When Your Darkest Moments are Tied to Your Period

May 24, 2018 / mindybartleson / 3 Comments

It’s dark. It's always dark no matter what time of day. My music is turned up and my headphones are in so I can try to escape into the lyrics. I’m hunched against the door of the bathroom feeling the cool tile floor against my feet while I’m hugging my legs to my body trying … Continue reading When Your Darkest Moments are Tied to Your Period

Thanks 2017! Are You Ready 2018?

January 3, 2018January 1, 2018 / mindybartleson / 2 Comments

Thanks 2017! Are You Ready 2018? I started doing posts like this towards the end of 2015 and before 2016 started. I did another for the end of 2016 and before 2017. This year… well- it’ll be at the beginning of 2018 and after 2017 ended- and probably… for the most part it’ll be a … Continue reading Thanks 2017! Are You Ready 2018?

Ask Me About PCOS

September 6, 2017September 4, 2018 / mindybartleson / 2 Comments

It's PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Awareness Month! It’s September, and it’s PCOS Awareness Month. What is PCOS? Healthline defines PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) as “a condition in which a woman’s levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are out of balance. This leads to the growth of ovarian cysts (benign masses on the ovaries). … Continue reading Ask Me About PCOS

Your Story & Your Voice Matters

March 31, 2017March 31, 2017 / mindybartleson / 2 Comments

Your voice. It matters. Yeah- it definitely does. Your voice. Your (respectful) opinion. You story. Your experiences. It all matters. (Not my image) It can shape things. It can make other people feel like they’re not alone by creating more "me too's." Maybe you feel like it’s just you- but I promise- it’s not true. When you … Continue reading Your Story & Your Voice Matters

Endometriosis Awareness Month- Where’s My Gift Receipt?

March 13, 2017March 13, 2017 / mindybartleson / 1 Comment

It’s Endometriosis Awareness Month! So as some of you know- I was diagnosed with PCOS and endometriosis this past summer (summer 2016)- and it’s been an experience to say the least… And maybe I should have gone into more detail about what is and what it means to me? So- I'll do that since endometriosis … Continue reading Endometriosis Awareness Month- Where’s My Gift Receipt?

5 Reasons I Believe in Pump Vacations

March 6, 2017April 9, 2017 / mindybartleson / 4 Comments

I believe in pump vacations (and CGM vacations- but I’ll mostly mention pump right now). Now, I love being on an insulin pump- and I have ever since that first moment when I was 9 years. That’s when I first went on the pump- almost 15 years ago. It was the days of NPH and … Continue reading 5 Reasons I Believe in Pump Vacations

Unicorn Lamps, Chronic Illness, and Nightstands

February 13, 2017February 12, 2017 / mindybartleson / Leave a comment

A few weeks ago, someone reached out to me about submitting a photo and information about my nightstand. Her name is Emma Jones! Wait... what? Yes- that's correct folks! Submit a photo of my nightstand. But- there's a reason! It's pretty fantastic! "What’s on your nightstand? If you live with a chronic illness, your nightstand … Continue reading Unicorn Lamps, Chronic Illness, and Nightstands

There's More to the Story: a blog about LIFE, chronic illness, and Mental Health

I’m the loud and relentless "patient" voice and advocate they warned you about. I happen to have type 1 diabetes, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid issues, asthma, allergies, lactose intolerance (and more), but there’s more to story.

polycystic ovary syndrome