Posts by: Athena Merritt

Athena Merritt

Athena, a former journalist and Pennsylvania native, was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 2002. She’s admittedly addicted to books, Marvel, and football. She tackles life with humor, passion and curiosity, and hopes to reach others through her writing.

March 23, 2021March 22, 2021

Do Long-haul COVID-19 Patients Provide Clues for Sarcoidosis Treatment?

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

Since the novel coronavirus emerged, what’s increasingly struck me are the eerie similarities between COVID-19 and sarcoidosis. The deeper we’ve gotten into this pandemic, the more I wonder if it ... Read more

March 16, 2021March 12, 2021

The First Hurdle to Clear to Get in Shape Is Often Fear

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

I was in my 40s when I entered a neighborhood gym for the first time. I slunk over to the least-crowded row of treadmills, and still couldn’t shake the feeling ... Read more

March 9, 2021March 4, 2021

While You Wait for Normal to Return, Check Out These Sarcoidosis Events

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

Envy is a terrible thing. But three months into the year, I can no longer shake it. I thought I’d be an early candidate for protection against COVID-19 because of ... Read more

March 2, 2021February 26, 2021

The Early Bird Wins (I Hope) When It Comes to Daylight Saving Time

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

I view my biological clock as a stubborn, old mule. She dictates her pace, and getting her to change is hard. Real hard. She wants no part of the foolishness ... Read more

February 23, 2021February 19, 2021

Help Tackle Sarcoidosis by Speaking Up on Rare Disease Day

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

We sat just a few feet apart, trying to figure each other out. He jotted down his clues, and watching him closely, I looked for mine. Given that fewer than ... Read more

February 16, 2021February 12, 2021

Remission Doesn’t Always Mean the End of Symptoms

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

I know playing “what if” is a useless exercise when it comes to sarcoidosis. But during a four-day stint without cellphone coverage or internet access, I found myself doing it ... Read more

February 9, 2021February 5, 2021

Victories Are Sweeter When You Have to Work Hard for Them

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

Many call it “heart attack snow.” It’s heavy. It’s backbreaking. Last week, we went head-to-head. In “Terminator” terms, the snow was the advanced T-3000 cyborg. I was “Pops,” the old ... Read more

February 2, 2021January 29, 2021

Why You Need to Know About Cardiac Sarcoidosis Screening

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

My physician’s index finger slid across the X-ray, briefly stopping in areas to indicate the foreign presence in my lungs. I had pulmonary sarcoidosis. And for the next 14 years, ... Read more

January 26, 2021January 22, 2021

Unlike Before, I Now Take the Time to Enjoy Life

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

Slowing down has always been hard for me. As a kid, I’d squirm out of my mom’s hugs telling her, “I gotta go play.” While racing along, details often ... Read more

January 19, 2021January 15, 2021

3 Reasons to Find a New Doctor

Columns, Invisible Chaos - a Column by Athena Merritt

The more visits I have with a physician, the harder it is to cut ties. Which is why, between breaths behind a face mask, I was relaying my complaint again. ... Read more