My story so far...

Hi, I’m Marina…

And I’ll get straight to the point. I’ve been a CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) Type II warrior for 14 years.

marina-wheelchair-2011

Here's me (Marina) in my wheelchair, 2011.

I started off my chronic illness journey at the bottom of the barrel. Not only was my CRPS case one of the worst my doctor had ever seen. But I was left wheelchair bound, with no hope that I would ever walk again.

Since then, I have collected other health issues. (My family tells me that each time we go to the doctor it’s like opening Pandora’s box!)

I have also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, Raynaud’s phenomenon, preliminary Lupus and a cervical carcinoma. 

But my story doesn’t end there.

Today I am no longer in a wheelchair.

I successfully finished school, furthered my studies, I’ve held down some great jobs, built my endurance and stamina for life, and now…

I’ve launched The Discerning You to show everyone out there with a chronic illness that it’s possible to get some balance back in your life.

I can say it’s been bravery or positivity that’s gotten me through this – but it’s more than that. It’s knowledge. And being discerning about what I’ve learnt.

Only by understanding how to live with chronic illness, did I learn to overcome its limitations.

And now, I’m here to share everything with you.

I am not here to give you medical advice – I’m not a doctor!

I’m a very experienced patient who’s here to help you rebuild a life after a diagnosis and show you that you are not alone in this.

What is The Discerning You in a Nutshell?

The Discerning You is a platform that... 

  • Enlightens your understanding of your own chronic illness.
  • Helps you mourn the loss of your old life in a healthy and forward-thinking way.
  • Shows you how to get the most out of your medical support structure.
  • Builds your confidence up again.
  • Has all your weird medical questions answered.
  • Knows you are supported – and not alone.
  • Teaches you to make discerning and realistic decisions about your own life and health.

Why I Don’t Use the Word “Cure”

Don’t get me wrong – working towards a cure or becoming completely healed is an incredibly positive and forward-thinking insight. But odds are that if something does ‘heal’ you, it’s probably a lifestyle decision that will need to be maintained and monitored.

We will help you aspire to certain goals. But show you how to realistically make steps towards them.

The idea is to help you find comfort and ease in living your life right now. And to not make you lose sight of the fact that life is happening as we speak.

You shouldn’t want to remain unwell… but you also shouldn’t stop living your life in times where good health isn’t on your side.

Optimists see the glass as half full. Pessimists see it as half empty.

Realists see it as half a glass of water that you can use in any way you want… that’s me 🙂

>