Posts by: Claire Richmond

Claire Richmond

Claire hopes speaking her truth builds connections and generates hope. At 32, she was diagnosed with acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) after a 19-year search for answers. As severe, unexplained pain became a focal point of life, she exiled her body to protect her mind. Through laughter and challenges, “One Thousand Flaming Swords” navigates daily life with AHP, as Claire rebuilds the bridge between her physical and mental being.

January 19, 2021January 15, 2021

After Years of Pain, I’m Finally Receiving Treatment for Chronic Migraines

"One Thousand Flaming Swords" – a Column by Claire Richmond, Columns

I would rather put on a strong face than admit to anyone the sheer amount of pain I’m enduring. I’m less focused on describing the actual pain at doctors’ ... Read more

January 12, 2021January 7, 2021

Why People With Acute Porphyria Should See a Cardiologist

"One Thousand Flaming Swords" – a Column by Claire Richmond, Columns

Last month, my primary care physician (PCP) referred me to a cardiologist for suspected postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) after I blacked out (again) on the massage table. According ... Read more

December 22, 2020December 18, 2020

Making New Year’s Resolutions While Chronically Ill

"One Thousand Flaming Swords" – a Column by Claire Richmond, Columns

It’s that time of year again, when many of my friends and those on social media are making vision boards and charting paths to achieve their life goals. New ... Read more

December 15, 2020December 10, 2020

Porphyria Has Taught Me There’s No Going Back to Normal

"One Thousand Flaming Swords" – a Column by Claire Richmond, Columns

Like others, I’m guilty of hating on 2020. In relation to in-person gatherings, I’ll be the first to admit I’ve said things like, “After all this is over, …” ... Read more

December 8, 2020December 4, 2020

How a Tree Ornament Reminds Me of My Inner Wisdom

"One Thousand Flaming Swords" – a Column by Claire Richmond, Columns

Last week, we decorated for the holidays. Mugs of cocoa steamed on the dining room table, and jolly holiday tunes played in our living room as the kids maneuvered ... Read more

December 1, 2020November 24, 2020

Turning Toward Pain and Learning From Adversity

"One Thousand Flaming Swords" – a Column by Claire Richmond, Columns

As a person with an invisible illness living in an ableist society, my chronic pain and its effects on my body have been minimized, questioned, and altogether denied. Over ... Read more

November 24, 2020November 20, 2020

This Holiday Season, Spread Kindness, Not COVID-19

"One Thousand Flaming Swords" – a Column by Claire Richmond, Columns

My upcoming holidays are going virtual. Right now, families like mine across the world are making hard calls about how they will spend quality time with their loved ones ... Read more

November 17, 2020November 18, 2020

COVID-19 Canceled My Wedding, and That’s OK

"One Thousand Flaming Swords" – a Column by Claire Richmond, Columns

The COVID-19 pandemic canceled a wedding we had scheduled for last June. When my fiancé, Michael, and I told friends and family abut our decision to postpone the ceremony, ... Read more

November 10, 2020November 6, 2020

Learning Life Lessons From My Dog

"One Thousand Flaming Swords" – a Column by Claire Richmond, Columns

It was love at first sight when I met my standard poodle, Lenny Bruce, but what I never imagined is how much he’d teach me about love and living. ... Read more

November 3, 2020October 30, 2020

Caring for the Caregiver: When Roles Are Reversed

"One Thousand Flaming Swords" – a Column by Claire Richmond, Columns

My fiancé, Michael, is my caregiver. He tends to my needs during acute hepatic porphyria attacks, provides emotional support, and has steady energy that keeps me sane. Last year ... Read more