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Phoebe

@phoebsbo.bsky.social
320 followers 372 following 139 posts

Life is being autistic and chronically ill with ME and writing about it. Doodle artist. Smorky's human. Scotland. She/her. linktr.ee/phoebsbo

PostsRepliesMedia
Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
New blog post! It’s true, I can’t wait to just have ME again. #PwME #MyalgicE #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicIllness #Disability #Pancreatitis #Gallbladder puffsandpens.substack.com/p/post-41-i-...
puffsandpens.substack.com
Post 41. I Can’t Wait to Just Have ME Again.
Having ME be my main complaint feels like a luxury right now, and I didn’t know it until my pancreas and gallbladder teamed up and tried to kill me.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
I had to go back to hospital but I’m home again, and I think Smorky is happy about that. ☺️ #CatsOfBluesky #CatsOnBluesky #Smorky
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Home yesterday after ten days in hospital with acute gallstone pancreatitis. Lots of IV antibiotics, IV fluids, morphine, CT scan, ultrasound and gallbladder removal. Longest hospital stay of my life, longest I’ve been separated from Smorky. Very weak/groggy but recovering. #PwME
Photo of my hospital gown that says “hospital use only” all over it.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Excellent article by my niece Amelia for @scotnational.bsky.social on the treatment of gymnasts within Scottish Gymnastics. www.pressreader.com/uk/the-natio...
Screenshot of headline: 

Former elite gymnast calls for change after 'years of abuse'

'We were berated and called lazy. Shouting was the normal means of commu-nication'

The National (Scotland)

BY AMELIA BOAG MCGLYNN 

*Rebecca's name was changed for confidentiality.

20 Apr 2026Screenshot of quote from article: “Rebecca struggled with disordered eating and body dysmorphia: "When I was nine, I was weighed in front of my peers. The scale happened to turn off, and the coaches joked that I was so heavy I broke the scale.”
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derek guy @dieworkwear.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Pierre Bourdieu once argued that the question of whether something is art isn't answered by the artist's intention or even the object itself. Instead, the quality of being "art" is conferred by a community — curators, dealers, auction houses, audiences, etc. 🧵
Someone on Threads writes: "The Met Gala feels like real dystopian shit.

