MUSIC & RADIO SAVED MY LIFE

A story of living with invisible illness

Pat Franc

I’m currently 54 years old and have been suffering from aggressive and degenerative autoimmune diseases since 1992. I was 22 years old when symptoms of inflammation first appeared overnight in my left knee. I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. My life changed overnight, although I did not know that at the time. Full Story

My goal with this site is to increase awareness and understanding of invisible diseases. For details, please see my full mission statement.

Were it not for the inspiration of MUSIC, I don't think I would be here today. Music helped me get through some of my darkest days. It has been critical to my survival. Therefore, every chapter in this BLOG will be musically themed. I hope you enjoy reading and listening.

February 26, 2025

Chapter 48: Doctor, Doctor, I've got those G.I. Blues

The author shares a frustrating and ongoing battle with severe **IBS/SIBO**, detailing a disappointing visit with their gastroenterologist, who dismissed their research efforts and downplayed their symptoms. Despite trying both traditional Western medicine and various holistic treatments, they have found little relief and continue to seek answers independently. Their latest hope lies in a **herbal remedy from a holistic healer**, which they plan to try. The post emphasizes the importance of **self-advocacy in healthcare**, urging others to continue researching their conditions, even when doctors discourage it.

November 27, 2024

Chapter 47: Bite Your Tongue

This blog post reflects on gratitude and perspective during Thanksgiving. Amidst a politically charged atmosphere, the author urges readers to prioritize kindness over arguments. They recount personal struggles with degenerative arthritis and a painful tongue-biting incident, which led to deeper reflection after seeing an "Operation Smile" ad highlighting children born with cleft palates. The experience juxtaposes personal hardships with the profound challenges faced by others, especially those born into poverty and despair. The author emphasizes the importance of empathy, gratitude, and recognizing the blessings in our lives, even amidst personal struggles. This Thanksgiving, they encourage readers to "bite their tongue," avoid divisive conversations and focus on the bigger picture of compassion and thankfulness.

October 20, 2024

Chapter 46: The Dark Side of TikTok

Let’s look at the state of the world today, with out-of-control polarized U.S. politics, wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, natural disasters, and the way we are constantly bombarded with news of all these events. How we access and consume information now is fragmented across so many streams; how can anyone know what is real and what isn’t—especially with AI-generated fake images and videos? TikTok is where the younger generation gets most of its news—in short, just seconds-long sound bites. Imagine. For all its popularity, TikTok reflects a growing trend in technology that makes me uneasy, and I can’t help but wonder if we’re heading in the wrong direction.

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