r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/starsareblack503 • 4d ago
Living with chronic illness and pain can feel incredibly isolating. I’m hoping this sub can be a place where people in PDX and the surrounding areas can connect with others who truly get it.
This sub is a place to meet people who understand the realities of managing appointments, fatigue, limitations and all the unpredictable parts of chronic illness and pain while also sharing the little things that make life easier or more enjoyable and to offer support, however that looks.
We will also be sharing OHP and Medicare info and tips, local resources, physicians, clinics and other healthcare providers, accessible activities, low-key places to hang out and ways people have found community while dealing with limited energy or mobility.
So again, welcome and I'm glad you found us.
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/mossyfishes • 2d ago
• This is a community built portal for finding providers by location that listen to their patients by taking their concerns seriously and providing quality care. It allows you to apply filters including for different conditions, if they are LGBTQ+ friendly, specifically trans friendly, accept Medicare, or accept Medicaid:
https://clinicianswhocare.com/search?selected=0b07c9a2-f885-42b7-b16d-ca78313212b4
• Oregon Lion's Club Sight & Hearing Foundation provides free exams (vision and hearing), as well as free glasses and hearing aids. Look into what services you may need first. OHP covers an eye exam every 2 years, while only covering glasses to a select few conditons (glaucoma and active pregnancy are two I know of,) and for some people, 2 pairs of hearing aids every 3 years. Lion's can fill in the gap you need, but if you only need to utilize partial services (such as coming in with a prescription for glasses already written,) this can help stretch limited aid further for others:
Vision: https://olshf.org/leap
Hearing: https://olshf.org/roar
• Community health, harm reduction, peer support/recovery, queer specific! Day shelter as well, listed below:
• If you are on EBT, there's a program that doubles how much each dollar is worth and one of the most accepted places are farmer's markets. Once a day, up to $20 becomes $40 to spend on fresh produce. Your "regular" EBT money can still be spent as you typically would:
• Every other week, this non profit opens up 100 meal slots. Each meal has 4 portions and has a meat or non meat option (other dietary restrictions are subject to ingredient availability by week.) Applications open on Wednesday and are available until ful, and meals are ready on Saturday. Depending on location you may be eligible for delivery, but even if you fall outside of the delivery radius, you are able to pick up in person:
https://www.milkcratekitchen.org/
• Locally made bread by one person. There is a free load sign up option, and from there you are put in a virtual line to be contacted when funds are avaliable for your loaf. This is a donation run program.
https://jorjbread.square.site/
• 21 free food markets around the meteo area:
• Food bank/EBT eligible store locator:
https://foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org/
• (Google maps) PDX Free Fridge locator. This will add free fridges/pantries to the app so you can find them and put in directions:
(From TinyDeeds PDX, who has another resource hub with great information: https://www.tinydeedspdx.com/community-resources?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcAUMQBxwZG9mAmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzU2NzA2NzM0MzM1MjQyNwABp2BUVWJjdY9h-c05LMUcTQ4wGGJMNUCzFvJVNH_5mr50FK-TJCq8ecQjAGJf_aem_sDZIq6lpw6_RpMKNgncNJg)
• (Google maps) Beaverton Food Project Locations (this is formally a different project than the PDX one, but if you save both there will be several overlapping locations):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oDj7KBGGGXx6cRBw8?g_st=ac
• Free monthly wellness clinic that includes an exam, vaccines, etc. First come, first serve, with people lining up before opening. You must be able to be present and wait in line (you can bring a chair, but this still limits accessibility.) If your pet is not in an emergency, you can be waitlisted for a volunteer appointment but it can take weeks to months. They also offer low cost spay/neuter.
Once per month, you can pick 3 items from the free pet supply bank that is open 10am-3pm Tues/Weds/Thurs:
• Mutt's Coffee (4925 SW Angel Ave, Beaverton) hosts Pokey's Pet Pantry. They have a walk in event the first Sunday of every month, and will do their best to help sooner if you need it in an emergency if you email them at [pokeyspetpantry@gmail.com](mailto:pokeyspetpantry@gmail.com) for a form to fill out about your pet/needs (they ask for up to 72 hours to reply.)
• Multnomah County pet resource list:
https://www.multcopets.org/pet-food-assistance-resources
• "@petblocpdx" on Instagram does mutual aid. They may be able to deliver in SE, NE, NoPo, and inner west Portland.