People can’t afford groceries or gas. But we’re going to celebrate this event which is nothing more than wealth porn."
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Hi @folly.studio, today’s Real Bird Fake Bird is incorrect. I’ve been to Iceland (a Nordic country) a lot, I’ve seen their various ways of preserving fish. See photo below of many drying fishies, in Iceland, the Nordic country.
A lot of drying fish hanging from purpose built frames outdoors in Iceland. Snow on the ground below. Result of my game, with an incorrect score of 0/7.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
This investigation was published by @cnn.com on 26th March, yet I only heard about it yesterday on Threads. That it hasn't been picked up by every major news outlet is astonishing. edition.cnn.com/interactive/...
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
My mum’s house is on the market. This is where I grew up, my family home. It’s a brilliant house. blackwoodsmith.com/property/inn...
blackwoodsmith.com
4 bedroom House for sale in PeeblesYester - £650,000
Yester, Innerleithen Road, PeeblesLocated in the picturesque Borders town of Peebles, this charming Victorian detached stone house enjoys a peaceful setting ...
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Dr. Sarah Parcak @indyfromspace.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
OK for fun: top funniest tweet ever? I am torn between "moon's haunted" and "Denise I was at your wedding."
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
It took me twelve years, but I think I must be cured of my delusion that I might recover from my incurable chronic illness in time for the next Sigur Rós concert, because I saw this and didn't even consider buying a ticket. Yay me. 🙃 #PwME #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicIllness #Disability
Screenshot of Sigur Rós Europe tour announcement for August - September 2026, performing with a 41-piece orchestra.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
It’s my 12th ME anniversary. Friday 28th Feb 2014 was the day my first symptom began and everything started to go wrong. To make it less sad though I always aim to have cake on this day, so I have something to look forward to. This year my mum made me a massive Victoria sponge! #ChronicIllness #PwME
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
“I was at the Baftas – and while hearing the N-word was unsettling, all anger should be aimed at the BBC. By failing to remove John Davidson’s tic from the broadcast, editors let down both black and disabled people.” Jason Okundaye #BAFTA #JohnDavidson www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
I was at the Baftas – and while hearing the N-word was unsettling, all anger should be aimed at the BBC | Jason Okundaye
By failing to remove John Davidson’s tic from the broadcast, editors let down both black and disabled people, says Guardian assistant Opinion editor Jason Okundaye
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
“Since the fallout, Davidson's team shares that he's reached out to the studio handling "Sinners" in order to directly apologize to Jordan, Lindo and production designer Hannah Beacher.” #BAFTA #JohnDavidson variety.com/2026/film/aw...
variety.com
John Davidson Gives First Interview and Explains Tourette’s Tics After Shouting N-Word and Other Slurs at BAFTAs: ‘I Felt a Wave of Shame’ (EXCLUSIVE)
John Davidson's explains Tourette's tics and the BAFTA N-word incident in his first exclusive interview with Variety.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
Happy fifth birthday to my loveliest little Smorklepuss! 🥰 #Smorky #Caturday #CatsOfBluesky #CatsOnBluesky
White cat with black patches lying neatly on a bed in a loaf position but with front paws sticking out. She’s looking towards the camera. White cat with black patches lying neatly on a bed in a loaf position but with front paws sticking out. She’s looking slightly to her left.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
The absolute gall of The White House to fabricate a narrative about the killing of Alex Pretti that didn’t happen. As with Renee Goode, they were executed, on the street. Their murders by ICE are on video, we can see what happened, neither were a threat. 1/2
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
I tried to complete Action for ME’s Big Survey, but I’m struggling with their severity scale. I’m somewhere between moderate and severe, but neither description is accurate for me, and I’m simply too autistic to choose an answer that’s not correct. So, that’s that I guess. #PwME
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Look how cute! 😭 #Smorky #CatsOnBluesky #CatsOfBluesky
