The Chargies

My life has done a complete 180 since my latest diagnosis of diabetes last year. I'm healthier than I have been in probably more than a decade. I also have less flares of my other conditions. It's insane at how much it affected my body before I got it under control.

This makes me think of Kintsugi (literally, gold seams). It's a traditional repair method that takes the broken or chipped parts of cherished vessels, glues them back together with a Japanese lacquer, and paints the seams with gold or silver powder. Sometimes being broken can lead to beautiful things.

I got the appointments part down. Everything, and I mean everything, goes in my calendar with multiple reminders set for each one. But the paperwork? Oh, lordy, do I need help with that part.

It's a process where there is no right or wrong way to go through it. Feel the emotions, think the thoughts, and cry the tears. Just don't live there. You have a whole new life ahead of you.

Coloring on my phone apps. I must have 5 or 6 of them. When I'm coloring I don't feel stressed or worried. I'm just in the moment and enjoying the pictures and colors.

I've grown significantly in the last year, and I'm a stronger and calmer person since the pain began. -Chris ()

Hey, I'm 23, and I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Sjögren's Syndrome, Graves Disease, Cluster Headaches, and IBS over the course of the last year, though the chronic pain began a little over 2 years ago. I've struggled with a ton of depression because I can't do the things I want to do, and because I don't always want to live the life I've been given. I get through the pain one day at a time, and I've picked up hobbies along the way, such as writing (creative writing and poetry) and coloring. I've lost some friends because of my illnesses, but I've gained amazing new ones, and those friends help me when I'm down and give me the courage to get up when life knocks me down. I've grown significantly in the last year, and I'm a stronger and calmer person since the pain began.

You always hear that it's the small things that matter. It's true. Do the small things... they'll add up to the bigger ones.

I have this jacket, with another design, and LOVE it! I wear it all the time in the fall because it keeps me warm without being too heavy. The elastic cuffs are loose and not binding, there are pockets, and a full zipper so you can cover your neck.

There are a lot of disabilities that are not visible on the outside. People with invisible illness come in all forms, sizes and ages. You can be young and in need of a mobility scooter, you could look healthy and still need the disabled parking spot...people cannot see on the outside how you really feel inside.

This design brings awareness to that making visible what is otherwise invisible.

thechargies.com ---> Designs ---> Invisible Disability

https://thechargies.com/collections/invisible-disability-collection/products/invisible-disability-jersey-lined-jacket?variant=16162567454786

Yes. I've lost 73 pounds since being diagnosed with diabetes. I've had much fewer flares of my fibromyalgia, CRPS, and migraines. It's not the end all be all answer to things, but losing weight really had a positive impact on my conditions.

You can do it!

This is a very personal decision. My choice has been to be open and honest. I used to be ashamed of my diagnoses... I thought I was a bother to everyone. Not anymore. They are a part of me, simple as that. Now, that being said, I don't just volunteer the info when I first meet someone. If they ask, or the moment is right, I'll tell people.

I'm just one of the many endo suffers out here trying to raise awareness whilst supporting my fellow endo-sisters. -Chloe ()
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Hey, I'm 24yrs old from Newcastle UK and I'm an Endo-Warrior.

I've been suffering with Endometriosis since I was 13. Since the age of 13 I've been on different kinds of contraceptive pills while being fobbed off at every doctor's appointment being classed as "a girl who can't handle her periods & symptoms" despite bleeding heavily for 15 days each month.

I finally got diagnosed with Endometriosis when I was 18 through laparoscopy surgery... I was like 'endo what now!' since then I've had 3 surgeries to remove endo and scar tissue (but it keeps growing back)
Endometriosis is a condition where cells like the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body. It is chronic and debilitating which can lead to: chronic pain, chronic fatigue, infertility, bowel and bladder problems, depression, it can also cause painful s*x and difficulty fulfilling work and social commitments.

•1 in 10 women of reproductive age suffering from endometriosis in the UK
•10% of women worldwide have endometriosis- that's 176 million women worldwide
•it's the 2nd most common gynecological condition in the UK
•it takes on average 7.5 years to get diagnosed
•the cause of endo is unknown and there is no definite cure

I'm just one of the many endo suffers out here trying to raise awareness whilst supporting my fellow endo-sisters. I've dedicated an Instagram account to track me on my endometriosis journey and I'm also starting a YouTube channel to hopefully help millions of suffers.

It's there. I promise!

I start "getting ready" for bed about 1.5-2 hours before I want to go to bed. I turn on my red lights and light candles for calmness, turn down my bed and get in my PJs, get a protein snack, and settle in to watch a couple episodes of a good show. About 45 min from going to bed I take my meds. Once I crawl in bed I play a game of backgammon on my phone, turn on my fan, and move the cat off my chest. 😂

We are all beautiful and invincible in our own ways.

This community and my other Chargie friends from all over the world. Knowing I'm not the only one fighting an uphill health battle is oddly comforting. I hate that we all have to go through what we are, but I'm grateful for the support, understanding, and friendships.

