Ticked off with chronic illnesses, and trying to navigate the messy, complicated healing journey.
Finding hope in the midst of ambiguity, uncertainty, and illness.
Hi, I’m Carol — the Ticked Off Codess. I live with multiple complex conditions including HyperPOTS, Dysautonomia, ME/CFS, and Long Covid. Life with chronic illness is unpredictable and often overwhelming, but I’m still here — trying, failing, falling down, and getting back up again. This blog is my space to share what it means to live with courage, persistence, and a little bit of (well-earned) rage.
Musings
Receiving a new diagnosis can be overwhelming — and navigating life afterward even more so. Over the years, writing these musings has helped me process, persevere, and find the strength to keep going. By sharing both the light and the dark moments honestly, I hope to offer a sense of connection and remind others that they’re not alone in their journey.
Awareness
I’ve become a statistic — but others shouldn’t have to. Early education and awareness are vital in the fight against tick-borne diseases, Infection-Associated Chronic Conditions (IACCs), and the systemic failures that lead to delayed or inadequate diagnoses. By shining a light on these issues, we can help others avoid the same fate — and push for change.
Research
Knowledge is power — especially when living with tick-borne infections and chronic illness. Staying informed and digging into the research has been essential to understanding my conditions and reclaiming some control over my health.
Blog
- MCAS Kitchen Sink Protocol: How I Manage Mast Cell Activation Symptoms
Reading Time: 19 minutesTL;DR: I reduced my MCAS symptoms—itching, hives, flushing and more—by following a comprehensive “MCAS kitchen sink protocol” combining antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and supplements. This post breaks down what I used and how it helped me reclaim my life. Living with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) can feel like fighting an invisible enemy. If you’re… Read more: MCAS Kitchen Sink Protocol: How I Manage Mast Cell Activation Symptoms - How I Recovered from Rolling PEM: Part 3 – Quality of Life After Rolling PEM Crash Cycles
Reading Time: 8 minutesDiscover what life looks like after I recovered from rolling PEM. From pain reduction to cognitive clarity, Part 3 of my recovery story reveals how I reclaimed stability and joy. - How I Got Out of Rolling PEM: Part 2Reading Time: 27 minutesIn these blog posts, I will tell you how I got into rolling PEM and what it did to my health and well-being (part 1). I will share how I got out of rolling PEM with the help of pacing, heart rate monitoring, and other strategies (part 2). I will also share with you how… Read more: How I Got Out of Rolling PEM: Part 2
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