Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate
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carriekellenberger.bsky.social
Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate
@carriekellenberger.bsky.social
420 followers 240 following 1.3K posts
✒️ I write about life with severe #ChronicPain related to #SpA #PsA #MEcfs #fibromyalgia #APS
🦋 MySeveralWorlds.com
👩‍🦼 #DisabilityAdvocate
🤝 Team Fibro & Spondylitis
🎨 DISABLED ARTIST
🌴 https://linktr.ee/myseveralworlds
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carriekellenberger.bsky.social
Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · Nov 16
👩‍🦼 Hey all! Welcome to #MySeveralWorlds. I'm grateful you're here. I'm a 🇨🇦author, artist, & #DisabilityAdvocate in 🇹🇼. I've been chronically ill & disabled since '09. Let me introduce myself. First, I love meeting new people! You make MSW a better place to be.
#AxSpA #PsA #Fibromyalgia #ChronicPain
I'm Carrie Kellenberger and I'm the author of MySeveralWorlds.com. I'm fiercely fighting inflammatory arthritis: AxSpA (Ankylosing Spondylitis) and Psoriatic Arthritis. Plus osteoarthritis. I have long brown hair and grey eyes. I'm wearing a blue shirt that matches my Blue Suede Shoes NeoWalk cane. My Several Worlds emblem is a raspberry and blue hummingbird in flight. Carrie is seated in her Karma manual wheelchair. She uses a power wheelchair now. She's wearing a white shirt and a colorful shirt. The text on the image says, "Chronic pain is devastating. It affects every single aspect of your life, and the only thing we can do is continue... Pick yourself up everyday and keep going. You reach a point many times when you don't know how to keep going, but you do. Never give up on hope!" Carrie Kellenberger, MySeveralWorlds.com In one photo Carrie is seated in her power wheelchair. In the second photo she is holding up her newly published "A Coloring Adventure for Spoonies" coloring book. This image is a welcome image that explains Carrie's life as the blogger behind MySeveralWorlds.com and as achronically ill and disabled author and artist. The text on the image says, "I'm Carrie Kellenberger a chronically ill and disabled Canadian author and artist who has called Taiwan home for the past two decades. MySeveralWorlds.com was established in 2007. It serves to connect, educate, and inspire chronically ill and disabled people around the world, while also providing up-to-date information for patients. As a multi-talented artist and advocate who has worked in everything from jewelry design to paper cutting and collage work, my art studio has something to offer everyone and my website strives to answer questions about life with chronic illness and disability. I'm an award winning health blogger on the topics I write about. MSW officially launched in 2007 as a travel and culture website focused on life in Asia. It held onto its top 50 travel blogs in the world spot for many years before I had to give up traveling due to chronic illness and disability. Most people would've given up, but not me. This is MY SEVERAL WORLDS and I turned it into a website that focuses on immigrant life in Asia, a patient network that assists, educates, and inspires patients around the world, and it offers a niche topic in providing insight into navigating foreign healthcare systems. My advocacy work has been recognized worldwide over the past 10+ years. In this photo, I'm holding a Lifetime Achievement Award for serving the fibromyalgia community for more than a decade.
Reposted by Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate
womensartbluesky.bsky.social
Victo Ngai, contemporary award-winning illustrator who grew up in Hong Kong #WomensArt
Illustration of a deer wiyj large antlers running into a dark icey forest
December 9, 2025 at 5:21 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
"The grief of carrying all the years you've been sick on your shoulders."

Credit:
@MINDFULLYEVIE

#ChronicIllness #MySeveralWorlds #ChronicTruths #DisabilityAwareness #SevereIllness
"The grief of carrying all the years you've been sick on your shoulders." Credit: @MINDFULLYEVIE #ChronicIllness #MySeveralWorlds #ChronicTruths #DisabilityAwareness #SevereIllness
December 10, 2025 at 3:42 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
How chronically ill people respond to mentions of your chronic illness...

