My Invisible Disease

Living with Lupus and The Impact of Invisible Diseases on Mental Health - with Amanda Chay

Amanda, a resilient and determined advocate for invisible diseases, embarks on a mission to shatter misconceptions, forge connections, and reclaim her identity amidst the isolating journey of chronic illness. She has firsthand experience living with lupus, an incurable autoimmune disease. After going undiagnosed for 21 years, Amanda has gained a deep understanding of the challenges that come with seeking a diagnosis and navigating the early years of living with an invisible disease. She recently released a book called "The Girlfriend's Guide to Lupus [https://amzn.to/47uo9oV]" and is dedicated to sharing her experiences and offering support to others in similar situations. Amanda's journey is not only inspiring but also sheds light on the impact of invisible diseases on mental health. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find hope and support within a community of understanding individuals. https://amandachay.com/ [https://amandachay.com/] Link to Book The Girlfriend's Guide to Lupus [https://amzn.to/47uo9oV] We often live a reactive lifestyle when it comes to our health, but being preventative and taking care of ourselves early on can make a significant difference in our well-being. - Amanda Chay Bio Amanda Chay is an author, entrepreneur, and lifelong health nut who has helped countless businesses and individuals put their health first. With a master's degree in counseling and as the owner of a stress reduction and mindfulness training company, Amanda brings a wealth of expertise to her work. She is a member of the University of North Carolina Lupus Stakeholder Advisory Board and is a Lupus Foundation of American external affairs committee member for NC. When she’s not planning her next travel adventure with her daughters and husband, she’s drinking jasmine tea, teaching yoga, and giving book suggestions to anyone willing to listen. Learn more at AmandaChay.com [https://amandachay.com]. In this episode, you will be able to: * Discover strategies for managing chronic illness and living a fulfilling life. * Learn the importance of community support in navigating the challenges of invisible diseases. * Explore the impact of invisible diseases on mental health and ways to prioritize self-care. * Find inspiration and encouragement from others who have built supportive communities despite their invisible diseases. * Gain insight into the unique challenges of living with invisible diseases and how to overcome them. * Understand the importance of advocating for yourself and finding the right support system. * Find validation and understanding as you hear stories from individuals who share your experiences. Importance of community support Community support plays a crucial role in navigating chronic illnesses. It offers a platform for sharing experiences, enhancing understanding, and cultivating validation for the daily struggles with invisible diseases. This support is vital for empowering individuals with chronic illnesses, helping them feel less alone, and providing a network of understanding that extends beyond their immediate environment. The resources mentioned in this episode are: * Visit our website [https://myinvisibledisease.com] to listen to the full episode of the Invisible Disease podcast featuring Amanda Chay. * Check out Amanda Chay's book, The Girlfriend's Guide to Lupus [https://amzn.to/47uo9oV], for valuable insights and advice on living with lupus. * If you suspect you may have an autoimmune disease like lupus, don't hesitate to seek medical advice and get a proper diagnosis. * Take preventative measures to maintain your health, such as getting regular exercise, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet. * If you're experiencing joint pain or other symptoms, consult with a rheumatologist or specialist to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan. * Consider the impact of past traumas on your overall health and seek support or counseling if needed. * Be mindful of the potential psychological impact of chronic illness and take steps to prioritize self-care and mental well-being.

Living with Ulcerative Colitis: Saffron Cassady's Documentary Explores Fecal Transplantation

Get ready to meet Saffron Cassady, a talented filmmaker and an incredible woman who has been living with ulcerative colitis since her early twenties. With her background in filmmaking, Saffron took her personal experiences with chronic illness and turned them into a powerful documentary. She dives deep into the world of alternative treatments for ulcerative colitis, shining a spotlight on the intriguing and somewhat unconventional practice of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Saffron's storytelling skills and her own journey with ulcerative colitis make her the perfect guest for this episode. Her documentary is not only informative, but also entertaining, capturing the struggles and triumphs of living with a chronic illness. Prepare to be inspired and educated by Saffron's incredible story and her dedication to raising awareness about FMT as a potential treatment option. "I think it changes your identity that you have of yourself...It was really hard to kind of come to terms with that new identity that had been placed on myself." - Saffron Cassady Wide Release: November 14, 2023 https://www.designershitdocumentary.com/ [https://www.designershitdocumentary.com/] https://www.instagram.com/designershtdocumentary/ [https://www.instagram.com/designershtdocumentary/] In this episode, you will be able to: * Understand the hidden challenges of living with invisible diseases and chronic illnesses. * Discover the potential of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) as a groundbreaking treatment option. * Explore a compelling documentary that explores alternative treatments for chronic illnesses. * Uncover the psychological impact of living with chronic illness and find strategies for resilience.Learn how to build a supportive healthcare team and become an advocate for your own well-being. The resources mentioned in this episode are: * Watch Saffron's documentary: Check out Saffron's documentary on alternative treatments for chronic illness. The documentary is entertaining and captures the journey of women living with invisible diseases. * Explore FMT (Fecal Microbiota Transplant) treatment: Learn more about FMT, a treatment where someone else's poop is transplanted into the body, by watching Saffron's documentary or doing your own research. * Consider out-of-the-box treatments: If you're living with a chronic illness and feeling desperate, explore alternative treatments beyond conventional Western medicine. Saffron's documentary showcases some of these out-of-the-box options. Saffron Cassaday - Director/Subject Saffron Cassaday was born in Toronto and traveled to New York City immediately after completing high school to pursue acting at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. Upon returning to Toronto, she continued to cultivate her acting skills, appearing in 15 feature films and 2 TV series, while working as an assistant director and editor on several online, TV and corporate projects. In 2014 Saffron directed her first documentary feature film called "Cyber-Seniors". The film screened at 14 film festivals (winning Audience Choice at the High Falls Film Festival), and played to packed houses in over 500 communities. Cyber-Seniors was nominated for Best Foreign Trailer - Golden Trailer Awards - 2014, and for the American Library Association Notable Videos for Adults - 2016. Saffron has received well over 200 accolades for the film and her work, several coming from the most prestigious media outlets in North America including the New York Times, LA Times, Village Voice and Hollywood Reporter. The film has been broadcast in 40 countries including on PBS, Netflix and CBC in North America. Cyber-Seniors has also inspired a social campaign, which to date has reached over 800 million individuals through events, traditional media and social media, and is supported by over 900 partners including AARP foundation, Best Buy foundation, Consumer Technology Association, CVS, Senior Corp, TELUS, BlueCrossBlueShield Mn, and hundreds of other organizations throughout the United States and Canada.

