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
Posts Replies Media Videos
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
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
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
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
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
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
Complex chronic illness WILL ruin your life and savings. There is no question about it.

Credit Unknown

Image of train hitting a school bus with the text
"My life savings
Chronic medical condition"
Complex chronic illness WILL ruin your life and savings. There is no question about it. Credit Unknown Image of train hitting a school bus with the text "My life savings Chronic medical condition"
November 30, 2025 at 3:46 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
"Autoimmune diseases aka "why are you hitting yourself stop hitting yourself" diseases."

Credit: it's babs @babs_zone

#AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicTruths #ButYouDontLookSick #MySeveralWorlds #TheChronicLife
"Autoimmune diseases aka "why are you hitting yourself stop hitting yourself" diseases." Credit: it's babs @babs_zone #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicTruths #ButYouDontLookSick #MySeveralWorlds #TheChronicLife
November 29, 2025 at 3:34 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
"Anyone else desensitized to ur own trauma?? Like u deal with it for so long it's normalised in ur brain so it slips out in conversation and everyone's like OMG??! and ur just like wow I forgot my life has been one unspeakable tragedy after another."
@50shadesofcay
#MentalHealthMatters #CPTSD
#PTSD
"Anyone else desensitized to ur own trauma?? Like u deal with it for so long it's normalised in ur brain so it slips out in conversation and everyone's like OMG??! and ur just like wow I forgot my life has been one unspeakable tragedy after another." Credit: Cay @50shadesofcay #MentalHealthMatters #CPTSD #PTSD #MentalHealthAwareness
November 28, 2025 at 4:23 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
🪓 Who is with me on the 'dwarf with a pick axe' pain? This time of year is always brutal!

I made an image for a fan of this page. Sandie's words to describe pain earlier this month were, "That would be "my little dwarf with a pick axe" pain..."

Perfect IMO!
#MySeveralWorlds
🪓 Who is with me on the 'dwarf with a pick axe' pain? This time of year is always brutal! I made an image for a fan of this page. I can't tag her as we're not friends but her words resonated deeply enough that I had to create it in detail. Sandie's words to describe pain earlier this month were, "That would be "my little dwarf with a pick axe" pain..." So appropriate! Here he is for #PainAwareness and for nerve pain awareness. #MySeveralWorlds #ChronicPainIs #NERVEmber
November 27, 2025 at 11:21 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
Things I Didn't Know Were Symptoms of #CPTSD
✔️ Getting overwhelmed
✔️ sharp pains in back/neck
✔️ "high anxiety" not "generalized anxiety"
✔️ Thinking up stories before bed
✔️ Trouble falling asleep
✔️ Racing heart
✔️ Exaggerated startle response
✔️ Purposefully "tanking" a bad day
Credit Unknown
Things I Didn't Know Were Symptoms of C-PTSD ✔️ Getting overwhelmed in crowds ✔️ Getting upset or angry at a loud alarm ✔️ Ordinary nightmares (that have nothing to do with the circumstances, just stupid nightmares much more often than the average person) ✔️ Getting sharp pains in your back/neck/collarbones that make it hard to breathe (due to hypervigilance/constant high anxiety) ✔️ Learning that "high anxiety" does not mean "generalized anxiety" like other people have with panic attacks and not feeling that they can accomplish thing. PTSD anxiety just means this frenetic energy that makes you want to talk/think/do things (even as an introvert) to avoid stopping. ✔️ Feeling constantly bored like you have to chase after something, even if you're just at home: I spend hours on tumblr, pinterest, watching tv, reading books, making art, never just laying there alone...because if you stop...the darkness is there ✔️ Thinking up stories before bed. This is a symptom of high anxiety because you're trying to calm down and fall asleep in a "safe world" where people are looking out for you and caring for you. ✔️ Trouble falling asleep (which is distinct from insomnia) because turning off electronics etc. doesn't help since your heartrate/fight or flight response is engaged ✔️ Periods of racing heart (mine has gotten to 120bpm for five hours) that make you feel like you're waiting for something to happen ✔️ Exaggerated startle response. When I was a kid I used to hide behind corners to surprise my sisters. Two years ago my friend hid under my desk to scare me. I literally screamed, fell out of the chair, and started crying. She was laughing because she thought the joke went well, and then got concerned because I kept crying. ✔️ Purposefully "tanking" a bad day with sad music/tv/movies/books because it "was already ruined anyway" Credit Unknown
November 27, 2025 at 4:13 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
"Fibromyalgia May Be Invisible, But It's Not Silent...

If only you could hear it
then maybe you'd understand it."