💚 Empathy
💚 Compassion
💚 Support
💚 Understanding

Credit: My Several Worlds
#MySeveralWorlds
How chronically ill people respond to mentions of your chronic illness 💚 Empathy 💚 Compassion 💚 Support 💚 Understanding I made this graphic based on a comment by my friend Gemma Arnell who lives in New Zealand. Her thoughts / my design work. It's a positive play off a widely circulating negative graphic that mentions how able bodied people respond to people who live with chronic illness. Enjoy! This is the power of patient voices and how we support each other. Credit: My Several Worlds - Chronic Pain and Disability Awareness #MySeveralWorlds
December 9, 2025 at 4:50 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
"There is a severe shortage of pain specialists with approximately 30,000 Americans in pain for every board certified pain specialist. This shortage is caused by a difficult path to specializing in pain treatment plus negative public scrutiny."
🔗
www.practicalpainmanagement.com/resources/et...
Can I Call Myself a “Pain Specialist?”
Who defines the role of pain specialists? Inside the legal requirements for practitioners.
www.practicalpainmanagement.com
December 8, 2025 at 10:27 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
MED ROULETTE
*Didn't make a difference
*Caused severe side effects
*Flared up another illness
*Led to a new condition
*Worked until it didn't
*Had an allergic reaction
*Made me feel worse
*Med reactions
*Zombified
*Too expensive
*Supply shortage
*Weight changes
Via: @lottsonlife
#MySeveralWorlds
I've been through: all basic NSAIDs, Plaquenil, Methotrexate, and Sulfasalazine. Sulfasalazine is the only med I can tolerate long term. Then I tried Enbrel, Humira, Taltz, Cosentyx, back to Enbrel and Humira and had insane anaphylaxis type reactions to them where my lips and mouth blew up. Then Simponi which stopped working quickly, then emergency Olumiant while waiting for Rinvoq, plus massive doses of corticosteroids (shots in my joints and Prednisone burst packs.) I had severe reactions to all these meds which are supposed to treat my complex and disabling inflammatory arthritis while causing a host of other severe side effects and health problems. It's terrifying to try new meds. It's incredibly stressful. This is why patients need care, quiet, good food, comfort, safety, and no stress. These are all the challenges I face with each new treatment while I wait for something to work or fail, or heaven forbid, my medication gets switched or pulled. It's a deep seated fear that you simply cannot imagine. I am gambling with my health and body and mental health every day. Medication roulette is a real life game with real life consequences. What do you think? Have you played this game before? THE MEDICATION ROULETTE ✔️ Didn't make a difference ✔️ Caused severe side effects ✔️ Flared up another illness ✔️ Led to a new condition ✔️ Worked until it didn't ✔️ Had an allergic reaction ✔️ Made me feel so much worse ✔️ Clashed with other meds ✔️ Zombified me ✔️ Too expensive ✔️ Supply shortage ✔️ Weight changes Credit: @lottsonlife #MySeveralWorlds
December 8, 2025 at 5:45 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
Meanwhile...

At the office of autoimmune disease comorbidities and related conditions.

Credit Unknown

[Image of a person on the top steps of a ladder in a room full of filing cabinets.]

#AutoimmuneDisease #HealthOnFire
#MySeveralWorlds
Meanwhile... At the office of autoimmune disease comorbidities and related conditions. Credit Unknown [Image of a person on the top steps of a ladder in a room full of filing cabinets.] #AutoimmuneDisease #HealthOnFire #MySeveralWorlds
December 7, 2025 at 5:58 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
Shingles Symptoms Prodromal Stage

🤒fever
🫩headache
🥶chills
😵‍💫sensitivity to light
😫burning/shooting pain in one region

Eruptive Stage
🫠 pimple-like rash over painful region

Image credit: Unknown
Shingles Symptoms Prodromal Stage 🤒fever 🫩headache 🥶chills 😵‍💫sensitivity to light 😫burning/shooting pain in one region Eruptive Stage 🫠 pimple-like rash over painful region Image credit: Unknown
December 7, 2025 at 3:49 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
"We often tell ourselves or others to be strong. Instead of instilling inspiration... it becomes another standard we have to meet. You don’t have to be strong all the time. One small step forward is still a powerful act." Via @AChronicVoice.com
🔗
www.achronicvoice.com/2018/05/13/y...

#ChronicPain
You Don't Have to be Strong, Just a Little Stronger Than Before
Sometimes telling ourselves to be brave invokes fear. Here's why you don't have to be strong, just a little stronger than before.
www.achronicvoice.com
December 6, 2025 at 1:08 PM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
Warning Signs Someone's #Depression is Setting In:

Please learn these signs so you can help. #MentalHealthMatters

Credit @RealDepressionproject

#Mindfulness is noticing when you are struggling. Be gentle with yourself.

Text in ALT
Warning Signs Someone's Depression is Setting In: They're much more quiet than usual They use the excuse "I'm tired" a lot They've lost their appetite They constantly look at the ground They want to be alone alot They smile for a moment but go back to a blank expression right after They struggle to keep up/ stay engaged in conversation They become more emotionally distant They become apathetic about things they're engaged Please learn these signs so you can help. #MentalHealthMatters Credit @RealDepressionproject #Mindfulness is noticing when you are struggling. Be gentle with yourself.
December 6, 2025 at 4:59 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
"#RheumatoidArthritis usually affects joints symmetrically (on both sides equally), may initially begin in a couple of joints only, and most frequently attacks the wrists, hands, elbows, shoulders, knees and ankles."
Credit Unknown
#RheumatoidArthritis #InflammatoryArthritis #AutoimmmuneArthritis
"Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects joints symmetrically (on both sides equally), may initially begin in a couple of joints only, and most frequently attacks the wrists, hands, elbows, shoulders, knees and ankles." Credit Unknown #RheumatoidArthritis #Spondyloarthritis #InflammatoryArthritis #AutoimmmuneArthritis #PolyarticularArthritis
December 6, 2025 at 3:30 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
"Metaphors are keys for opening the doors to understanding, for illustrating concepts that the average person is able to relate to. Despite living w #ChronicIllness for 20+ years, I realise that there is still so much I don’t know about." 
🔗
www.achronicvoice.com/2016/04/11/q...

