Category: unknown disorder

• Fat Face.

  Here is an excerpt from my memoir: “What is that? What is wrong with you?” They all just stared. The first time it happened, we were at the lake and I remember lying on the sofa with my right cheek on the pillow. My whole family circled around me, all faces hovering above with eyes…

  ashleyfenker

  November 3, 2011

  autoimmune disorder, chronic illness, hospital, literary memoir, Sjögren’s, swollen glands, unknown disorder

• Doctors.

  “Are you currently taking any other medications?” I usually sigh after someone asks me this question. It’s usually the young nurse who is still looking at her paper when she asks the routine question. She’s in such a hurry to whip through height, weight, and symptoms that medications is just another one of the questions.…

  ashleyfenker

  October 6, 2011

  autoimmune disorder, chronic illness, doctors, Sjögren’s, unknown disorder

• Nighttime.

  I’ve always been afraid of the dark. Still today, at the age of 21, I run up the stairs if I am the last one downstairs who has to turn out the lights. My heart races as I try to escape the darkness that always manages to follow me. What is it that scares me…

  ashleyfenker

  September 29, 2011

  autoimmune disorder, chronic illness, darkness, literary memoir, Sjögren’s, unknown disorder