Credit: Via the one and only Beth at @dear fibromyalgia

#FibromyalgiaAwareness #DearFibromyalgia #ChronicPain #MySeveralWorlds #InvisibleIllness
"Fibromyalgia May Be Invisible, But It's Not Silent. It causes your head to beat in deafening pain. It causes your ears to buzz and ring in your head. It causes your back and spine to scream in pain. It causes knife-sharp stabbing that makes your hips shout from the agony. It causes your legs to moan with bone-deep aching. It causes your feet to yell out every time you step on them from hot poker-like sensations. It makes your intestines rumble and bellow from nausea and IBS. Widespread muscle spasms roar from cramping...and this is only the beginning. Fibro is so loud, and we often can't turn down the volume. We can't possibly live in silence. If only you could hear it then maybe you'd understand it." Credit: Via the one and only Beth at @dear fibromyalgia #FibromyalgiaAwareness #DearFibromyalgia #ChronicPain #MySeveralWorlds #InvisibleIllness
November 26, 2025 at 4:19 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
Has anyone else been waiting years/decades for a tiny bit of health to come back? I have. I keep hoping if I get a tiny bit back, I can put my life back on track.

"WAITING FOR SPOONS BE LIKE...
Some day my
Spoons will come"

Credit: Unknown
#ChronicTruths #MySeveralWorlds
Has anyone else been waiting years/decades for a tiny bit of health to come back? I have. I keep hoping if I get a tiny bit back, I can put my life back on track. "WAITING FOR SPOONS BE LIKE... Some day my Spoons will come" Description: Snow White waiting for her prince to come. Credit: Unknown #ChronicTruths #MySeveralWorlds #ChronicIllness #LifeWithME #FibromyalgiaAwareness #SpoonieLife
November 25, 2025 at 4:23 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
❓What do you think about the most?

THINGS PEOPLE DON'T TALK ABOUT WITH #ChronicIllness...

👉 Grief for your "old life"
👉 Having to rely on benefits or loved ones
👉 Constantly feeling behind in life
👉 The impact our physical health has on our mental health
👉 How expensive it is
@the_migraine_life
What do you think about the most with chronic illness? THINGS PEOPLE DON'T TALK ABOUT WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS... 👉 Grief for your "old life" 👉 Having to rely on benefits or loved ones 👉 Feeling unworthy of love 👉 Minimizing symptoms to make others feel better 👉 Constantly feeling behind in life 👉 Worrying about posting our good days on social media 👉 How hard we find answering, "How are you? 👉 The impact our physical health has on our mental health 👉 How expensive it is Credit: @the_migraine_life #ChronicTruths #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #Acceptance
November 24, 2025 at 4:05 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
"I don't think healthy /not-chronically-ill people realize how many years of life can disappear while waiting to see a new doc, waiting for test results & insurance approval, waiting for a new treatment to work & another & another forever." @brickandbutton

#ChronicIllness #MySeveralWorlds
"I don't think healthy /not-chronically-ill people realize how many years of your life can disappear while you're waiting to see a new doctor, waiting for test results, waiting for insurance approval, waiting for a new treatment to work and another and another forever." Credit: Lynn @brickandbutton #ChronicIllness #MySeveralWorlds #ChronicIllnessReminders #TheChronicLife #DisabilityMatters
November 23, 2025 at 4:35 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
Managing #OrthostaticIntolerance

HYDRATION: 3+ liters of water daily
SALT INTAKE: 7-10 grams per day
COMPRESSION: Waist-high garments/ abdominal binders
DIET: Individualized diets based on specific symptoms/food sensitives
SLEEP: Elevate head by 3-6 inches
Via: MERC
#Dysautonomia #POTSAwareness
#POTSAwareness 👉 ❗I'm adding a disclosure for the salt recommendation as I feel this graphic is misleading slightly. The kind of salt you use is important! You must use Himalayan or Celtic Sea Salt. There are no risks with these salts and they help you hydrate appropriately. DO NOT USE IODIZED TABLE SALT. Salt is an essential element for human health via its role as an electrolyte. Celtic salt has more magnesium and moisture Himalayan salt contains more iron and potassium. Magnesium supports muscle function and hydration, while iron contributes to pink salt's hue. 💙 Managing Orthostatic Intolerance 💙 HYDRATION: Drink at least 3 liters of water daily. SALT INTAKE: 7-10 grams per day (consult with a healthcare provider). COMPRESSION GARMENTS: Waist-high garments or abdominal binders. DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS: Consider individualized diets based on specific symptoms and food sensitives. SLEEP: Elevate the head of the bed by 3-6 inches. Credit: MERC #Dysautonomia #MySeveralWorlds #POTSAwareness #ChronicIllness #OrthostaticIntolerance
November 22, 2025 at 3:43 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
28 years with #MECFS.
Mild: no one
believed me.
Moderate: life shrank
quietly.
#SevereME : even sitting up was a loss.
Very severe: I disappeared. Couldn't even whisper.
I've lived through every version of this disease, while not being believed. I carry all of them in my bones."
Credit: @La2Arceri
"28 years with ME/CFS. I've been mild - where no one believed me. Moderate where life shrank quietly. Severe where even sitting up was a loss. Very severe - where I disappeared completely. Couldn't even whisper. I've lived through every version of this disease, while not being believed. And I carry all of them in my bones." Credit: @La2Arceri #MECFS #SevereME
November 21, 2025 at 3:48 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
"The bravest thing I ever did was continuing my life
when I wanted to die."
-Juliette Lewis

