What It’s Like Living with an Invisible Disability: A Candid Conversation

Pain is a very large part of chronic illness but it is not a hopeless situation. Melissa has devoted her life to studying and dealing with issues regarding chronic pain. This episode delves deeply into what it is and how to deal with it.

Deb Krier talks about her initiative tryingnottodie.live which primarily works with people dealing with cancer and medical personnel treating them. She emphasizes the need to take charge of one's own care and advocates for treating patients as individuals rather than just their conditions. Being diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer that is triple positive in 2015, and how it is affecting her life she talks about the ongoing challenges she faces due to ongoing treatments, bone pain, osteoporosis, and kidney issues. She also mentions the need to pay attention to her body and rest when necessary. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of being one's own advocate and having someone accompany you during medical visits to act as a second set of eyes and ears. Deb Krier: https://debkrier.com/ Invisible Warriors: https://invisiblewarriors.org    

Managing Chronic Pain: Tools and Techniques for Everyday Life In this episode we dive deep on practical strategies for managing chronic pain so you can function and find some relief during flare ups. Our guest expert shares what’s worked for her after years living with widespread nerve pain from fibromyalgia. Key Tips Covered: - Creating an adaptable self-care routine to promote rest, mindfulness, gentle movement and stress relief  - Using pacing to balance activity and avoid crash and burn  - Ergonomic aids and devices to make daily tasks more manageable  - Open communication with loved ones on capacity, triggers, and saboteurs   - Developing a support squad for bad pain days or lifesaving perspective   - Owning your limitations unapologetically while focusing energy toward what’s achievable   - Letting go of perfectionism, guilt, and societal pressures that exacerbate symptoms - Nourishing emotional health through community support groups tailored to chronic pain - Researching emerging integrated treatment plans and cutting edge clinical trials Join us for an honest conversation on the creativity and resilience it takes to not just survive but actively cope with the daily unpredictability of chronic neuropathic and inflammatory pain. You’ll leave empowered with science-backed strategies for expanding good days and gaining back quality of life!

Lori Seitz founded a business called Zen Rabbit, which initially involved making and marketing a product called 'The Gratitude Cookie'.  Being grateful can improve one's outlook on life and highlight different ways to cultivate gratitude in their daily routines. Practicing gratitude should come naturally and not be turned into another chore on the to-do list. Lori challenges us to read Chapter Seven of the book "The Science of Getting Rich" for 30 days, once in the morning and once at night. The chapter focuses on gratitude and is around four pages long. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorisaitz/ ZenRabbit.com [email protected]

I had a stroke nine years ago, which divided their life into pre and post-stroke. They used to work in marketing but can no longer do so due to the stroke. They now prioritize their family, friends, and community, considering everything else as a bonus. They find it strange how their perspective on life changed. Aphasia is a condition where a person is unable to communicate effectively through speaking, writing, reading, or understanding. This can be a scary and frustrating experience.  Marcia's book, "Stroke Forward, How to Become Your Own Healthcare Advocate One Step at a Time," can be found on Amazon. She emphasizes the importance of looking ahead and not dwelling on the past.  Listeners can visit her website http://strokeforward.com, where they can book appointments or email their questions. 

Glenn Williams shares that he has two invisible disabilities, one of them being type 1 diabetes which he has dealt with since he was 15 years old. The speakers discuss their experiences with restaurants improperly handling the presence of service dogs, giving specific examples of illegal acts committed by restaurants. Mr. Williams recalls an unpleasant experience where he was yelled at by someone for having a service dog with him in a store, demonstrating the challenges faced by those with invisible disabilities. Contact: [email protected]

Living with an invisible disability is a highly individualized experience, shaped by the nature and severity of the specific condition. These disabilities encompass a wide range of health issues, from chronic pain and mental health disorders to autoimmune diseases and neurological conditions. What sets them apart is their hidden nature, making it challenging for others to grasp the daily struggles and limitations faced by those affected. Often, individuals with invisible disabilities cope with fluctuating symptoms, which can disrupt their routines and require flexible accommodations. They frequently encounter skepticism, misunderstanding, and even stigma from society, adding emotional strain to their already complex journey. Self-advocacy becomes a crucial skill, as they navigate the need for accommodations, educate others about their condition, and strive to strike a balance between managing their health and pursuing their goals. Invisible disabilities can take a toll on a person's mental and emotional well-being, contributing to feelings of isolation and frustration. Despite these challenges, many individuals with invisible disabilities demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination, finding ways to adapt, seek treatment, and build supportive networks. The support and understanding of friends, family, employers, and healthcare providers play a vital role in helping them live fulfilling lives. Ultimately, recognizing and acknowledging the unique struggles and triumphs of those with invisible disabilities is essential to fostering empathy, inclusion, and a more supportive society. If you'd like more information or to get involved in helping advocate for these women, head on over to https://invisiblewarriors.org.