).- Episode 2
Jul 13, 202320:27
Podcast/Blog Party Month - An E-Book reading from my book... Chapter 21, A Drive Down Memory Lane.

Podcast/Blog Party Month - An E-Book reading from my book... Chapter 21, A Drive Down Memory Lane.

July is my birthday month, and I’m very excited to announce I’m running a competition on my podcast and the blog to give away a copy of my book:

"My Medical Musings, A Story of Love, Laughter, Faith and Hope, Living With A Rare Disease "

All you need to do to enter the competition is listen to a podcast episode and leave a review or comment on either Spotify for Podcasters, Apple Podcasts, or Audible or your usual Podcast listening app.

If you are not a podcast listener, you can also leave a review in the comment section of the blog post at www.mymedmusings.com, also being published today, and you will also be added to the competition draw at the end of the month!!

So, without further ado, here's the first e-book style excerpt from my book:

Chapter 21, A Trip Down Memory Lane
Jun 30, 202313:58
My Podcast Party Month Is Coming Soon

My Podcast Party Month Is Coming Soon

July is my birthday month, and I'm very excited to announce I'll be running a competition on my podcast to give away a copy of my book:

"My Medical Musings, A Story of Love Laughter Faith and Hope, Living With A Rare Disease ".

All the competition details are in this Podcast episode.

I can't wait to give one of my listeners a free copy of my book.

Love, Sam 💓

#spotify #audible #applepodcaster
Jun 19, 202304:44
What Would You Like To Do For The Rest of Your Life, Despite Chronic Illness?

What Would You Like To Do For The Rest of Your Life, Despite Chronic Illness?

When we live with chronic illness, the concept of continuous improvement seems almost ridiculous doesn’t it.

But is it?

Our lives, while significantly impacted by our diseases, don’t need to be completely dictated by them. We can make changes which will catapult us into a new future. We can see our new circumstances as a time of opportunity, rather than a time of retreat and despair.
Jun 12, 202330:14
What Day Is It? Does It Matter If Every Day Feels Like Sunday When You Live With Chronic Illness?

What Day Is It? Does It Matter If Every Day Feels Like Sunday When You Live With Chronic Illness?

I’ve decided one of the hardest things about being medically retired is working out what day of the week it is!I have always loved Sundays. In our home it’s usually a quiet and reflective day. I say, usually, as I’m married to an Anglican clergyman, and Sundays were far from quiet in the past. It was actually the busiest day of our week!! They have always been reflective, though.

Thankfully, he is retired now, as my carer, so we can definitely reclaim Sundays as a quiet day.

Some days still feel like a Monday or a Thursday if I have medical appointments to attend, and they are extremely difficult days for me physically. Other than those odd, busy days, I can pace myself.

It should be like this as it’s why I’m medically retired, to care for myself, manage my disease, and find a new quality of life.

However, the biggest battle with embracing every day like it’s Sunday is with me.

In this podcast episode, I discuss what it means to embrace your chronic illness in order to find acceptance and create a new, rewarding way of living again.

If you are struggling with this concept, I really hope my story and my journey to choosing to "deliberately" accept my circumstances might help you on your journey, too.

I also give a bit of a health update at the start.

Take care

Sam xx
Jun 03, 202325:54
Chronic Illness Just Doesn't Run To An Agenda!!
May 17, 202318:48
My Hospital "Oops" Events and Other Anecdotal Incidents.

My Hospital "Oops" Events and Other Anecdotal Incidents.

There is nothing like the feeling you get when you arrive home from a long hospital stay. Especially if there were multiple concerns about your overall health when you were admitted or you were having major surgery.

Life is short. It’s precious, and it’s fragile while being incredibly resilient and strong. My home is my safe place, and I’m convinced because I love it, and I love my husband, it’s the place that helps me heal in a way I never do in hospital.

I am heading in the right direction, and even though I have a long road ahead, I can feel that sense of healing harmony.

Join me for a health update and a few funny, or perhaps mortifying, stories from my hospital stay!

Thanks for listening

Sam xx
Apr 17, 202331:16
The Wound Doctors Podcast, Upcoming Surgery, and The Beginning of Blossom!

The Wound Doctors Podcast, Upcoming Surgery, and The Beginning of Blossom!