#MentalHealthMatters #CPTSD #PTSDAwareness #SuicideAwareness #MySeveralWorlds #Depression #YouAreNotAlone #KeepOnGoing
"The bravest thing I ever did was continuing my life when I wanted to die." -Juliette Lewis #MentalHealthMatters #CPTSD #PTSDAwareness #SuicideAwareness #MySeveralWorlds #Depression #YouAreNotAlone #KeepOnGoing
November 20, 2025 at 4:05 PM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
6 CONFESSIONS OF LIVING WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS

I always feel guilty.
I always feel like I'm alone.
I'm almost always in pain.
I don't look sick.
Not all doctors understand.
I feel like a failure.

#ChronicIllness #LifeWithIllness #ChronicTruths #MySeveralWorlds #TheChronicLife
6 CONFESSIONS OF LIVING WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS I always feel guilty. I always feel like I'm alone. I'm almost always in pain. I don't look sick. Not all doctors understand. I feel like a failure. #ChronicIllness #LifeWithIllness #ChronicTruths #MySeveralWorlds #TheChronicLife
November 20, 2025 at 4:53 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
"The grief of carrying all the years you've been sick on your shoulders."

Credit: @mindfullyevie (The one and only! 💜)

#pwME #MillionsMissing #TheChronicLife #MySeveralWorlds #FibroNerds
"The grief of carrying all the years you've been sick on your shoulders." Credit: @mindfullyevie (The one and only! 💜) #pwME #MillionsMissing #TheChronicLife #MySeveralWorlds #FibroNerds
November 19, 2025 at 4:14 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
Symptoms of
#MastCellActivationSyndrome

✔️ Skin rash or flushing
✔️ Itching or hives
✔️ Runny nose, sneezing,
congestion, or watery eyes
✔️ Abdominal cramping, nausea, or vomiting
✔️ Diarrhea or constipation
✔️ Low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting
...

Crwdit: Not Just Bendy

#MCAS #POTS #EDS
Symptoms of #MastCellActivationSyndrome ✔️ Skin rash or flushing ✔️ Itching or hives ✔️ Runny nose, sneezing, congestion, or watery eyes ✔️ Abdominal cramping, nausea, or vomiting ✔️ Diarrhea or constipation ✔️ Low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting ✔️ Facial swelling ✔️ Shortness of breath or wheezing ✔️ Bloating or abdominal pain ✔️ Joint pain or swelling ✔️ Generalised widespread pain ✔️ Headaches ✔️ Palpitations or irregular heart rate ✔️ Excessive fatigue ✔️ Anxiety or panic attacks ✔️ Cognitive impairment or memory loss ✔️ Night sweats ✔️ Fever ✔️ Hair loss ✔️ Unexplained weight gain or loss ✔️ Unexplained bruising or bleeding ✔️ Heavy & painful periods Crwdit: Not Just Bendy #MCAS #POTS #EDS
November 18, 2025 at 4:19 AM
carriekellenberger.bsky.social
"When you first become ill, they will show you sympathy. They'll be understanding when you have trouble keeping up.

But once your illness becomes a chronic condition, they show impatience and frustration."

@ mast_cell_activation_syndrome

#TheChronicLife #MCAS #POTS #MySeveralWorlds #PainWarrior
People Get Tired Of You Being Sick "When you first become ill, they will show you sympathy. They'll send you cards and hope you "get well soon." They'll call or text to check in and see how you're doing. They'll cut you slack. They'll be understanding when you have trouble keeping up. But once your illness becomes a chronic condition, they wonder why you can't get better. They show impatience and frustration. They stop trying to include you in plans. They ask why you aren't "trying harder." They don't get it. They just want you to be abled again so that you're not inconveniencing them. People get tired of you being sick, but they don't stop to think that you're probably fucking tired of being sick, too. They don't take the time to think about how you'd love to "just get over it." They don't care enough to realize you didn't choose this." Credit: mast_cell_activation_syndrome #TheChronicLife #MCAS #POTS #MySeveralWorlds #PainWarrior
November 17, 2025 at 4:46 AM