@achronicvoice.com
December 5, 2025 at 10:57 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
"I smile through the pain…nausea…exhaustion…I have really bad days and those far outnumber the good. They can be absolutely awful… I’d give anything for a cure but since that’s not reality now—I play the hand I was dealt.”
🔗
buff.ly/3vPhveX #CRPS

via @painprincesssky.bsky.social
buff.ly
December 5, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Reposted by Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate
chronicallynikki.bsky.social
DOCTOR:
You have to pace yourself

EVERYBODY ELSE:
You’re lazy

#chronicillness
December 5, 2025 at 3:27 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
Small Ways To Relieve #Stress
✔️ Plan a fun activity
✔️ ASK for HELP
✔️ Brain dump your thoughts
✔️ No doomscrolling in bed
✔️ Ask for help
✔️ Write one thing you're grateful for
✔️ Try 4-7-8 breathing
✔️ Declutter your desk
✔️ Go for a walk
Credit: @silkandsonder
#MentalHealthMatters #MySeveralWorlds
Small, But Mighty Ways To Relieve Stress ✔️ Plan a fun activity to look forward to ✔️ It's OK to ASK for HELP ✔️ Brain dump your thoughts ✔️ No doomscrolling in bed ✔️ Ask for help when you need it ✔️ Write down one thing you're grateful for ✔️ Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique ✔️ Declutter your desk ✔️ Throw a solo dance party ✔️ Go for a nature walk outside Credit: @silkandsonder #MentalHealthMatters #MySeveralWorlds
December 5, 2025 at 4:45 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
“A lot of people think that #RheumatoidArthritis is just bad #arthritis, and it’s not. It’s systemic. It can attack your lungs and kidneys and you can get vasculitis. The chances of going into remission are very low, probably less than 5%."
🔗
www.ama-assn.org/delivering-c...
What doctors wish patients knew about rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis remains an enigmatic and debilitating condition, affecting millions. Two rheumatologists share how to manage this disease.
www.ama-assn.org
December 4, 2025 at 5:42 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
Young adults in Singapore: “Even if I were to wear the #disability lanyard, I’m...sceptical people would give up their seat for me.”
Pang is 25. He has #AnkylosingSpondylitis.

We have many similar stories in #Taiwan with 'Who gets a disability seat?'
🔗 www.channelnewsasia.com/cna-insider/...
They’re young, they look healthy, but they need a seat on the train. This is why
These young adults suffer from autoimmune diseases whose symptoms are not often visible, leading to misconceptions and judgement. How do they navigate work, relationships and life in general while end...
www.channelnewsasia.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:40 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
The Surprising Thing About Chronic Pain buff.ly/2Lvfo5n

I’ve lived w. #ChronicIllness for 20 years & have gone through flares that are so disabling that I imagine this is what hell feels like. IMO, one cannot deal w. #ChronicPain when they’re defeated mentally.

@achronicvoice.com
buff.ly
December 4, 2025 at 5:39 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
My #insomnia was diagnosed in uni.