47% of Australians live with a chronic disease, and I'm one of them. The Wound Doctors Podcast recently talked to me about how I manage my wounds, how I stay positive, and how health professionals can better care for people with long-term conditions. The full podcast interview can be heard at: open.spotify.com/episode/51iEbnyKgkRuDaA6QZ1pEx?si=Uk54HF2OQSSE0j2Df_97Ug In this Podcast, I'm also sharing my latest Health Update, including major surgery in two weeks and the re-siting of my stoma. Life is throwing me new, massive challenges, and I'm finding ways to deal with them holding on to hope and faith....plus finding an uplifting name for my new stoma. It's the beginning of Blossom, and as the name symbolises, I'm hoping my future will flourish and thrive post surgery. In the meantime, I'll be missing in action for a while as I prepare for surgery and then take the time needed to recover. Take care, Sam xx
Feb 19, 202318:08
Our "New Year" Life Tapestry

Our "New Year" Life Tapestry

2023 is here!

A new year awaits. Will it be a good year, a difficult year, a happy year, a sad year?

One thing is certain, none of us really know.Have you looked closely at the back of a tapestry? Generally, they are full of threads in a bit of a jumble. It’s hard to make out what the image is from this viewpoint.

Turn it over and it reveals a perfect picture. It makes sense. The chaos of all those jumbled threads at the back is only half of the story. They are necessary to reveal something beautiful.If you’re sitting at home as the New Year approaches, feeling like you can’t see ahead, don’t lose hope. You are not alone. Chronic illness can feel all-encompassing and does place huge limitations on our lives.

It doesn’t have to make us a prisoner, though. We do this to ourselves if we only dwell on what we can’t do, rather than what we can do.

Chronic illness is a part of our life, it’s not all of our lives. I hope this first Podcast episode of 2023 helps you focus your thoughts in a way that ensures you are ready to embrace this New Year. I'm so looking forward to journeying through it with you. Happy New Year! #tapestries #newyearpodcast #happynewyear #chronicillness #chronicpain
Jan 02, 202312:26
Have Yourself A Merry Little "Chronic Illness " Christmas

Have Yourself A Merry Little "Chronic Illness " Christmas

As Christmas Day fast approaches I imagine most of us, in the chronic illness community, are musing about what we want to realistically achieve over the holiday period.

For those of us with chronic disease it can be an incredibly overwhelming time. Just trying to be happy for others, when your body is screaming at you, is enough to make you want to run and hide.Even for those of us who don’t suffer mental illness, the lead up to Christmas can be a melancholy time. It’s important to acknowledge all those feelings. They are real, important and very normal for the chronic illness sufferer.

If you are feeling a little melancholy…….you are not alone.

I will have a lovely Christmas but it will not necessarily be a season of constant joy. It will have moments of delight, moments of extreme fatigue, moments of excruciating pain and then moments of relaxation and rest.

This is the reality for those of us with chronic illness and pain.There was no big family gathering on the first Christmas. There was no turkey dinner, no champagne flowing.

There was love and joy, wonder, awe, no doubt a little fear and much uncertainty of what lay ahead for Mary and Joseph and their new born son.

Christmas is, or should be, a celebration within our hearts. We are celebrating the gift of a Saviour. The gift of redemption, forgiveness, new life.

A True Christmas Can Never Be Cancelled But It Can Be DifferentAs Christmas Day fast approaches I imagine most of us, in the chronic illness community, are musing about what we want to realistically achieve over the holiday period. For those of us with chronic disease it can be an incredibly overwhelming time. Just trying to be happy for others, when your body is screaming at you, is enough to make you want toEven for those of us who don’t suffer mental illness, the lead up to Christmas can be a melancholy time. It’s important to acknowledge all those feelings. They are real, important and very normal for the chronic illness sufferer. If you are feeling a little melancholy…….you are not alone. I will have a lovely Christmas but it will not necessarily be a season of constant joy. It will have moments of delight, moments of extreme fatigue, moments of excruciating pain and then moments of relaxation and rest. This is the reality for those of us with chronic illness and pain. run and hide. There was no big family gathering on the first Christmas. There was no turkey dinner, no champagne flowing. There was love and joy, wonder, awe, no doubt a little fear and much uncertainty of what lay ahead for Mary and Joseph and their new born son. Christmas is, or should be, a celebration within our hearts. We are celebrating the gift of a Saviour. The gift of redemption, forgiveness, new life. A True Christmas Can Never Be Cancelled But It Can Be Different
Dec 16, 202215:14
Have Yourself a Merry Little "Chronic Illness" Christmas

Have Yourself a Merry Little "Chronic Illness" Christmas

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
As Christmas Day fast approaches I imagine most of us, in the chronic illness community, are musing about what we want to realistically achieve over the holiday period.

