Posts by: Kate Spencer

Kate Spencer

I am a freelance writer who volunteers with several animal rescue organizations. I enjoy reading, working in the garden, and gluten-free baking.

October 16, 2019October 14, 2019

Filling the Work Void Created by My Sarcoidosis Diagnosis

Columns, Life Altered - a Column by Kate Spencer

I miss many things about life before my sarcoidosis diagnosis. On that list are good health, get-togethers with family and friends, and trips. The ability to work a full-time ... Read more

October 9, 2019October 4, 2019

Nature Has Benefits That Help Me to Manage My Chronic Illness

Columns, Life Altered - a Column by Kate Spencer

The other day, I took a 20-minute drive to a local lake. During the summer season, the location is crowded and busy, but after Labor Day, it’s quiet and ... Read more

October 2, 2019September 27, 2019

Is There a Link Between Chronic Illness and PTSD?

Columns, Life Altered - a Column by Kate Spencer

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is getting more coverage in the news. I’ve often wondered if I have PTSD since I started experiencing symptoms after I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis. ... Read more

September 25, 2019September 19, 2019

Could Boosting Your Immune System Help with Sarcoidosis?

Columns, Life Altered - a Column by Kate Spencer

Cold and flu season is quickly approaching. I find this time of year especially challenging now that I’ve been diagnosed with sarcoidosis. I can’t escape the changing weather and ... Read more

September 18, 2019September 13, 2019

Pursuing Self-improvement Despite Sarcoidosis

Columns, Life Altered - a Column by Kate Spencer

The past few days have been “blah” for me. I try to remain optimistic despite my sarcoidosis, but sometimes the stuff of life just creeps in. Once things like ... Read more

September 11, 2019September 5, 2019

Could Vitamin Therapy Help My Immune System?

Columns, Life Altered - a Column by Kate Spencer

To be clear, no one ever made the claim that vitamins and supplements would cure me of sarcoidosis. However, they might boost my immune system, and that might help ... Read more

September 4, 2019August 29, 2019

Symptom Management Is a Full-time Job

Columns, Life Altered - a Column by Kate Spencer

“What’s your worst symptom?” is a question I’m often asked while discussing sarcoidosis. My response is always the same: “Whatever symptom I have at the moment.” It’s true: Whatever ... Read more

August 28, 2019August 23, 2019

Some Relationships Simply Can’t Survive Sarcoidosis

Columns, Life Altered - a Column by Kate Spencer

Sarcoidosis changes everything in life, including relationships. Since being diagnosed, I find that people in my life fall into several categories. First are those who know about my condition ... Read more

August 21, 2019August 16, 2019

Can an Infrared Sauna Help Minimize Your Sarcoidosis Pain?

Columns, Life Altered - a Column by Kate Spencer

I had not heard of an infrared sauna before a practitioner told me about the device. Early in the process of diagnosing my sarcoidosis, it was suggested as a ... Read more

August 14, 2019August 12, 2019

An Art Class Made My Bad Day Better

Columns, Life Altered - a Column by Kate Spencer

It was what I least felt like doing that Saturday morning: learning something new and being among a group of people. But the friend who urged me to attend ... Read more

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