Stroke

My wife and I have been working on making craft items to sell. It started with knotted friendship bracelets and bottle cap magnets, but when my mom passed away in February of 2024, I was given any of her crafting items to use for the business. Two cricuts that I barely knew how to use (I gave one away), a mug press and about a 100 mugs, with infusible ink paper and tons of vinyl, so much card making material, and a lot more that I didn't even know what it was. I'm still learning, and sometimes I get so frustrated because mom would have known how to do it, except for the mug press. She wanted me to learn how to use it and then teach her, but I kept procrastinating right through the time she had her stroke. I really hate that I never made time to do that for her, that I wanted to be so unlike her that I took away something that would have brought her joy. I learned a lesson when she passed about not wasting time, that tomorrow may never come, and I dearly wish the lesson I had learned was how to make a mug while spending time with my mom.

Managing chronic pain is challenging—physically, emotionally, and mentally. It can also feel isolating as you try to figure out what works best for you and your body. But discovering helpful coping mechanisms, tips and tricks for relief, supportive communities, and reliable resources can make a meaningful difference, even if just for a moment. You are not alone!

Our Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Chronic Pain collection brings together real-life insights and practical strategies shared by people who understand. Whether you're looking for new ways to ease discomfort or simply feel seen, this collection—and our Mighty community—is here to support you. 🌟

Explore the collection here:
Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Chronic Pain

#ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #Disability #Caregiving #RareDisease #Migraine #Stroke #CardiovascularDisease #AutonomicDysfunction #POTS #Spoonie #Lupus #Endometriosis #Depression
#Cancer #Anxiety #PTSD #CheckInWithMe

My name is Malini Amaladoss, and I’m reaching out to share a deeply personal podcast I created called “Stroke of Silence.”

This podcast chronicles the journey my family endured after my husband suffered a major stroke—and the devastating delays, miscommunications, and systemic failures we faced while trying to get him the care he needed. Through each episode, I unfold the real and raw story of what happens when time-sensitive medical decisions are lost in silence, and how families like mine are left to fight alone for answers, justice, and basic compassion.

In parallel, I’m also writing a memoir titled “Code Silent: Love, Loss, and the Fight in a Broken Healthcare System,” which dives even deeper into our experience. Both the podcast and the book are part of my commitment to raise awareness, drive accountability, and advocate for better patient-centered care.

You can listen to the podcast and learn more at:

🌐 www.maliniamaladoss.com

(The podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.)

youtube.com/playlist

If this aligns with your mission, I would be honored if you could take a listen—and consider sharing it within your network or community.

Thank you for the work you do in supporting stroke survivors, caregivers, and healthcare advocacy. Together, I believe we can amplify these stories and push for meaningful change.#strokeofsilence

Malini Amaladoss

So, my older cat has had some congestion type issues pretty bad for a few months. We've been taking him to the vet and tried a few things and he gets a little relief from the twice daily inhaler but nothing else has helped. He's lost a pound and a half in a month and a half and today we took him in to get him scheduled for a CT scan and confirm there's not much we can do but wait for the results of it. While we were at the vet she noticed that there's a pretty big difference in how dialated the pupils are. In getting a picture of it I noticed the 3rd eyelid hanging out on the eye that isn't as dialated. I am so afraid we are going to do this scan and be told that there is nothing they can do for him. Tomorrow is my husband and my anniversary only I don't feel much like celebrating right now. We already made plans with friends and I'm not going to back out (unless something changes again) but I am not feeling so great right now. I keep thinking either he could have cancer or had a stroke or something and with the weight loss...I am scared we are going to lose him. But I also hate that he's suffering. Mostly this is just an emotion dump because I need to get it out somewhere. I know we are doing the right thing working with the vet. My mother lives with us so she will be with the cat while we are out so she can keep an eye on him if anything changes. Just my husband is at work and my mom is not very good at comforting me.

We often hear about self-care and think of it as prioritizing your needs, getting outside, taking breaks, or enjoying the occasional bubble bath. But self-care is so much more—especially when you're living with a chronic illness. There are added layers of considerations, demands, and limitations that are often overlooked.

What are your thoughts on self-care while managing a chronic illness or chronic pain? What does self-care look like for you? What do you wish others understood about taking care of your needs and health as someone with a chronic condition?

📖 Need a thoughtful read on the topic? Check out today's Story of the Week here: 5 Alternative Thoughts on Self-Care for Chronic Illness

#ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #Disability #Caregiving #RareDisease #Migraine #Stroke #CardiovascularDisease #AutonomicDysfunction
#PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #Spoonie #Lupus #Endometriosis
#Cancer #Anxiety #PTSD
#CheckInWithMe