Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate

@carriekellenberger.bsky.social

390 followers 240 following 1.1K 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

linktr.ee

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · Nov 16

👩‍🦼 Hey all! Welcome to #MySeveralWorlds. I'm grateful you're here. I'm a 🇨🇦author, artist, & #DisabilityAdvocate in 🇹🇼. I've been chronically ill & disabled since '09. Let me introduce myself. First, I love meeting new people! You make MSW a better place to be.
#AxSpA #PsA #Fibromyalgia #ChronicPain

I'm Carrie Kellenberger and I'm the author of MySeveralWorlds.com. I'm fiercely fighting inflammatory arthritis: AxSpA (Ankylosing Spondylitis) and Psoriatic Arthritis. Plus osteoarthritis. I have long brown hair and grey eyes. I'm wearing a blue shirt that matches my Blue Suede Shoes NeoWalk cane. My Several Worlds emblem is a raspberry and blue hummingbird in flight.

Carrie is seated in her Karma manual wheelchair. She uses a power wheelchair now. She's wearing a white shirt and a colorful shirt. The text on the image says, "Chronic pain is devastating. It affects every single aspect of your life, and the only thing we can do is continue... Pick yourself up everyday and keep going. You reach a point many times when you don't know how to keep going, but you do. Never give up on hope!"

Carrie Kellenberger,
MySeveralWorlds.com

In one photo Carrie is seated in her power wheelchair. In the second photo she is holding up her newly published "A Coloring Adventure for Spoonies" coloring book. This image is a welcome image that explains Carrie's life as the blogger behind MySeveralWorlds.com and as achronically ill and disabled author and artist.

The text on the image says, "I'm Carrie Kellenberger a chronically ill and disabled Canadian author and artist who has called Taiwan home for the past two decades.

MySeveralWorlds.com was established in 2007. It serves to connect, educate, and inspire chronically ill and disabled people around the world, while also providing up-to-date information for patients.

As a multi-talented artist and advocate who has worked in everything from jewelry design to paper cutting and collage work, my art studio has something to offer everyone and my website strives to answer questions about life with chronic illness and disability.

I'm an award winning health blogger on the topics I write about. MSW officially launched in 2007 as a travel and culture website focused on life in Asia. It held onto its top 50 travel blogs in the world spot for many years before I had to give up traveling due to chronic illness and disability. Most people would've given up, but not me. This is MY SEVERAL WORLDS and I turned it into a website that focuses on immigrant life in Asia, a patient network that assists, educates, and inspires patients around the world, and it offers a niche topic in providing insight into navigating foreign healthcare systems. My advocacy work has been recognized worldwide over the past 10+ years. In this photo, I'm holding a Lifetime Achievement Award for serving the fibromyalgia community for more than a decade.

8 5 41

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 1h

Things to Do On Bed Rest: Education #Advocacy & Volunteering via @achronicvoice.bsky.social

"Even if you aren’t a blogger, you can help. Reading & resharing blog posts from other #ChronicIllness & #disabled bloggers helps raise awareness."
🔗
buff.ly/3OGUdPd

#StrongerTogether #BloggingCommunity

buff.ly

1 1

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 7h

So true!

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 7h

It's called #MedicalGaslighting! It has happened to me all my life aside from a doctor listening in 2009 and 2014 and getting me into remission. He retired, I met more doctors who didn't believe women get AS, my disease was left untreated, and it crippled me. This is why I advocate!
#MedicalPTSD

It's called #MedicalGaslighting! It has happened to me all my life (including my childhood and teens) aside from a doctor listening in 2009 and 2014 and getting me into remission. He retired, I met more doctors who didn't believe women get AS, my disease was left untreated, and it crippled me. Thankfully I met a new doctor in 2022 who has changed my life and done everything in his power to help me.

The saddest parts of all of this are
1) I knew something was really wrong and was ridiculed for it constantly. It turns out I was right all along.
2) I lost my mobility and health and it could've been prevented. I'd still be sick but maybe not so sick.

