“One Thousand Flaming Swords” – a Column by 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.

October 27, 2020October 23, 2020

Eating Halloween Candy Is Good for My Health

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

I recently found myself (masked up) at Walmart in a tiny Iowa town. These days, I don’t frequent big-box stores, but I’m a huge fan of scoping out the ... Read more

October 20, 2020October 24, 2020

3 Ways I’m Reclaiming My Joy While Living With Hepatic Porphyria

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

Like many people with painful chronic illness, I struggle with my mental health. This morning, simply getting out of bed took a lot out of me because I was ... Read more

October 13, 2020October 12, 2020

How Assembling Care Providers Is Like Cooking a Delicious Soup

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

I walk my standard poodle, named Lenny Bruce, around the neighborhood every afternoon. We live in a historic area of Des Moines, Iowa, with sturdy sidewalks and old, expansive ... Read more

September 29, 2020September 25, 2020

Medical Gaslighting: How My Diagnostic Trauma Unfolded

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

I have a history of abusive relationships with medical providers. My trauma history stems from medical mistreatment and being dismissed while experiencing serious symptoms. My story is not uncommon. ... Read more

September 22, 2020September 18, 2020

To Everyone in the US Affected by Rare Disease: Our Time Is Now

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

Some will read this column and think it’s too political — that politics isn’t “in my lane” as a writer. I thought deeply about this prior to posting. On ... Read more

September 15, 2020September 11, 2020

My Secret Weapon for Managing Acute Porphyria Attacks

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

In accepting chronic pain and the acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) roller coaster, I came to terms with the realities of my new normal. That brings days that must happen ... Read more

September 8, 2020September 15, 2020

What Doctors Don’t Tell You About Acute Hepatic Porphyria

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

Editor’s note: This column was updated Sept. 15, 2020, to emphasize the individuality of the writer’s personal experience, and now specifies the importance of seeking guidance from medical professionals. ... Read more

September 1, 2020September 15, 2020

Twice a Month, Porphyria Cancels My Life

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

In the early morning hours, my body jarred me awake. Before opening my eyes, I felt the onslaught of symptoms I knew would be coming before I put myself ... Read more

August 25, 2020September 15, 2020

My Strength Might Inspire You, but I’m a Total Fraud

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

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) doesn’t define who I am, but it does control what I can do. And my tendency is to talk about that. I will voice my ... Read more

August 18, 2020September 15, 2020

Unexplained Pain and My 19-year Search for Answers

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

When Desiree Lyon, founder of the American Porphyria Foundation, described to a doctor her first attack of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) at the age of 17, she likened it ... Read more