Columns

The drug recall that rocked the hypoparathyroidism community

There’s a quote by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich that was later popularized by one of my favorite film directors, Baz Luhrmann, and that repeats in my head during shocking moments: “The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried…

Life is a story we embrace daily and learn to cherish

“There is no table of contents in the Book of Life. We don’t know if we’re at the beginning of a new chapter, or the end of a story. Which is why we must be grateful every time the page turns.” — From the 2016 movie “War Dogs” Life is…

With hypoparathyroidism, it helps to find the right calcium supplement

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with calcium supplements as well as general supplement brands. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. When I was diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism and told to take calcium supplements, it was…

Considering language, ritual, and the way I speak my truth

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with acupuncture. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. “Isn’t it funny? The truth just sounds different.” — Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) from the 2000 movie “Almost Famous” Monday morning…

Reframing my hypoparathyroidism diagnosis anniversary

On July 2, my surgical hypoparathyroidism turned 22 years old. It’s wild to think that I’ve had this disease for over half of my life, and that I’ve been sick longer than I’ve been healthy. That one day in 2003 changed everything. As I prepared to write this column,…

A supportive family helps me navigate life’s twists and turns

“Bumpy roads often lead to beautiful places.” — MLB coach Dave Martinez Living with hypoparathyroidism has been quite the adventure. It’s shown me that life is full of twists and turns that don’t come with a road map. Symptoms can emerge without warning, leading to unexpected health…

How to deal with heat when living with hypoparathyroidism

As the summer solstice passes by and blazing temperatures roll in, the image of lounging by a pool or lake with a cold alcoholic beverage in hand crosses my mind frequently. In a life without hypoparathyroidism, I suspect that’s exactly what I’d be doing today, as we reach 90…

The vicious cycle of hypoparathyroidism and grief

Having a chronic illness feels a little like being a hostage negotiator. It’s my functionality and I trapped behind an unpredictable chronic illness that’s got a chip on its shoulder and is out for blood. The alarm has been tripped and the medics are outside, but it doesn’t change the…

Surviving the storm, be it a hurricane or my hypopara

“We can’t control the storms that come our way, but we can control how we navigate through them.” — Fernanda Melchor’s novel “Hurricane Season” It’s almost summer here in the Sunshine State of Florida! It’s hot, humid, and rains daily. Floridians know to bring an umbrella, SPF, and a water…