This is why I advocate so strongly and help others learn how to talk to their doctors and push for answers.

Credit: _philayana
"You ever know that there's something wrong with your health and you keep going back to the doctor with the same issues just to be repeatedly dismissed and then, months or years later, you see a doctor who actually listens and it turns out you were right and now you're stuck wondering why it had to get this bad before someone listened, why it took so long to get answers and how your health could be if you were taken seriously originally."

#Gasloghting #MedicalPTSD

2 2

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 1d

Steampunk Magic - I love this lady! I'm a disabled artist who creates from bed. Enjoy the magic as we move into October. payhip.com/b/uA1ik

#CollageArtist #TaiwanArtist #Papercrafts #Handicrafts #MySeveralWorlds #CarrieKellenberger #artist #handmade #Design #Steampunk #Papercutting

2025 Steampunk Magic - Art by Carrie Kellenberger

Steampunk Magic I 3D Handmade paper collage art | Unique and modern paper cuttingINTERNATIONAL SHIPPING AVAILABLEApproximately $8-10US11-18 day delivery timeItem detailsHandmadeMaterials: paper, glueW...

payhip.com

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 1d

"My doctor trying to manage my chronic illness"

Credit: I luv my heating pad

[Image of a hole in a brick wall stuffed with random bricks.]

#ChronicMemes #ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIconic #MySeveralWorlds

1 3

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 2d

Moonlit Dreams just sold at the perfect time for Moon Festival. She's heading to her new home in Taipei. Did you know that each collage package include a postcard, a bookmark & stickers?

Visit my studio: payhip.com/b/wVvu8

#CollageArtist #Papercrafts #MySeveralWorlds #CollageArt #DisabledArtist

2025 Moonlit Dreams - Art by Carrie Kellenberger

Moonlit Dreams I 3D Handmade paper collage art | Unique and modern paper cuttingINTERNATIONAL SHIPPING AVAILABLEApproximately $8-10CDN depending on location11-18 day delivery timeI can ship to fans in...

payhip.com

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 2d

"Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?"
~FRIDA KAHLO

Image by My Several Worlds
Photo of Frida Kahlo Unknown

#DisabledArtists #ArtTherapy #MySeveralWorlds #WomensArt #FridaKahlo #CreateArtEveryday #PainWarrior #ArtInspiration #CreativeSoul

1 3

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 3d

"There is a severe shortage of pain specialists with approximately 30,000 Americans in pain for every board certified pain specialist. This shortage is caused by a difficult path to specializing in pain treatment plus negative public scrutiny."
🔗
www.practicalpainmanagement.com/resources/et...

Can I Call Myself a “Pain Specialist?”

Who defines the role of pain specialists? Inside the legal requirements for practitioners.

www.practicalpainmanagement.com

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 3d

#ChronicIllness life is a never-ending cycle of:
I just need to get through this flare
I just need to see this specialist
I just need to get through this appt
I just need to try this new med
I just need to cut out this food
I just need to...
@bendybunny.bsky.social
#ChronicTruths #MySeveralWorlds

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 4d

Our senior years is getting a whole bunch of discounts. Whether it's #ChronicIllness or aging, so much gets taken away. The segue into aging WITH chronic illness leaves you punched in the gut, breathless, wanting & yearning for what used to be."
🔗
www.pajamadaze.com/blog/aging-a...

Aging and Chronic Illness

I turned 70 last year, and it hit me hard. My 50's are a blurry memory of heart attacks, heavy fatigue, copious medical tests, days on the sofa or in bed, pain, new diagnoses and watching my life...

www.pajamadaze.com

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 4d

I smile through the pain…nausea…exhaustion…I have really bad days and those far outnumber the good. They can be absolutely awful… I’d give anything for a cure but since that’s not reality now—I play the hand I was dealt.”
🔗
buff.ly/3vPhveX #CRPS

via @apainprincess.bsky.social

buff.ly

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 4d

"We often tell ourselves or others to be strong. Instead of instilling inspiration... it becomes another standard we have to meet. You don’t have to be strong all the time. One small step forward is still a powerful act." Via @achronicvoice.com
🔗
www.achronicvoice.com/2018/05/13/y...

