Life Altered — Kate Spencer

The holiday season is here once again. Before sarcoidosis, I embraced the holidays as a festive time. Things have changed since then. However, I have found a “recipe” for approaching the holiday season: a way to stay as…

It has been over a month since I first came down with the virus. I slept through the first week and a half, but was eventually able to get out of bed. I started with at least half…

The Thanksgiving holiday is fast approaching here in the United States. It’s a time when many of us think about the aspects of our lives for which we are thankful. In the early years following my diagnosis, I wouldn’t…

Before my diagnosis, I thought of myself as a traditionalist, at least when it came to the holidays. I baked cookies, decorated the house, and shopped for the perfect gift for everyone on my list. I planned get-togethers for…

It was my initial desire to explain my sarcoidosis diagnosis to the people around me. Whether they were individuals I have known for years or those I had recently met, I wanted to be honest and open. But…

As I mentioned in a previous column, relationships can be tricky when managing a condition like sarcoidosis. Unfortunately, not everyone can adjust to the challenges of a chronic health condition. But I’ve found that pets are a different…

Fall is typically a great time of year for me, despite my sarcoidosis. Mild temperatures and a decrease in humidity usually allow me some much-needed outdoor time. But it’s not working out that way this year. I came…

I eat well, get adequate sleep, and lead a balanced lifestyle overall. My routine includes trying to keep my life as stress-free as possible. But despite my best intentions, an event invariably occurs to disrupt my attempts to maintain…

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 job is high on the list, too. Some people…

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 tranquil. Now that fall has arrived, the scenery is beautiful…

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. Most people probably believe that PTSD only affects veterans,…

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 temperatures, but experts say there are ways to boost…