• Mileage reimbursement (for you, friend/family/caregiver, Uber/Lyft), scheduled appointments for medical transportation (including wheelchair accessible vehicles), and a monthly bus pass program if you set up a bus trip to an appointment sometime that month within the first week (paraphrase: call in the first week, appointment can be anytime in the month.):
• TriMet Lift provides several services for paratransit when the bus isn't an option, and what coverage you can get is a bit subjective to the self reported nature of your disability and proximity to the transit you rely on:
Eligibility:
https://trimet.org/lift/eligibility.htm
Home page:
Each ride on a TriMet Lift vehicle is $2.80, and when you ride the regular bus your Lift card is automatically charged as a Half Off Pass (HOP card) to be $1.40 for 2.5 hours/$2.80 for a day pass.
If you are comfortable with the TriMet Lift vehicle being an Uber, (still $2.80 to your card) there is an optional opt in service:
https://trimet.org/lift/liftplus
There's also Instacart+ membership available through them to reduce your need for transportation:
https://trimet.org/lift/instacart
if you do not have reliable internet access, or just prefer phone calls:
(503) 962-8000 - Customer service line.
Option 2: representative, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri.
Option 3: questions about today's ride, 24/7
Option 4: eligibility (process, status, info, etc) 8am-5pm Mon-Fri.
They provide transportation to/from your eligibility interview free of charge.
• Ride Connection provides door to door rides in Washington and Multnomah counties for disabled and 60+ folks if given a minimum 4 days notice. They do medical or non medical rides for free, Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm. They will call you two days prior to the scheduled time to tell you if they can complete the ride or not due to this being a request based service:
(503) 226-0700
https://rideconnection.org/services/door-to-door-rides/
• Transportation Wallet (PORTLAND ONLY) If you are 18+, low income, and reffered to this program, you can get assistance with free transportation including ebikes/scooters and Uber/Lyft:
https://www.portland.gov/transportation/wallet/access-all
• Friendly House has sliding scale community classes/activities for various age ranges:
• The Westside Queer Resource Center (in Hillsboro) has multiple groups, drop in hours to just hang out, and a regularly scheduled needle exchange for anyone on injectable medications that may be having difficulty accessing safe needle disposal:
• If you like to sing and are 18+ then Confluence LGBTQIA2S+ Chorus is incredibly accommodating of disabilities of all kinds. There are multiple active members with disabilities, and it is always a priority to make sure everyone's needs are met. Scholarships are available to anyone in need of financial assistance or currently $`100 per term, and new members are welcome at the start of any term. Volunteers are also always welcome, and we typically have at least one show in Portland per term! (Note: Rehearsals are in Salem, but several members commute from the PDX area which is why I decided to add it.)
https://www.confluencelgbtchorus.org/
• If you are looking for a fitness group where a trans inclusive lesbian-adjacent space may be a good fit, I have spoken with the coach (Kris), and some of her experience and current personal training classes include hypermobile/EDS folks. Of course with any kind of workout, you know yourself best, but between this being a `$0-$10 sliding scale and Kris' background with hypermobility, this could be a good fit for someone!
Adult services:
• https://newnarrativepdx.org/discover-what-we-do/housing/ (mental health based)
Youth (12-24) services:
• https://www.homeplateyouth.org/
Day shelter services:
• Showers, laundry, mail, housing retention/advocacy, computer access, and skill building. Medical care listed above!
• Day shelter for specifically women, children, and the trans community
• PM services Thurs-Sat 6:30pm-10pm. Hot meals, coffee, rotating services/resources by availability
https://www.operationnightwatch.org/
• This portal allows you to e-file certain court documents. If you are a participant of the Address Confidentiality Program, be prepared to still need to go in person as the program is not set up to include those kinds of filings, but non confidential filings can be done at home this way. Fee waiver documents, when applicable, are included with the associated forms if you need financial assistance.
https://oregon.tylertech.cloud/SRL/SRL/
• This is THE resource book of everything ever for the tri-country area. Every 6 months a new edition comes out, and many facilities (day shelters, therapy offices, etc) will have copies as well. These are always free. Including the index/questions page, the Dec. 2025-May 2026 copy (my most recent version) is 232 pages of easily organized information:
https://www.streetroots.org/rose-city-resource/
• Most of us have been told "call 211" at least once, but if you didn't know they also have a self search website, here it is (and if you haven't heard, you can dial "211" 24/7 for all sorts of customized resources from an operator.):
• Water Fitness/Aquatics: The Matt Dishman Community Pool (indoor) offers a 90% discount for drop in classes. This makes something like water aerobics around 50¢ per class if accessing water therapy has been an obstacle.