#ChronicPain

You Don't Have to be Strong, Just a Little Stronger Than Before

Sometimes telling ourselves to be brave invokes fear. Here's why you don't have to be strong, just a little stronger than before.

www.achronicvoice.com

1 1 8

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 4d

Life with central nervous system disorders

🔵 People who are heat intolerant
🔴 People who are cold intolerant

People who can only tolerate a very specific range of temperatures, like a delicate orchid (in between)
Credit Unknown
#DysautonomiaAwarenessMonth
#DysautonomiaAwareness
#MySeveralWorlds

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 5d

Being Refused Treatment by AE @achronicvoice.com

"Sharp pain struck & I knew. After 4 hours, it was time. A well rehearsed routine on auto pilot. I put on a sweater. In went water, phone, a powerbank, my wallet & a bag w zippers; you don’t want things falling out." buff.ly/2YV4myQ

buff.ly

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 5d

Things You Don't See Behind Closed Doors With #ChronicIllness & #Disability

1. The lengthy preparation we do before leaving the house
2. Resting after small tasks
3. The impact it has on
mental health
4. Having to spend hours & days in bed after going out just to recover
5. Grieving who we were

Things You Don't See Behind Closed Doors With #ChronicIllness & #Disability

1. The lengthy preparation we need to do before leaving the house
2. Resting after the smallest of tasks
3. The impact it has on our
mental health
4. Having to spend hours,
sometimes days in bed after going out for the day just to recover
5. Grieving who we were
before our health declined

Credit: Unknown

#ChronicTruths #MySeveralWorlds

1 4

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 6d

“A lot of people think that #RheumatoidArthritis is just bad #arthritis, and it’s not. It’s systemic. It can attack your lungs and kidneys and you can get vasculitis. The chances of going into remission are very low, probably less than 5%."
🔗
www.ama-assn.org/delivering-c...

What doctors wish patients knew about rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis remains an enigmatic and debilitating condition, affecting millions. Two rheumatologists share how to manage this disease.

www.ama-assn.org

1 3

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 6d

Young adults in Singapore: “Even if I were to wear the #disability lanyard, I’m...sceptical people would give up their seat for me.”
Pang is 25. He has #AnkylosingSpondylitis.

We have many similar stories in #Taiwan with 'Who gets a disability seat?'
🔗
www.channelnewsasia.com/cna-insider/...

They’re young, they look healthy, but they need a seat on the train. This is why

These young adults suffer from autoimmune diseases whose symptoms are not often visible, leading to misconceptions and judgement. How do they navigate work, relationships and life in general while end...

www.channelnewsasia.com

1 2

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 6d

Share Happiness - I love this little lady! I'm a disabled artist who creates from bed and finds peace amongst my clippings. payhip.com/b/1rlau

#CollageArtist #TaiwanArtist #Papercrafts #Handicrafts #MySeveralWorlds #CarrieKellenberger #artist #handmade #Design #WhimsicalArt #Papercutting

2025 Share Happiness - Art by Carrie Kellenberger

Enjoy The Journey I 3D Handmade paper collage art | SIMPLE COLLAGEINTERNATIONAL SHIPPING AVAILABLEApproximately $8-10US11-18 day delivery timeItem detailsHandmadeMaterials: paper, glueWidth: 20 centim...

payhip.com

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 6d

My #insomnia was diagnosed in uni.

"Primary insomnia is a type of chronic insomnia as defined by the ICSD-III. It tends to recur for many years throughout a person’s life. This type of insomnia is usually idiopathic... It can be impacted by stress."
🔗
www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/primary...

Primary Insomnia: A Lifelong Problem

When provided with an array of treatment options, patients tend to feel a sense of ownership by playing a role in their care.

www.psychiatrictimes.com

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 6d

The Surprising Thing About Chronic Pain buff.ly/2Lvfo5n I’ve lived w. #ChronicIllness for 20 years & have gone through flares that are so disabling that I imagine this is what hell feels like. IMO, one cannot deal w. #ChronicPain when they’re defeated mentally.

