Articles » July, 2005

Shop the Babe! Today we opened our own CafePress shop, where you can pick from almost 30 different ChronicBabe goodies.

Posted: 7/29/2005 in Announcements  |  Also posted in: Cool Tools

The National Women's Health Network announced to news subscribers today that the Food and Drug Adminstration has told Mentor Corporation that its silicone gel breast implant is "approvable" -- meaning that they could soon be allowed back into the market. Wow. We at ChronicBabe can't believe ladies are still considering these, with all the anecdotal evidence pointing to the negative impact they can have on health.

From the NWHN announcement: "The National Women's Health Network opposed approval of Mentor's breast implants because the company did not provide enough data to show that it would be safe for a woman to use them over the many years that the breast implants will remain inside her body. In fact, the FDA's own scientists who reviewed the application concluded that the company had not adequately answered the safety questions that the agency had asked it to address."

Read the FDA announcement here.

Posted: 7/29/2005 in Venting

Since childhood, I have loved to cook - the colors, tastes, aromas and sounds of the kitchen thrill me, and when I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1997, I knew I'd have to find a way to keep that fire burning.

Posted: 7/25/2005 in The Kitchen

I was brooding under the covers, talking to my mother on the phone. "I should just cancel my book tour,"I told her, frustrated to the point of tears. "I can barely get to the bathroom. How can I possibly get across the country?"My knee had been badly injured two weeks earlier, and hobbling to the kitchen had become about as much adventure as I could stand.

Posted: 7/25/2005 in Inspiration  |  Also posted in: Coping

For each of us, the decision regarding whether to tell our whole story -- or certain parts of it -- is one we make every day. For this ChronicBabe, a move to a new city meant learning all over again how to introduce herself. Like many women, her technique evolved over time, and yours will too. Here's one perspective on small-talk disclosure.

Posted: 7/25/2005 in Relationships

Fellow Babe and sometimes contributor Pam has a few book ideas to share, on topics related to starting a family; understanding the nervous system and pain; and mindfulness and meditation.

Posted: 7/23/2005 in Cool Tools

Except for a few of them. I luv Bust and Bitch, and Venus is rad, and Ms. has it nice moments. But seriously, y'all, why does anyone spend any dough on these rags?

Posted: 7/23/2005 in Venting

As we continue to grow and seek out ways to become self-sufficient, we're experimenting with the Amazon Associates program. By shopping Amazon.com through our links, you're helping to support ChronicBabe.com!

Posted: 7/22/2005 in Announcements

Someone I'm very close to (let's call her Betty) recently said some things that really hurt me to the core, particularly regarding how I handle my Chronic. After many, many years of putting up with Betty's not-so-subtle digs, I decided that it's time for some distance. It's a tough decision, but one I had to make in order to take good care of myself.

Posted: 7/21/2005 in Relationships  |  Also posted in: Venting

When I'm feeling less than fantastic, I often turn to stories of inspiration to boost my spirits. No, not the Chicken Soup for Your Stinky Feet variety... the That Takes Ovaries!, by Rivka Solomon, variety.

Posted: 7/21/2005 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Since we launched a few days ago, many women have written the Babe to ask about contributing articles. Of course, we welcome new voices to the site! Here are some guidelines for submitting articles.

Posted: 7/21/2005 in Announcements

Paula Kamen, author of "All in My Head: An Epic Quest to Cure an Unrelenting, Totally Unreasonable and Only Slightly Enlightening Headache,"is my new heroine. Her book embodies exactly the approach I strive for with ChronicBabe - finding a positive take on something outrageously negative.

Posted: 7/17/2005 in Cool Tools

Hey, everyone! I am so excited I'm about to burst. Good pal Cinnamon, purse maker extraordinaire, has created a ChronicBabe Tote. It's gorgeous!

Posted: 7/7/2005 in Fashion  |  Also posted in: Announcements

It's amazing what a little conversation can do. One day a few years ago I learned that I wasn't the only person in the family to have fibrocystic breasts. "Wouldn't that have been a nice thing to tell me a few years ago?"I asked my mom. This was after I had undergone a panic-attack inducing ultrasound after finding a large, rope-like lumpy area in my left breast -- only to have the test turn up nothing.

Posted: 7/7/2005 in Family  |  Also posted in: Crafty

The Babe offers advice for folks who want to know about a possible fibromyalgia/viral infection connection.

Posted: 7/5/2005 in Ask the Babe

The Babe offers advice on finding the right doctor to fit your needs. It's like a job interview - and you're the boss.

Posted: 7/2/2005 in Ask the Babe

What started as a way to teach this 30-something doggie new tricks soon turned into a fun, beautiful way to celebrate my successes. Now I turn the simplest objects into powerful symbols, full of personal significance.

Posted: 7/2/2005 in Fashion  |  Also posted in: Crafty