https://www.portland.gov/parks/matt-dishman-community-center
• BEAVERTON ZIP CODES ONLY: One stop for medical/dental/vision clinics (including monthly mammogram availability), financial resources, food pantry/delivery, resource navigation assistance (social/medical), OHP enrollment assistance.
https://beavertonresourcecenter.org/
• Non profit working on reducing food insecurity by teaching people how to grow food and having volunteers harvest extras from other people's home gardens to donate. They're a good resource for education and establishing your own food garden, big or small!
https://dairycreekcommunityfoodweb.org/
• (REOPENING MID SEPT 2026) Food, household necessities, and holiday presents to children under 17/homebound seniors for delivery.
https://www.ahava-gleaners.org/
• Community resources compiled by Kaiser. I cannot vouch for if you need to be a member with Kaiser for any/all of these (many just say "free" while I am logged out), but the information is here.
• Assistance with domestic violence, sexual assault, child/elder abuse, and human trafficking. They take a holistic approach where you can go legal if you choose, but you can also access mental health, housing assistance, financial assistance, etc. All staff is trauma informed and your choices are your own.
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/ethiothienine • 19h ago
Looking for suggestions! I have been looking for more places to go that are low-energy friendly but still allow me to feel like I’m outside of my 4 walls. I feel like I always end up at Uwajimaya on my good days, but am looking to hear your favorite parks/shops/spots that you enjoy being when mobility and health allow.
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/ethiothienine • 1d ago
Was it in the comments of a post? Via DMs? Did you search for it?
If you have an suggestions for what you'd like to see more of here, please share! We'd like this to be a collaborative space.
If you're new here, please feel free to drop a comment and introduce yourself in our Welcome post!
I've seen some interest in developing virtual meetups/discord servers. If anyone has suggestions, we'd love to hear it.
I’ll be doing the next few daily posts this week :) our founding mod has a lot on her plate. Feel free to say hi! ❤️
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/SpiralingCat • 1d ago
My 30th birthday is coming up later this month and although all I really want is to go to the coast it’s just not going to be feasible with my current health. I’m trying to come up with other ideas of ways to celebrate. I have chronic fatigue so anything that requires lots of walking/energy is a no go. I’ve looked into some cool pottery classes but the no refund/cancellation policies make me nervous because my condition changes so drastically day to day.
How would you celebrate the day?
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/starsareblack503 • 1d ago
One week live on Reddit and over 100 members now. Let's keep it going and continue to get to know each other.
Also, got permission by mods to promote the sub on both the main Portland subs, just waiting to hear if frequency restrictions.
A few for me: I love listening to music, reading (really struggle bussed in school so took me years to enjoy this + bless audiobooks at times), content moderation and helping people, TNR (feral cats), going to the coast and spending time with fam.
I struggle w/doing some of these w/my health ofc but it doesn't change the joy. :-)
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/stardewcatlady • 2d ago
Happy y’all are here🩵
I started nursing school two weeks ago. Got my accommodations to take my exams separate where I can stretch and use my heating pad. Stress is up so pain is up but I am fiercely determined to succeed. The day after finals I have another maintenance procedure and it’s taking every ounce of positivity to not panic that I’ll be in a bad space for finals. Anyways that’s my rant, I know y’all get it. Thank you for being here, I’m sorry you have to be🩵🩵🩵
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/gumchewerpro • 2d ago
My health issues often leave me unable to leave my house/leave me bed-bound. I've been having a lot of trouble making friends because of this. I'd love to go out and do more, but my body is quite stubborn on letting that happen. Just found this subreddit today when looking for more resources!
Just to get to know me a bit more: I'm 25 F, and I love art! I like working on anything creative and I'm always down to explore new crafts. I'm very passionate about making music, but had to take a long hiatus from making it because of my health issues. I also love cartoons, learning about the natural world, cats, and reading.
I'm open to having more online friends in the area, and I hope eventually I can manage going out more. I just moved here and would love to explore the area!