On the first day of high school, I woke up at 5 in the morning in extreme pain and couldn't walk without almost passing out. -Chloe ()
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I'm a 17 year old high school and dual-enrolled college student. When I was 10 I got my first period and ever since then, it's been a nightmare. I was in so much pain on my period it was debilitating. Eventually, my mom took me to the doctor when I was 12 and I was put on birth control. On the first day of high school, I woke up at 5 in the morning in extreme pain and couldn't walk without almost passing out. My dad took me to the hospital and it turns out I had a ruptured cyst on my o***y. Since that day I've been experiencing pain both on and off my period. I had visited my gyno with multiple complaints of the same symptoms and each time nothing happened to help me. A few months ago I had a bad flare up and threw up everywhere after eating at a restaurant. My mom decided to take me in again and that was when we scheduled my laparoscopy. In my surgery, it had become apparent that I had endometriosis. Since then I've been dealing with endometriosis as it comes. Being so young it's hard to cope with. Nobody in my social group really understands the pain I go through. But each day I try to stay positive. I am thankful for each day as it comes and have learned so much about myself through this journey. The pain is the worst part, but each day I get to prove how strong I am.

There is no right or wrong way to cope with things.

I cry. Seriously, there are days I do. One of my medications for my bipolar disorder just went from $14 a month to $85! WTF! I have no insurance so that's all out of pocket too. So I'm now shopping around to other pharmacies to see who has the lowest price. So far I think Costco wins.

There are times where this is necessary.

This community! We all have our own struggles, yet we come together to support each other. That is beautiful and very special! ❤️

It took me a while to gain the confidence to be seen using mobility aids and to embrace them, they have given me so much freedom that I wouldn't have had without them. -Chloe ()
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Hi I am 28 years of age. Two years ago I had to suspend my post graduate studies due to ill health. I was unable to eat without vomiting, constantly fatigued and in a lot of pain. Since I can remember I have always suffered with stomach issues and pain, after various tests and consultations without a diagnosis other than a functional bowel problem. As my health continued to deteriorate I had a private consultation in London and was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome along with PoTS and Gastroparesis.

Since I was a teenager I have had unresolved mental health issues, however over the last two years my mental health deteriorated further. Six months ago following mild psychosis, dark depression and frequent manic mood swings I was diagnosed with bipolar.

My symptoms are now somewhat managed with medication, diet changes and physiotherapy. My vomiting is not completely under control, my shoulders and hips frequently sublux which is extremely painful and can take several weeks to completely settle back down, I still suffer with fatigue, with the odd manic episode, but I'm slowly getting there. I try to remain positive as best I can. I'm currently doing a lot of pilates and swimming to help gain some muscle mass to stop my joints going out as much.

It took me a while to gain the confidence to be seen using mobility aids and to embrace them, they have given me so much freedom that I wouldn't have had without them. I've recently started blogging to tell my story and to try to raise awareness for invisible illnesses which are not fully understood or accepted. I constantly get told 'you don't look sick'. I couldn't live without my cat for comfort and I've met a lot of people through the internet with similar conditions that've been a massive help, support and inspiration when I'm struggling myself.

You are about to be something even more beautiful than you already are. 🐛 🦋

For me it's that diabetics can't have sugar or carbs at all. In fact, we NEED carbs to survive just like everyone else. They're our fuel. We just have to be smart about it. Low carb with high protein helps balance things a lot.

Is it really this easy?! 😲 😂

Do you ever feel like your brain is experiencing 'technical difficulties'? As Chargies, most of us live with brain fog. Sometimes we feel like our thoughts are in a jumble, and it's difficult to voice that. This design voices it for you.

https://thechargies.com/products/brain-fog-hoodie-legacy-collection?variant=46659947463000

thechargies.com ---> Designs ---> Brain Fog ---> Hoodie

Very carefully. 😂 Seriously though, I use my calendar and reminder apps on my phone for everything. I'll break things into smaller steps and do as much as I can. Then I save the rest for another day. I just have to learn to listen to my body better.

I never know what days will be a challenge, but despite the obstacles life presents me with, I am confident that I can make a great life for myself and empower others the best I can. -Chloe ()
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Hello! I'm from Las Vegas, Nevada. I'm a 20 year old college student with multiple sclerosis.

MS is a neurological disease with no known cause or cure. What led me to my diagnosis was having double vision for 8 consistent weeks during fall of last year. I had a spinal tap, and two MRIs which showed a moderate amount of lesions in my brain and cervical spine. That's when I was diagnosed! I then made the difficult decision to start MS medication. I had always been in favor of natural medicine over pharmaceuticals, so it took a lot of thinking and reflection.

My most outstanding symptoms throughout the years have been chronic fatigue, brain fog, numbness, and mild nerve pain, dating back to early high school. I still battle brain fog and fatigue, and heat sensitivity that comes along as a complication of the disease (exposure to heat mimics a relapse). But, I am very grateful for being as symptom-free as I am now, especially when my MRI says otherwise.
I am still trying to figure out what is best for me - I don't know if I will stay on MS medication for the rest of my life, or eventually choose to turn to natural remedies completely. Things could always change! Everyone should have the choice to manage their health the way they think is best for them.

It's been over a year since my diagnosis now. Other than medication, I manage my MS through exercise, a healthy diet (as well as I can, being a college student), supplementation, and a positive attitude. I never know what days will be a challenge, but despite the obstacles life presents me with, I am confident that I can make a great life for myself and empower others the best I can.

Please share a time you received an unexpected or unreasonably large medical bill.
😣💰
I bet ALL of you in the US have a story...

We become stronger with every day we survive, and our scars prove we have lived.