For those of us with chronic disease it can be an incredibly overwhelming time. Just trying to be happy for others, when your body is screaming at you, is enough to make you want toEven for those of us who don’t suffer mental illness, the lead up to Christmas can be a melancholy time. It’s important to acknowledge all those feelings. They are real, important and very normal for the chronic illness sufferer.

If you are feeling a little melancholy…….you are not alone.

I will have a lovely Christmas but it will not necessarily be a season of constant joy. It will have moments of delight, moments of extreme fatigue, moments of excruciating pain and then moments of relaxation and rest.

This is the reality for those of us with chronic illness and pain. run and hide.

There was no big family gathering on the first Christmas. There was no turkey dinner, no champagne flowing.

There was love and joy, wonder, awe, no doubt a little fear and much uncertainty of what lay ahead for Mary and Joseph and their new born son.

Christmas is, or should be, a celebration within our hearts. We are celebrating the gift of a Saviour. The gift of redemption, forgiveness, new life.

A True Christmas Can Never Be Cancelled But It Can Be Different
Dec 16, 202215:44
PART TWO.....My Interview as a Guest on "I Am Not My Pain Podcast", with host Melissa Adams.

PART TWO.....My Interview as a Guest on "I Am Not My Pain Podcast", with host Melissa Adams.

I am so excited to share part two of my interview with Melissa on her podcast, "I Am Not My Pain Podcast". In part two of my chat with Melissa, I talk about the practical steps I took to find a new purpose in my life. I talk about the process I followed to enable me to begin to accept my new life. I share deeply personal things about my story, my faith and how I found a way to find hope, in a completely hopeless situation. In case you missed part one, which includes my introduction to Melissa and how we met, here is the link to my blog post containing everything you need to know, including the Podcast link to the first part of our discussion together: mymedmusings.com/2022/09/21/my-interview-as-a-guest-on-i-am-not-my-pain-podcast-with-host-melissa-adams/ I've also included below, the direct link separately for you to my Podcast episode of Part One: anchor.fm/my-medical-musings/episodes/My-Interview-as-a-Guest-on-I-Am-Not-My-Pain-Podcast----With-Host-Melissa-Adams-PART-ONE-e1o6gj4 Every week Melissa shares interviews with different chronic pain warriors. They are from all walks of life and each story is precious and inspirational. I encourage you all to follow "I Am Not My Pain Podcast". You won't be disappointed. Here is the direct link to Melissa's Podcast: I Am Not My Pain Podcast on Spotify.

Thank you so much for listening to my interview. I truly hope there are little nuggets of help for you to takeaway, and apply to your own lives, or at least give you ideas. Take care everyone and remember, "Chronic Illness is a part of our life, not all of our life".
Sep 27, 202256:11
My Interview as a Guest on,"I Am Not My Pain Podcast"....With Host Melissa Adams (PART ONE)
Sep 22, 202249:14
"Grief Is The Price We Pay For Love" (Queen Elizabeth II)

"Grief Is The Price We Pay For Love" (Queen Elizabeth II)

My Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Sep 14, 202207:25
What Sam Did Next......... plus A Special Happy 80th Birthday Message to My Husband

What Sam Did Next......... plus A Special Happy 80th Birthday Message to My Husband

I'm taking time to take stock of my life and this episode is all about the process I'm following.
When you own a shop you need to do regular stock takes. What stock do you have, what’s profitable, what’s not selling, what new products are available that would add value to your business?

It’s a similar process when reviewing our lives. The questions will be slightly different but it’s the same concept. If I have finished a particular chapter of my life, I like to ask myself a few simple stock taking questions to see what, if anything, I should do next.

My Life Stock Taking Questions

1. What’s working in my life?
2. What am I enjoying?
3. What is mostly draining my energy?
4. Are there new opportunities I would like to persue?
5. Should I cease or change any of my existing commitments/initiatives?
These questions need to be given time to answer. If you truly want to re-evaluate your current workload and commitments and make significant and necessary changes, you shouldn’t rush the process. Listen to the end of this Podcast episode for a very special message from me to my husband for his 80th 🎂
Aug 14, 202218:47
Catering Chronic Illness Style

Catering Chronic Illness Style

How many times have you wanted to invite family or friends over for a coffee but the thought of catering has just been too much? You may be surprised at how little effort it takes! For the purposes of this Podcast episode, I want to focus on how to cater in a way everything looks like it’s fallen out of a “Home Beautiful” magazine and you’ve been able to do it.

