Posts by: Athena Merritt

Athena Merritt

Athena Merritt was a journalist for 20 years until her prolonged battle with sarcoidosis forced her out of work. As she rebuilds her life, she hopes to bring humor, inspiration and knowledge to others in the process.

July 14, 2020July 10, 2020

Small Fiber Neuropathy Is Going Undiagnosed in Sarcoidosis

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

With 92 degrees forecast, I headed out for a walk Thursday morning to beat the heat. Within minutes, I had to quit because of a sarcoidosis-related condition that required ... Read more

July 7, 2020July 7, 2020

My New Vegetarian Diet Has Brought Sarcoidosis Pain Relief

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

My Fourth of July celebrations always include barbecue, but not this year. I made the leap to a vegetarian diet on May 23. I’m already seeing benefits from the ... Read more

June 30, 2020June 26, 2020

Breathing Polluted Air Is the Deadly Norm for Many

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

With stifling June heat and pollen cleared by rainfall, I opened my windows. Drivers finished their workdays and inched forward in traffic outside my home. Within minutes, gentle breezes carried ... Read more

June 23, 2020June 19, 2020

DIY Project Drills Home Important Sarcoidosis Lessons

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

A pile of boards and bolts stood before me as the first inkling of doubt crept in. Gathering what tools I could find — a small hammer and two ... Read more

June 16, 2020June 12, 2020

Putting Fears Aside to Resume Crucial Healthcare

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

I’ve avoided others throughout the pandemic because of my sarcoidosis. I had thought that if I ever ditched social distancing, it would be to embrace family, but it wasn’t. ... Read more

June 9, 2020June 5, 2020

Long-term Telecommuting Could Benefit the Rare Disease Community

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

An employer once asked me what was the one wish I wanted granted. Having battled sarcoidosis for years while in the workforce, the answer came easy. I asked for ... Read more

June 2, 2020May 29, 2020

Sarcoidosis Progress Continues Behind the Scenes

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

I spent the first hours of April poring through television news in the U.S. Not a single mention of Sarcoidosis Awareness Month for my efforts. I did see a bus ... Read more

May 26, 2020May 22, 2020

My Love Affair with Meat Hits a Rocky Patch

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

Sometimes in relationships flaws become too glaring to ignore, which either leads to compromise or goodbye. That is now the case in my long love affair with meat. I’ve ... Read more

May 19, 2020May 15, 2020

The Season of Sneezing Is Upon Us

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

Runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and itchy, watery eyes. Getting a breath of fresh air ain’t what it used to be. Spring allergy season is underway in the U.S. And ... Read more

May 12, 2020May 8, 2020

Lingering Questions About Lyme Disease

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

I felt vindicated last year when researchers reported Lyme disease could potentially trigger sarcoidosis. I’ve been trying to get physicians to see a link between the two for years. ... Read more

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