"Primary insomnia is a type of chronic insomnia as defined by the ICSD-III. It tends to recur for many years throughout a person’s life. This type of insomnia is usually idiopathic... It can be impacted by stress."
🔗
www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/primary...
Primary Insomnia: A Lifelong Problem | Psychiatric Times
When provided with an array of treatment options, patients tend to feel a sense of ownership by playing a role in their care.
www.psychiatrictimes.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:38 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
Nothing is more satisfying than finding some noob in the handicap parking space in my 'hood & reporting. #Taiwan is TERRIBLE for disability awareness. People here literally do not care, so I will name, shame, and snap photos with zero regrets.
Credit @misa on wheels
#IDPD #IDPD2025 #MySeveralWorlds
❗Nothing is more satisfying than finding some noob in the handicap parking space in my neighborhood and reporting him. #Taiwan is TERRIBLE for disability awareness. People here literally do not care, so I will name, shame, and snap photos with zero regrets - then report to the police. #SelfCare can literally be making a stink about the people who are preventing you from living your life. Sorry not sorry! My gals Alina Pietilainen and Beverly Liu do this regularly and I love them for it. 🫂 ♿ "Being a good ally to the disabled community looks like: Asking businesses about their accessibility and reporting lack of access when you see it. Consulting actual disabled people on projects. Listening to and learning from disabled experiences." Credit: @misa on wheels #IDPD #IDPD2025 #InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilities #MySeveralWorlds
December 4, 2025 at 3:58 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
"Being disabled is not being able to plan ahead more than 24 hours. It's waking up feeling the disabled version of fine, making plans for the day, then having to cancel them an hour later because you took a turn. It's exhausting, but here is to friends that understand." #IDPD @_SamBosworth
#IDPD2025
"Being disabled is not being able to plan ahead anymore than 24 hours. It's waking up feeling the disabled version of fine, making plans for the day, then having to cancel them all am hour later because you took a turn. It's exhausting, but here is to the friends that understand." Credit: Sam Bosworth @_SamBosworth #IDPD #IDPD2025 #InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilities #MySeveralWorlds
December 3, 2025 at 3:25 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
Signs you're coping, even if it doesn't feel like it...

✔️ You reached out
✔️ You interrupted negative thought
✔️ You recognised you needed a break
✔️ You ate something
✔️ You stopped from spiralling
✔️ You kept a boundary
✔️ You moved
@mental.health.with.emma

#MentalHealthMatters #MySeveralWorlds
Signs you're coping, even if it doesn't feel like it... ✔️ You reached out instead of isolating completely. ✔️ You interrupted negative thoughts, however briefly. ✔️ You recognised when you needed a break (& took it!) ✔️ You ate something without guilt. ✔️ You stopped yourself from spiralling all the way. ✔️ You kept a boundary you were scared to set. ✔️ You got safely through a really bad moment. ✔️ You moved your body, even a little bit! Credit: @mental.health.with.emma #MentalHealthMatters #MySeveralWorlds
December 2, 2025 at 3:17 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
“The whole thought process of a #chronicallyill person is vastly different from a “healthy” person… they have no idea what it’s like—there may be 20 or more decisions you need to process before you can walk out your door.”
🔗
buff.ly/46vXYyv

@KimberlyJPenix
#Spoonie
buff.ly
December 1, 2025 at 4:32 PM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
Happiness & #ChronicPain CAN co-exist buff.ly/2CEyLpE
"For years I have been escaping, fighting, denying & begging w pain. They worked for a time but aren’t long-term solutions. I’ve realised I need to accept that pain will always be a part of my life.

@AChronicVoice
buff.ly
December 1, 2025 at 4:32 PM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
In Their Own Words: #MECFS & #Fibromyalgia Patients Describe Their Symptoms @CortJohnson

"I would not wish this illness on my worst enemy (if I had one)... sometimes I wish the naysayers could live in our bodies."
🔗
www.healthrising.org/forums/resou...

#MEAwareness #FibromyalgiaAwareness
In Their Own Words: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Patients Describe Their Symptoms
I would not wish this illness on my worst enemy (if I had one), but sometimes I wish the naysayers could live in our bodies for a few days.. The symptoms are taken from a thread on the Health Rising ...
www.healthrising.org
December 1, 2025 at 4:19 PM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
When mast cells overreact they release chemicals that can trigger symptoms across the body

✔️ Temperature Changes
✔️ Stress
✔️ Scents & Odors
✔️ Fatigue
✔️ Food & Beverages
✔️ Sunlight
✔️ Exercise
✔️ Venoms
✔️ Dyes
✔️ Infections
✔️ Mechanical Irritation
✔️ Meds
#EDS & #POTS
#MySeveralWorlds
Potential Mast Cell Triggers When mast cells overreact they release chemicals that can trigger symptoms across the body ✔️ Temperature Changes Heat, cold, or sudden shifts ✔️ Stress Emotional, physical, environmental (pollution, weather, pollen, dander) ✔️ Scents & Odors Perfumes, chemicals, natural smells ✔️ Fatigue Overexertion, lack of rest ✔️ Food & Beverages Alcohol, trigger foods ✔️ Sunlight Direct sun exposure ✔️ Exercise Physical exertion ✔️ Venoms Bee, wasp, spider, fire ants, jellyfish, snakes, etc. ✔️ Dyes Contrast dyes ✔️ Infections Viral, bacterial, fungal ✔️ Mechanical Irritation Friction, vibration, pressure ✔️ Medications NSAIDs, opioids, antibiotics Credit: CENTER FOR COMPLEX NEUROLOGY, EDS & POTS #EDS #POTS #MySeveralWorlds #MastCells #HistamineOverload
December 1, 2025 at 5:12 AM