/ˈkroudˌsôrsiNG/
noun
The practice of obtaining information or input into a task or project by enlisting the services of a large number of people, typically via the Internet.
Okay, kids, get ready! I’m beginning a new chapter of my life. I’m going to be “crowdsourcing” information for an ongoing project near and dear to my heart. I am creating a website (www.sickerandsicker.com), blog and podcast focused on navigating chronic illness. I’m creating a safe space for information-sharing, personal stories and ideas for and by those enduring the ongoing physical and emotional pitfalls of chronic illness.
I’ve been waging my own personal chronic illness battle since 2001. I’ve been dealing with autoimmune disease, its ancillary symptoms, and the illnesses and damage related to those symptoms/treatments for years. I’ve been in and out of (good and bad) medical care. During that time, however, I’ve continued my dogged research on related topics and used my body as my very own biochemistry experiment. What I’d like to do now is share what I’ve learned, annnnnnd continue to learn more from others. I don’t have the answers to all chronic health questions. What I do have is an endless curiosity and a drive to make a difference. I also have the courage to ask the hard questions.
The overall format will be what I like to call “Thinking Out Loud”. I do a lot of that in real life. I will post a new “Thinking Out Loud” chronic illness topic each month on my blog. These topics will simply be what I’ve been wondering about in relation to that topic. I’d love for people to weigh in. If you feel inspired to share a story or comment related to the topic, I’d love to hear it.
I plan to “crowdsource” input on everything. I’m looking for tips, tricks, and motivational stories from people who have “been there-done that”. What worked? What didn’t? What does your day-to-day journey look like? What are your frustrations? There will be an ongoing, open-ended dialogue for each topic on my blog. (Any mean, negative or troll-like comments/posts will be deleted and blocked immediately.) This website will be a safe space for people to share, without fear, the details of their chronic illness journeys… the good, the bad and the ugly.
My website will also include a podcast. I’m going to interview guests who are currently battling chronic illness, as well as guests who have successfully overcome chronic illness. I will also interview subject matter experts covering various topics that I find fascinating, applicable, and worth sharing. My first two “Thinking Out Loud” podcast topics will be timely and relevant… COVID-19 Symptoms and COVID-19 “Long Haulers” Syndrome. These definitely hit close to home as I’ve had COVID-19 and I’m still battling the aftereffects 7 months later. I’m very interested in feedback and comments.
Some possible future blog/podcast topics will be: The Bacteria/Body Connection, The Garden Within: Gut Biome Health, Self-Care and Holistic Tools to Manage Unrelenting Symptoms and Depression, Environmental X Factor Correlation to Illness, The Financial Cost of Chronic Illness and Health Insurance Coverage, Social Systems’ Impact on Chronic Illness, Facing Tough Diagnoses With a Positive Attitude, Battling New Illnesses (such as COVID-19) While Still Struggling With Chronic Illness, and Communicating With Medical Professionals as Your Own Best Health Advocate. I will continue the podcast conversation and expand each topic on my blog, as necessary.
If you or someone you love is battling a chronic illness (a long-term health condition that may not have a cure), i.e., autoimmune disease, gut health issues, arthritis, allergies, etc., I want to hear from you. You are my reason for doing this. I will keep your information confidential, unless you allow me to share it. (Any information posted directly on my website by visitors is considered public information.) If you would be willing to answer a few questions about your chronic illness journey and/or your COVID-19 experience, please reach out to me. You can send me a personal message via Facebook Messenger, or an email to: [email protected]. I will get back to you with a short questionnaire. Thank you, ahead of time, for your input.
Ironically, I always thought that I would someday have a dream blog about wine, or travel, or love, or culture. This project is probably the last thing I ever thought I would find myself excited about. I feel, however, that I was called to do this. Members of my medical team, my family and my friends have all encouraged me to share my story so that it might help someone else. Sooooo, my wish here would be that the information shared on this platform just might spark someone’s imagination, raise new personal care questions, provide direction possibilities, and inspire a new path to good health and a better quality of life. My dream blog has now become centered around HOPE. (and maybe still a little about wine and love)
“Make a difference every day, even if it’s a small one.”
www.sickerandsicker.com
IMPORTANT NOTE: I am not a doctor, and this is not a website meant to provide specific, individual medical information or advice. Always contact your physician directly when considering your personal care options or making changes to your personal care plan.