Private Chef, Writer & Podcaster
Living with heart failure and sarcoidosis means my heart sometimes behaves like an untrained sous-chef—dropping beats, burning the sauce, and sending everyone into panic mode. After a surprise fibrillation episode, some extra beats, and a cardiologist who ambushed me with a flu shot before I could protest, I’m trying to stay calm, breathe, and avoid yet another hospital stay.
Starting with a “clean slate” isn’t just an expression—it’s kind of my secret weapon in surviving sarcoidosis, heart failure, and the great prednisone weight gain saga. From resisting meds as a kid to relying on homeopathy and careful research now, I’ve learned that empowering yourself with knowledge, mindful eating, and a dash of common sense can make chronic illness just a little bit less chaotic. Here’s how I went from fighting every pill to trusting what my body truly needs—and why you might want to wipe your slate clean too. sarcoidosis
Someone decided my take on living with sarcoidosis was “too upbeat,” like I’m out here harmonizing with woodland creatures while my body runs a nonstop group project I didn’t sign up for. But if you’ve ever tried to stay afloat in chronic illness while strangers critique your coping skills, you already know the real story isn’t about pretending—it’s about refusing to let misery run the whole kitchen…
Living with sarcoidosis means navigating prednisone side effects, adrenal failure, and the emotional chaos of a drug that saves your life while stealing your peace. After decades on prednisone—and four disastrous attempts to taper off—I’ve accepted that I’m on it for life, begrudgingly, impatiently, and with the kind of humor only chronic illness veterans understand.
Living with chronic illness brings sarcoidosis, heart failure, and an ICD that now syncs to my iPhone like it’s tracking my heart for a fitness challenge—but I’m grateful for the technology keeping me alive. This updated look at remote monitoring, reversed pulmonary hypertension, and modern cardiac care shows why complaining less and appreciating more can change everything.
Tate Basildon 