Discover tools and insights for growth and healing. Empower yourself to overcome medical trauma and reclaim control of your life with actionable advice and support.
Introduction Meet Charlotte Ryan—better known online as @justcharlieryan—a woman who has turned one of life’s messiest, most traumatic health battles into a story of grit, humour, and undeniable strength. In this powerful and unfiltered account, Charlotte takes us through the wild rollercoaster of her IBD journey, from being misdiagnosed and brushed off by the […]
IBD Wild Ride & Loving Life After Stoma Surgery Read More »
When you think “double hip replacement,” you probably don’t picture a 30-something mom who can out-squat you and still cracks a Zorro joke about her surgery scar. But that’s exactly who Vanja Medlin is. Known online as @bionic_hips_fitness, Vanja’s journey is one of resilience, humour, and raw honesty. From surviving war as a child to
How To Reclaim Your 30’s After A Double Hip Replacement Read More »
*Disclaimer: The names and places in this article have been changed to protect the identity of Mary’s* daughter. Introduction There are some battles in life you never expect to fight. And then there are the ones you refuse to stop fighting, no matter how exhausted, how heartbroken, or how alone you feel. This is
Rare Childhood Cancer: A Mother’s Fight to Save Her Daughter Read More »
This week in our hero blog series, we’re covering the story of a close friend of the Scarred and Fabulous community, Izzy, and her journey of embracing scars. Izzy went through a hellish year, experiencing one accident after another, resulting in mental trauma residing much longer than the injuries. It was only after the fourth
Izzy’s Journey: Embracing Her Scars and Overcoming Trauma Read More »
Padma Lakshmi, the Emmy-nominated host of Top Chef, is a beacon of self-acceptance. At 14, she survived a severe car accident that shattered her right arm and hip, leaving a prominent seven-inch scar on her arm. While she physically healed, the emotional impact of the scar lingered, challenging her confidence – especially in an industry
Scar to Strength: Padma Lakshmi’s Journey to Self-Acceptance Read More »
Journaling is a powerful tool for processing your emotions. It can help you understand your own thoughts and allow for creative expression. Journaling especially focuses on your emotions and feelings, and perhaps reflections of an experience. It can therefore be a helpful tool for processing your surgical trauma. Medical trauma can create a sense of
How Journaling Can Help You Process Your Surgical Trauma Read More »
What is Medical Trauma? Medical trauma is a “complex negative psychological and physiological response” to a surgery or medical procedure. It is a form of PTSD. It does not have to be a response to a negative experience. It could manifest from a smooth-sailing medical treatment or diagnosis. A common thread among medical PTSD
Medical Trauma & PTSD: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Cope Read More »
Scars are more than just physical marks – they represent a journey of healing, resilience, and transformation. Whatever the medical procedure, these scars can carry deep emotional significance. While they are a natural part of the body’s recovery process, many women have concerns about how their scars will heal, how to care for them, and
Surgical Scars: Your Questions Answered Read More »
You’ll likely have an appointment after surgery a few weeks later to check on your progress. While it may not be the most exciting date on your calendar, this visit plays a vital role in your recovery journey. With the right mindset, you can transform this experience from one filled with anxiety into an empowering
Overcoming Fear Of Your First Hospital Appointment After Surgery Read More »
Physiotherapy is a common part of the physical healing process of your injury or medical procedure. Although the benefits of practicing your physiotherapy exercises are clear, it is not always easy to keep doing them. One reason for struggling to do your physio may be related to the mental effects of medical trauma. In 23
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