White cat with black splodges lying in my lap in bed looking up at me and one leg stretched out towards me.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
“The head of a leading disability rights charity turned down an MBE in the New Year Honours over what she described as the “simply intolerable" situation facing disabled people in the UK.“ 👏 👏 👏 #Disability #NewYearsHonours #TressaBurke #UKGov www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Disability charity chief condemns UK government as she rejects MBE
Tressa Burke, chief executive officer of the Glasgow Disability Alliance, says the situation facing disabled people in the UK is
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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
Thick as mince and thick as thieves. A column about the absolute idiots European legislators have made of themselves over the naming of food, at the behest of meat lobbyists. You laugh and then you weep. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
When is a sausage not really a sausage? Ask the meat lobby | George Monbiot
European legislators may ban plant-based products from using the name to prevent ‘confusion’. Just don’t mention beef tomatoes or buffalo wings, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
The UK is going backwards. It would send a pretty powerful message if people were to boycott these organisations. #GirlGuiding #WomensInstitute #TransRightsAreHumanRights
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
I adopted my lovely cat Smorky from Holly, who she rescued as a tiny kitten when Smol Paul was a few months old, and they quickly became friends. I enjoyed watching their antics on Twitter, never knowing I'd one day get to be Smorky's forever human! 1/2 All photos taken by @hollyqueenofspayeds.com
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
This pen holder doubles as a Smork holder. #Smorky #CatsOfBluesky #CatsOnBluesky #Caturday
White cat with black splodges standing with front legs in a pen pot/holder.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
Thanks to chemical menopause (to treat endo) I’ve been averaging 3-6hrs sleep/night, but last night was a first, I didn’t sleep at all. I turned the light off at 2am, then I lay awake all night. It’s kind of ironic, given so many people assume that having ME means I sleep all the time. #Insomnia
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
I just learned that there was a Westminster Hall ME debate yesterday. I remember feeling excited and hopeful about the debate in January 2019. I live tweeted as I watched it and I expected something to change, but nothing did. 1/2
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
I received my ADP (Scottish PIP) review determination letter today and I’ve kept my enhanced daily living and mobility awards. Phew! They made their decision without needing to see/speak to me, and I won’t be reviewed again until 2030. Very relieved! #Disability #ChronicIllness #PwME
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
I’d prefer not to use Amazon, but I have a severe energy impairing disability and I’m predominantly housebound. I can’t shop locally. I rarely have the energy to search online for alternatives. I don’t want to rely on my mum/carer for… 1/3 #Amazon #Accessibility #Disability #ChronicIllness #PwME
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Adam Fare 🖤🤍💜 @adamfare1996.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Many of the struggles faced by disabled people are also faced by abled folk. But they don't have the added issue of being disabled on top... Which makes every issue harder to deal with, and sometimes impossible.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Happy Gotcha Day to my sweet little Smorklepuss. Three years ago today! 1/3 #CatsOfBluesky #CatsOnBluesky #Smorky #GotchaDay
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
This happened last night as I attempted to liberate one of Smorky’s mice! I eventually managed to persuade mousey to scamper off into the night, and while we do now share a bond, I hope it finds a new home far away from Smorky the Huntress.
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Kate Ross @kateross.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
White woman puts Mexican flag on her truck to waste ICE’s time.
Scooby
I am as white as a hotel towel, and the closest thing to Mexican I am was a single all inclusive resort stay in Cancun. I put a Mexican flag sticker on my old Tacoma abd was promptly pulled over by ICE in San Antonio. I'm happy to waste their time
1d