Living with Lyme Disease and the Power of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition: Meet Heather Gray

UNLOCKING THE HIDDEN SECRETS OF YOUR HEALTH: THE POWER OF FUNCTIONAL TESTING WITH HEATHER GRAY Struggling with relentless health issues that seemed to have no cure, Heather Gray's life was a constant battle. From Lyme disease at 13 to severe neurological problems, she felt abandoned by the Western medicine system. But just when she thought all hope was lost, a chance encounter with a podcast introduced her to a revolutionary concept – functional testing. Through this alternative approach, Heather discovered surprising and life-changing insights about her health, from hidden food sensitivities to hidden heavy metals. Join us in this inspiring journey as we delve into the unexpected twist that led Heather to finally understand her body, leaving us all wondering: What other hidden truths could functional testing reveal? In this episode, you will be able to: * Unearth the importance of functional testing for a holistic assessment of your health. * Understand how food sensitivities can significantly disrupt hormonal balance. * Identify the subtle signs of mold toxicity and its detrimental effects on health. * Grasp the power of healthy foundations to enhance your overall well-being. * Empower yourself with effective self-care strategies to take charge of your health journey. Heather Gray is a renowned Functional Diagnostic Nutrition practitioner who has rightfully earned herself the title of Lyme Boss. Navigating through her own health trials, she discovered the significance of functional medicine, witnessing a tremendous transformation in her own life. With a mission to help others, her expertise lies in utilizing functional lab work to pinpoint the root causes of health issues rather than just treating the symptoms. Heather’s personal journey spans from dealing with autoimmune diseases, Lyme disease, to overcoming serious mental health challenges. Her real-life experiences have imparted empathy and a unique understanding of holistic health in her role as a healthcare professional. To book an appointment, purchase my book, or check out my YouTube, Website, or other social media please click here https://thelymeboss.com/ [https://thelymeboss.com/] https://linktr.ee/thelymeboss [https://linktr.ee/thelymeboss] The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Heather's Health Journey,  00:07:51 - Becoming Your Own Health Advocate,  00:10:34 - Discovering Functional Diagnostic Nutrition,  00:11:35 - The Value of FDN,  00:12:24 - Heather's Personal Experience with FDN,  00:13:57 - Importance of Functional Testing,  00:16:40 - Personal Journey and Peeling Back Layers,  00:19:23 - Evaluating Mold in Your Environment,  00:23:17 - Starting Point for Healing,  00:26:05 - The Power of Breath Work,  00:27:38 - Importance of Free Breathing Exercises,  00:29:12 - Heather's Tried and True Self-Care Practices,  00:30:45 - Frustrations with Misunderstandings of Gluten-Free Diets,  00:34:03 - Issues with Food Standards and Organic Products Instant Brands [https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-100805893-15487159]  Buy More - Save More at Instant Home! Up to 25% Off with code LUCKYME  Connect with us here: Website: https://myinvisibledisease.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/https://www.ychannel/UC84nwpRzu-EzBtz7Z7Yz6zw Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MyInvisibeDis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/myinvisibledisease Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myinvisiblediseasepodcast/