Via @achronicvoice.com

buff.ly

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 6d

👉 Me, last night when my HR hit 131 at midnight and I got all hot, sweaty & barfy and had to lie down where I was. I had just told my dad that I had a bit more energy and that means a crash is coming. ☹️

"EXISTING WITH #POTS:
*feeling kinda weird*
Oh boy"
Credit: Unknown
#DysautonomiaAwarenessMonth

👉 Me, last night when my HR hit 131 at midnight again and I got all hot, sweaty and barfy and had to lie down where I was. I had literally just told my dad that I had a bit more energy and that means a crash is coming. ☹️

"EXISTING WITH POTS BE LIKE:
*feeling kinda weird*
Oh boy"

Credit: Unknown [Mr Bean looking at his watch in a field and lying down in the field.]

October is #DysautonomiaAwarenessMonth #InvisibleDisabilitiesAwarenessMonth
#MySeveralWorlds

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 6d

"It is only when we truly know & understand that we have a limited time on earth and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up that we begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it were the only one we had."
~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

#Acceptance #Grief #Denial #Disability #ChronicIllness

"It is only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up that we begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it were the only one we had."
~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Who is Elisabeth Kübler-Ross?

Her work helped revolutionize the care of the terminally ill and helped change attitudes toward pain control and death. She was known for having identified five stages of grief experienced by people who are chronically ill or living with terminal disease: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

#Acceptance #Grief #Denial #Disability #ChronicIllness

[Carrie is seated in her wheelchair at home. She is wearing her My Several Worlds t-shirt. She is surrounded by mounds of scrap paper. Carrie is holding a framed collage that is a self portrait from before she got sick.]

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 7d

"Metaphors are keys for opening the doors to understanding, for illustrating concepts that the average person is able to relate to.
Despite living w #ChronicIllness for 20+ years, I realise there is still so much I don’t know about."
🔗
www.achronicvoice.com/2016/04/11/q...

Via @achronicvoice.com

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · 7d

🌱 Rest in Power, Dr. Jane Goodall. I'm glad I had the opportunity to see her speak in Taiwan.

"You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."
~ #JaneGoodall
🕊️🤍

There is a hole in my heart with Jane Goodall's passing.

I'm so glad I had the opportunity to see her speak in person in Taiwan. It's fitting that she passed at 91 years of age while continuing her life's work.

When I saw her in 2017 with President Tsai Ing Wen in Taiwan, she reminded us to never lose hope and to keep making changes each and every day.

I struggled to get to her event that day. The path was not clear. The venue was not accessible. It took everything I had to get there on my own legs and it was one of the last public events I was able to do on my own without assistance.

Her words still echo in my head from that night.

"You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."
~ Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of Peace, world renowned humanitarian, conservationist, and ethologist.

She was many things to many people. There will never be another person like her. How lucky am I to have lived in an age to see her life's work in person.

You made the world a better place. I will stay hopeful.

Rest in Power and Peace, Dr. Goodall. 🕊️🤍

🏷️
#RemarkableWomen
#JaneGoodall
#ReadingIsFundamental
#EducateYourself
#readabook #bookworm
#BookNerd
#MoreBooksPlease
#BookOfHope
#ReadMore
#BookstagramFeature
#bibliophile
#ForTheLoveOfReading
#ReadingForTheFuture

Reposted by Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate

Carrie - MySeveralWorlds - Artist, Author, Advocate @carriekellenberger.bsky.social · Nov 28

Here's a thread of #art in my Art Studio and ready to ship! I hope it's easier to see it here in one place.
🧚‍♀️
#CollageArtist #TaiwanArtist #Papercrafts #Handicrafts #MySeveralWorlds #CarrieKellenberger #artist #SmallBusinessOwner #handmade #Design #WhimsicalArt #Papercutting #HandmadeTaiwan

A collage of 3D Fairy Forest collages by Carrie Kellenberger

42 3 13