Why bother you may ask? Simply because many of us in the chronic illness community love to create and enjoy special catered morning, or afternoon teas, brunches, or lunches and we don’t want our disease to take this pleasure away prematurely. Remember "Chronic illness is a part of our life and not all of our life"
Jul 26, 202240:47
My Medical Musings

My Medical Musings

A Blog, A Book, A Podcast and Support Forum. My Medical Musings has something for everyone. Please subscribe, follow and join to be part of a community of friends walking a similar path as you. We truly care and want you to know you are not alone. Chronic Illness is a part of your life, not all of your life and My Medical Musings can help you find new purpose, meaning and passion for life, despite your disease. So grab a cuppa and find a comfy chair to sit down with your new friends who will truly give you a warm welcome.
Jul 19, 202201:39
Seize The Day

Seize The Day

SEIZE THE DAY
"Don't feel like you are being selfish. If you are like me, you are likely rarely able to do something just for you. You likely save your energy moments everyday to do things for others."
#seizetheday #birthdaycelebration #countrydrive #chronicillness #chronicpain #hope #moments #makingmemories
Jul 18, 202216:49
Driving Miss Sam!...plus introducing Melissa Adams Podcast, "I am Not My Pain"

Driving Miss Sam!...plus introducing Melissa Adams Podcast, "I am Not My Pain"

You've no doubt heard of the movie "Driving Miss Daisy", well here is my own life changing story "Driving "Miss Sam" and finding a new way of having legs, when my own have failed me. I hope you enjoy xx ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡I'm also introducing an exciting Podcaster to you. Melissa Adams interviewed me this week on her Podcast, "I am not my Pain". Melissa, who has her own chronic pain story and ongoing journey managing extreme pain and disease symptoms, shares the same mindset as me that "chronic illness is a part of our life, not all of our life". She is a naturally inspiring lady and I encourage you all to check out her Podcast on Spotify or Apple. Melissa publishes interviews each week with other chronic pain warriors and each interview is so eye opening, raw but full of hope and encouragement. Melissa will be airing her interview with me sometime in September. We talked together so much it will be a 2 part interview. I'll keep you posted on the broadcast date. In the meantime here's the link to Melissa's Podcast for you to enjoy weekly xx https://open.spotify.com/show/5NxK8xPb1tQhwkLSLIoYHt?si=MWfK-62yT82Aaam2D_j7wA&utm_source=copy-link
Jul 07, 202216:28
A Podcast Pause Announcement. The Virtual Book Tour Postponed.

A Podcast Pause Announcement. The Virtual Book Tour Postponed.

In this episode I'm announcing my reason for postponing my Virtual Book Tour for a while. I'm leaving you with 2 readings from the book, A Poem from Betsy Riley and a Love Letter to Peter. I hope you enjoy xx
Jun 13, 202220:12
"My Medical Musings" Virtual Book Tour...Week 2

"My Medical Musings" Virtual Book Tour...Week 2

In Week 2 of our Virtual Book Tour, I'm reading Chapter 18 (When All Else Fails Just Cancel The Day), from my book, "My Medical Musings". I am also announcing ,"new" competition rules to give you the opportunity to win a signed paperback copy of my book. The competition will run until the end of July.
Jun 06, 202219:09
My Medical Musings.."Virtual Book Tour" - Week One

My Medical Musings.."Virtual Book Tour" - Week One

Join me on my Virtual Book Tour as I share with you readings from my book, "My Medical Musings, A Story of Love, Laughter, Faith and Hope; Living with a Rare Disease", plus you can have the opportunity to enter a competition to win a signed copy of my book. Today I'll be reading you the beautiful "Afterword" from CEO, Arthritis Queensland, Emma Thompson. Plus I'll be sharing with you the online volunteer work I love to do for Arthritis Queensland.
May 30, 202220:53
Announcing My Podcast"Virtual Book Tour"

Announcing My Podcast"Virtual Book Tour"

I’m really excited to announce I’ve decided to do a “Virtual Book Tour” of sorts, through my Podcast, Medical Musings with SamIf you want to be a part of my Virtual Book Tour and not miss an episode, the best way to ensure you are with me “on the virtual bus”, (so to speak) is to follow both my blog and Podcast.

You can also like and follow my Facebook Page, My Medical Musings, as I’ll be sharing each Virtual Tour episode there.

May 25, 202202:36
A Virtual Book Tour and Being Authentic

A Virtual Book Tour and Being Authentic

As the “My Medical Musings” brand expands, keeping it all authentic and keeping my own integrity is paramount to me. Join me in this episode as I review my motives, check my integrity is in tact and announce my plans for a Virtual Book Tour on my Podcast!!
May 23, 202233:05
The Horrors of My Health and The Wonders of my Writing Career!