RookaTX
This is the way

Scooby • RookaTX
Their big question was like, "why the sticker" I told them it was on the truck when I bought it-and they suggested I remove it. Obnoxious creatures.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
A short new blog post. Ten years ago today I had to leave my beautiful flat in Edinburgh because of ME. I thought I’d be back, but I never stepped foot in it again. puffsandpens.substack.com/p/40-ten-yea... #PwME #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicIllness #Disability
puffsandpens.substack.com
40. Ten Years Ago Today.
Ten years ago today I moved out of my flat in Leith, Edinburgh.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
I spent ten weeks writing my answers for my ADP (Scottish PIP) review. Then I waited to feel well enough to fill in the online form. I spent today doing it bit by bit, because I can’t use my laptop for more than 5 mins at a time. I pressed submit, and then this happened… I am FURIOUS. 🤬
Photo of laptop screen that says "we're sorry... There has been an error with your form. You can start another form to tell us about any changes in your circumstances.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
I’m almost 7 weeks into my ADP review (Scottish PIP). I’ve completed 13 out of 18 questions, and I’ve written 11,000 words so far. So basically I’m writing a dissertation on everything that’s wrong with Phoebe. 🥴 #PwME #Autistic #ChronicIllness #Disability #DisabilityBenefits
Screenshot of my ADP 'to do' list in my Notes app:
Changes.
Symptoms.
Conditions or Diagnosis.
Medication.
Treatment.
1 Preparing food.
2 Taking nutrition.
3 Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition.
4 Washing and Bathing.
5 Managing toilet needs or incontinence.
6 Dressing and undressing.
7 Communicating verbally.
8 Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words.
9 Engaging with other people face to face.
10 Making budgeting decisions.
11 Planning and following journeys.
12 Moving around.
Additional information.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
I have a melty Smorky. #Smorky #CatsOnBluesky #CatsOfBluesky #Heatwave #MeltyCat
White cat with black splodges lying flat on a wooden garden bench.
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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 05/07/2025
Bear in mind that if you held up a sign saying "I support genocide", you would not be arrested under the Terrorism Act.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
Smorky wishes everyone a happy and safe Pride Month. 🌈 #PrideMonth #HappyPrideMonth #PrideMonth2025 #Smorky #CatsOnBluesky #CatsOfBluesky
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
A small drawing I recently completed. According to some, it looks like a carnivorous plant. I see plants, insects, octopuses, music, and one tiny giraffe! #Drawing #DoodleArt #DoodleDrawing #DisabledArtist #AutisticArtist #PwME #Autistic
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
I had my first Decapeptyl injection 16 days ago to treat my endometriosis. It works by shutting down my remaining ovary and inducing chemical menopause. Typically, someone will experience perimenopause (with fluctuating hormone levels… 1/2 #PwME #Endometriosis #ChronicIllness
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
A lovely sunny day for Smorking in the garden. #CatsOfBluesky #CatsOnBluesky #Smorky
White cat with black splodges sitting in a loaf position on the grass in the shade of the garden fence.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 12/04/2025
A new blog post, on the reality of Labour’s proposed changes to the PIP Daily Living eligibility criteria. It makes no sense. #DisabilityBenefits #Disability #ChronicIllness #PwME puffsandpens.substack.com/p/39-what-th...
puffsandpens.substack.com
39. What the New PIP Eligibility Criteria Will Actually Mean.
PIP (Personal Independence Payment) is a UK benefit designed to cover the additional costs of being disabled and can be claimed by people in or out of work.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
Short new blog post! How I Feel on a Normal Day With ME. “I promise you, living with this every day, it’s no holiday, it’s literally one sick day after another.” Link below… 👇 #PwME #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicIllness #Disability
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
Short new blog post! The government believe they will be able to incentivise (force) disabled and chronically ill people into work with their proposed cuts. The government however are not operating in the land of reality. #DisabilityBenefits #PwME puffsandpens.substack.com/p/37-the-gov...
puffsandpens.substack.com
37. The Government Have Not Thought This Through.
The government believe they will be able to incentivise (force) disabled and chronically ill people into work with their proposed cuts.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
“Almost no ME/CFS patients return to work.” As with most illnesses that are left untreated (there is no treatment for ME), people won’t get better. #PwME #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicIllness #Disability www.sciencenorway.no/chronic-fati...
sciencenorway.no
Almost no ME/CFS patients return to work
'The help we have provided to patients through the welfare and healthcare systems has had little rehabilitative effect,' says a researcher.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Here’s a Smorky. #CatsofBluesky #CatsOnBluesky #Smorky
White cat with black splodges sitting on paving slabs in the garden with a serene look on her face.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Short new blog post on Labour’s proposed benefit cuts. I’m on PIP and ESA, they are the entirety of my income, and I’m facing losing my entire ESA award. #PwME #DisabilityBenefits #Disability #ChronicIllness #LabourParty #KeirStarmer #LizKendall puffsandpens.substack.com/p/36-labour-...
puffsandpens.substack.com
36. Labour Disability Benefits Cuts.
Yesterday the government announced their plans for a series of benefit cuts that will primarily affect disabled people.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
I have never been so scared. ESA and PIP are the entirety of my income. #DisabilityBenefits
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
I’ve started seeing comments from people saying they wouldn’t have voted for Labour in July 2024 had they known they were going to target people who are unable to work due to disability/chronic illness. The thing is, Labour did make it clear, they were quite open about it. Here are a few examples.
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
ME has given me a lot of food intolerances, some common, and some a bit more random. Now, the one I’ve always dreaded the most has happened - ME has taken coffee from me. I’m sad, my afternoon coffee used to be the highlight of my day. I can only hope it won’t be permanent. #PwME
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
After over 7yrs of having severe ME and not attending any concerts, I’m unsubscribing from all my live music newsletters: Gigs in Scotland, Bandsintown, etc. No point being notified of concerts I’m unable to attend. Not sure why it took me so long, hard to let go, I guess. #PwME
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Phoebe @phoebsbo.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
How adorable is that dopey smile. She’s just the cutest. 🥰 #Smorky #CatsOfBluesky #CatsOnBluesky
White cat with black splodges sitting on my lap in bed with the sweetest sleepiest looking smile on her face.
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