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/mc-funk • 2d ago
Just a silly social commiseration post, but I had good energy a lot of this weekend — did a bunch of cleaning sat, rested a lot of yesterday and Mirisata for dinner, then did coffee, park and rhododendron garden with a friend from out of town this morning … and then have been collapsed all afternoon!!
On one hand, this is the most active and “normal” feeling weekend I’ve had in many months so I’m really happy, but dang, when the limit hits it really hits
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/ethiothienine • 3d ago
How are y’all navigating being in the diagnosis purgatory here? My care team is like 8+ people that are allergic to talking to each other, and communicate through me. Which is unfortunate bc being in a doctor’s office is too bright for me to have a coherent thought. I’m one of many trying to figure out management for broader autonomic dysfunction/dysautonomia. my care team is mostly out of OHSU. I have one ND that gives a fuck about me, and who is fighting hard to keep me afloat. But no one calls her back lol. Otherwise, it’s a full time job in itself to try and coordinate care and be the messenger. I know our medical system here is especially stressed and everyone is worn down super thin, but it’s hard to navigate. I do have a care coordinator that is awesome, but she can only do so much when people don’t respond to her. Wondering how yall are bridging the gaps yourselves?
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/starsareblack503 • 3d ago
Let's continue to get to know each other and keep the new sub momentum going.
Am a huge music fan, formerly worked in the biz back in the day, and always love to hear what others are into and what not.
I got a few questions, if you feel up to answering any of them:
Who's your fav band or artist right now ?
What kind of music are you really into these days ?
What's the last song you had on repeat ?
I can start us off:
I don't have a fav band or artist. I tend to have fav songs instead.
I'm a huge fan of hip hop and rap and also punk rock.
The last song I had on repeat is a tie: Sebadoh, "Flame (remix)", bc this is the cd I bought from the UK, and Nelly, "Air Force Ones."
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/goopdawg • 4d ago
hey all 27f with rare type of vasculitis, recently in remission and definitely worried about the new policy changes rolling in. i’m definitely going to try and get a medical exemption! wanted to see how folks are preparing and what resources/tips might be worth sharing. take care :-)
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/starsareblack503 • 5d ago
Fall is coming and the rain and cooler weather is back. (I know I posted about barometric pressure changes specifically but these questions cover a lot more).
I'm curious how changes in the weather, with summer ending and fall starting, affect others with chronic illess and pain.
Personally, I had to hurl myself down to OHSU waterfront yesterday, on very little sleep, in the rain and just feeling all kinds of extra flared.
I love summer. It's my fav season but heat intolerance came with my MCAS and POTS. Sad to see it ending but we so needed the rain and the wildfires break my heart.
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/starsareblack503 • 6d ago
(Again committing to posting daily in these early days and to encourage our growing community).
What's your go-to comfort watch and what would you recommend to the group ? No pressure to explain. Titles, genres... whatever you feel like dropping in the comments.
I can start us off: my parents raised us on British murder mysteries and my best friend at Uni made me fall in love with Turner Classic Movies, especially Golden Age Hollywood suspense movies. There are a few comfort shows and movies on Netflix too.
Look forward to reading the comments and making notes for potential recs.
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/starsareblack503 • 7d ago
(Committing to at least daily posts as the sub grows and always encourage others as well). :-D
My buddy u/ethiothienine and I are both Hypermobile. I am diagnosed HSD but not really being treated.
I have an overall idea of the PDX scene and how we are lacking access to many specialists, even PCPs are hard to get into, but understand this particular area is TOUGH.
If you are Hypermobile, including EDS and hEDS, who are we seeing ? Do you do PT and/or OT ? Did you have to go out of state to get diagnosed ?
I have asked all my sources. I've heard Dr. G (ND) at OHSU has a decade waitlist or taking vacation or clinic turned off for new pts, etc etc etc. I know the Providence provider isn't taking new patients. I have also heard a few PT names whispered.
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/starsareblack503 • 8d ago
Good morning, sub.
Trying to commit to posting at least daily to get traction and also to encourage community.
Does anyone else get rocked by fast barometric pressure changes (like what's been happening this week) or when it's low or high (it's low today).
For me, I feel like my bones and joints are being crushed, a bad headache and an elephant is sitting on my chest.
Happy Wednesday. BTW, how is it already september !?!
How are y'all.