The Horrors of My Health and The Wonders of my Writing Career!

I recorded this earlier on a Spotify only podcast as I wanted to include a downloaded song. I didn't want my followers who listen on other apps to miss out, so I've re published with the downside being you have to put up with my signing 🎤😅
May 14, 202219:09
The Horrors of My Health and The Wonders of My Writing Career

The Horrors of My Health and The Wonders of My Writing Career

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
Only one week until my book is launched!! I can't believe it. This Podcast shares some little snippets of what you can expect from the book... I am sharing some of the Preface and Introduction. So hope you enjoy and celebrate with me this week in the lead up to my official book launch on the 20th May!
May 14, 202218:40
Becoming an Author and Reflecting on Resilience

Becoming an Author and Reflecting on Resilience

As my book "My Medical Musings" is set to officially launch on May 20th, I share with you my excitement at achieving a lifelong dream of becomingan Author....and more importantly I encourage my listeners to not give up on your own hopes and dreams. I also share some of my recent interview with Authority Magazine on what it means to be resilient and my thoughts on what are the characteristics of resilience. These are exciting days at Medical Musings headquarters and this Podcast has given me the opportunity to thank my listeners, readers, my admin team and my publisher. I truly love you all 🥰
May 06, 202224:07
You Look And Sound So Well!

You Look And Sound So Well!

Should I sound “sick” on the phone? Should I dress as if I had just got out of bed or don’t care about my appearance? I have severe pain and fatigue and sometimes I do lose my voice as a result, but generally I can talk. I often look drained throughout the day but if I’m seeing someone a lot of planning has happened prior to seeing them to ensure my pain meds are at their maximum effectiveness. Why would I want to sound terrible or look dishevelled if I’m able to do?When we have chronic illness, our minds are quickly programmed to think about all the things we can no longer do.



Don’t get me wrong, there is lots we can’t do when living with a chronic disease. My list sometimes seems endless and can cause me to feel as if my disease is in total control.

Is it though? Or am I at risk of allowing it to take over more than it should?

I ask myself this question constantly.

I don’t want to be a prisoner to my disease. I want to scale whatever heights I can safely push, and ultimately I’m the only one who can decide my limits.

Jun 15, 202112:37
Self Talk….”It’ll Do” And Other Chronic Illness Chat Lines

Self Talk….”It’ll Do” And Other Chronic Illness Chat Lines

If I was ever going to accept my change in life circumstances, I needed to start with changing my self talk chat lines.
No longer could I talk to myself as if I could conquer all. I could and can conquer a lot, but definitely not everything. No mind over matter, no cheerleading squads, no pushing through despite pain, is going to be suffice to achieve goals, like basic daily housework.
Should I just give up? No, it’s not in my DNA to give up but it is in my DNA to find solutions. I might have to give up my perfectionism but I can still hang on to my “problem solving” passion.
It all starts with self talk. Not the kind I used in the past but a new kind. I’ve created, new and appropriate, self talk chronic illness chat lines.
May 24, 202108:16
My Interview on the ABC World Today Radio Program

My Interview on the ABC World Today Radio Program

I was very honoured to be interviewed about the COVID-19 vaccine and how important it is for those of us living with chronic illness.
Mar 20, 202104:24
My 2 Minutes Of Fame
Mar 20, 202114:49
Dealing With A Fork In The Road

Dealing With A Fork In The Road

Sometimes the path ahead in life can seem a little unclear.
Sometimes we are faced with a range of life choices, almost too many, which often complicate matters and require a great deal of thought….too much thought!!
Sometimes we have limited choices, none of which are particularly helpful, so instead of moving forward we feel paralysed.
Add in chronic illness, and the restrictions often surrounding our diseases, complications are taken to a whole new level when we are faced with which path to take.
So how do we deal with forks in the road, a change of direction, a smorgasbord of opportunities?
Feb 24, 202112:41
Straight From The Heart (or...Ramblings 0f The Fatigued)

Straight From The Heart (or...Ramblings 0f The Fatigued)

There are times I yearn to write but words fail me.
Is it because I am overthinking?
Is it because I’m too tired and in too much pain?
Or is it because if I wrote what I needed to write, it may be too raw, too much for my readers and even too much for me?
While tiredness and pain definitely impact my writing ability, I think what is stopping me today is my need to write straight from my heart, however it might unfold.
Feb 07, 202108:18