Living with Chronic Renal Failure- Meet Jenna Swanson

Advanced Directives and Advocacy: Jenna Swanson's Journey with Chronic Illness Join resilient nurse Jenna Swanson as she battles Vesicoureteral Reflux and Chronic Kidney Disease, advocating for self-care and self-advocacy amidst the trauma and isolation of living with chronic illness. > It's time-consuming. It's embarrassing. My special guest is Jenna Swanson Jenna Swanson is a loving mother of two who has been living with chronic illness since childhood. She was born with congenital chronic renal failure, which has led to multiple surgeries and issues with her bladder. Jenna has bravely faced these challenges and inspired her to advocate for organ donation and palliative care. As an expert in coping with chronic illness, she is eager to share her experiences and strategies that have helped her maintain emotional resilience and become a strong self-advocate for her health care needs. This is Jenna Swanson's story: For Jenna Swanson, living with chronic illness has been a lifelong reality. Diagnosed with congenital renal failure at birth, she has faced countless surgeries, hospital stays, and setbacks that have only served to strengthen her resilience. Throughout these challenges, Jenna found comfort and inspiration in the unwavering support of her nurses, leading her to become a registered nurse herself. Now a mother of two, Jenna is acutely aware of her own mortality and the significance of advocating for organ donation. Despite the numerous hurdles she continues to face daily, Jenna remains a beacon of determination and hope. She encourages others in similar situations to accept and embrace their circumstances, use their insight to advocate for themselves and others, and learn to process their grief and trauma in a healthier way. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction,  00:05:08 - Advanced Directives and Organ Donation,  00:10:40 - Living with Chronic Illness and Mortality,  00:12:29 - Grief and Family,  00:13:49 - Childhood Trauma and Postpartum Depression,  00:17:28 - Advocating for Your Health,  00:18:30 - Living with Chronic Illness,  00:22:40 - Nursing with Chronic Illness,  00:27:16 - Pregnancy and Chronic Illness,  Instant Brands [https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-100805893-15487159]  Buy More - Save More at Instant Home! Up to 25% Off with code LUCKYME  Connect with us here: Website: https://myinvisibledisease.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/https://www.ychannel/UC84nwpRzu-EzBtz7Z7Yz6zw Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MyInvisibeDis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/myinvisibledisease Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myinvisiblediseasepodcast/

Living with Crohn's Disease & Raising Neurodivergent Children - Meet Sarah Young

MANAGING CHRONIC ILLNESS AS A SPECIAL NEEDS MOM WITH SARAH YOUNG Sarah Young's life seemed destined for struggle, from her childhood diagnosis of Crohn's disease to raising a neurodivergent child. But what's surprising is how she found the strength to persevere and thrive. Through her journey, she discovered the importance of self-care for special needs moms and the unique gifts of neurodivergent children. So, what's the twist? Despite facing adversity at every turn, Sarah's story is one of resilience, hope, and a reminder that even in the toughest moments, there is beauty to be found. How did she do it? Let's find out. > Because he doesn't look like the typical checks on the box, then a lot of people didn't want to recognize or just wanted him to fit more into what they thought he should, because why not? Resilient and determined neurodivergent mom Sarah Young shares her tips for self-care and supporting neurodivergent children, navigating the ironic challenges of managing her own health while raising a child with ADHD. In this episode, you will be able to: * Gain a deeper understanding of life with chronic illness through candid experiences and challenges. * Recognize the crucial role that community plays in supporting individuals dealing with persistent health issues. * Obtain practical advice for navigating the complex world of healthcare with a chronic illness. * Explore the importance of being your own advocate in healthcare settings and as a parent. * Dive into the world of self-care for mothers of special needs children and celebrating neurodiversity within the family. My special guest is Sarah Young Meet Sarah Young, a passionate advocate for special needs moms and a firm believer in the importance of self-care and embracing neurodivergent children. As a mother of a special needs child herself, Sarah knows firsthand the challenges that parents can face. She is dedicated to providing support, guidance, and encouragement to other special needs moms navigating this journey. Drawing from her own experiences and the inspiring stories of those she has met along the way, Sarah's insight and wisdom make her an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to better understand the world of special needs parenting while also prioritizing their personal well-being. She became obsessed with helping other moms have what they need to be the best advocate they could be! So she created a FREE PARENT ADVOCACY TOOLKIT! [https://www.sarahyoungllc.com/parentadvocacytoolkitswap] She has packed it full of resources so you no longer have to spend hours searching for the best ways to handle a meltdown or why your child will not eat certain foods or what your state's special education laws are. She did the searching for you!  Just click this link [https://www.sarahyoungllc.com/parentadvocacytoolkitswap] to get it straight to your inbox! The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction,  00:03:03 - Diagnosing Crohn's at a Young Age,  00:07:20 - Coping with Crohn's as a Teenager,  00:11:42 - Support System in Dealing with Chronic Illness,  00:13:05 - Impact of Chronic Illness on Relationships,  00:14:51 - Sarah's Journey with Crohn's Disease,  00:18:30 - The Comp Instant Brands [https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-100805893-15487159]  Buy More - Save More at Instant Home! Up to 25% Off with code LUCKYME  Connect with us here: Website: https://myinvisibledisease.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/https://www.ychannel/UC84nwpRzu-EzBtz7Z7Yz6zw Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MyInvisibeDis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/myinvisibledisease Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myinvisiblediseasepodcast/