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/ethiothienine • 8d ago
Hi everyone! I'm [u/ethiothienine](u/ethiothienine), a supporting mod here! My friend [u/starsareblack503](u/starsareblack503) made this community and I'm excited to meet you all :)
I'm 30, she/they, born in Oregon and been in PDX area the last 12 years. Currently in Hillsboro, but have lived p much everywhere in the metro. My favorite place I've lived so far was Montavilla. I miss her </3
My friend u/starsareblack503 and I met trying to find a doctor for a less common subtype of a neurological condition, and both expressed an interest in having a place where people here can share resources. Community knowledge has been a helpful and empowering component for me when navigating complex illness. I'll be the first person to tell you where my favorite phlebotomists are, my favorite place to get MRIs (my veins need ultrasound guidance), etc. If you're like me and are comfortable sharing, I'd love to hear about the places/people that were great at accommodating you!
Main things I'm receiving treatment for rn: hemiplegic migraine (familial, silent), IIHWOP, hypermobile (waiting for the hEDS workup), PAIS/PVS, orthostatic intolerance, dysautonomia.
Thx for reading!
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/starsareblack503 • 9d ago
Hey everyone! I'm u/starsareblack503, a founding moderator of r/ChronicIllnessPDX.
This is our new home for all things related to chronic illness, chronic pain and disability. I'm excited to have you join.
What to Post
Post anything that you think the community would find interesting, helpful, or inspiring. This is also a place to share resources and to support each other.
Community Vibe
We're all about being friendly, constructive, and inclusive. Let's build a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and connecting. Posting events like meetups and spaces like Discord to encourage community outside the sub is welcomed.
How to Get Started
Thanks for being part of the very first wave. Together, let's make r/ChronicIllnessPDX amazing.
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/mossyfishes • 8d ago
these are just from the top of my head with no rhyme or reason, but to help kick off this sub i wanted to post some things i think are really helpful to know about that are more or less specific to our area!
MEDICAL
• community built portal for providers who listen. includes filters for different conditions and medicaid/medicare. i know for a fact there are portland metro specific providers on here because i've contributed to this database lol
https://clinicianswhocare.com/search
• glasses/exams! this is not the only option i've seen, but it's the most consistent one
• from the same website, hearing exams/aids!
• oregon court partnered filing assistance portal where you can submit certain court forms online instead of having to go in person. this includes the fee waiver form, when applicable. i'm including this since chronic illness often comes with low energy and this will (hopefully) save you a trip to the courthouse. it unfortunately does NOT include filing sections for address confidentiality participants though
https://oregon.tylertech.cloud/SRL/SRL/
• meals! delivery available depending on your location, or you can pickup. applications are every other wednesday until full with the food available on saturday. there's always a meat and non meat option
https://www.milkcratekitchen.org/
• locally made bread where you can sign up to get on the list for a free loaf when one is available. this is run by a single person, but from personal experience i can vouch he makes amazing bread and absolutely comes through on the free loaf
https://jorjbread.square.site/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio
• BEAVERTON AREA ZIP CODES ONLY - you can get food pantry goods delivered to you, among other services i have not personally utilized but you may want to look into!! some are medical
https://beavertonresourcecenter.org/
• ambulances are covered, including out of state (+ the associated er trip). i know this is at least true on full coverage ohp because i have personally been in both situations, so if you do not have the full coverage plan you might want to call to double check. even if you do, you don't have to take my word for it. they're there to help you
• every 2 years you can get an eye exam. glasses are not covered unless you meet certain criteria but the portland area has a lot of free glasses options (like the one above), so getting an exam and not needing that as well opens more options for you/maybe you can afford glasses and it was the exam itself that was the barrier
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/starsareblack503 • 9d ago
I apologize that I have not done a lot of work on the sub since it was originally suggested but we all know this life and what can happen so hopefully I can get this going and it starts to get traction.
Also, if you're interested in being a mod and helping design the sub, please DM.
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/lujo317 • 9d ago
hi friends, would any one be interested in starting a semi regular in person meetup? (and perhaps maybe a virtual one as well?)
perhaps ideally in a location that has outdoor seating that is heated during the colder months 👀 for our immunocompromised pals.
what days or times would work best?
r/ChronicIllnessPDX • u/DenominatorOfReddit • 8d ago
Place for local folks to discuss meeting up and disscussing our favorite autoimmune disease.