The Silent Struggles

Born with SMA… already losing motor neurons: Cat's Story

at’s journey as a mother has been filled with challenges that most people can’t imagine. Her child was born like any other baby, but he was losing motor neurons every day without her knowing. What should have been a time of joy quickly became a reality of hospital visits, medical care, and uncertainty. Despite her love and devotion, Cat had to take on the role of a nurse while missing out on precious moments of simply enjoying motherhood. Everyday life became a balance of medical appointments, monitoring her child’s health, and coping with the emotional weight of a rare condition that few understand. Cat shares her story to shed light on the realities families living with SMA face, to show that these struggles are valid, and to create a space where parents of children with rare and severe conditions feel seen and supported. Her journey is a reminder that you are not alone. Many families face these challenges in silence, finding strength in sharing their truth and connecting with others who understand. Share your own story here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduT5ncgPExhxdXYRxd-GraSB--TMSKhgijL5FwlW4F87xzaA/viewform [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduT5ncgPExhxdXYRxd-GraSB--TMSKhgijL5FwlW4F87xzaA/viewform] Connect Instagram: @thesilentstrugglespodcast TikTok: @thesilentstruggles YouTube: @thesilentstrugglespodcast

A Mother’s Battle with ASD, Pica & SPD - Keeley's Story

Keeley’s journey with her son Isaac has been filled with challenges that most people can’t imagine. Isaac lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Pica Disorder, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Everyday life for them isn’t simple. It’s navigating constant sensory overload, unexpected behaviors, and the struggle to meet basic needs safely. Despite her love and dedication, Keeley often faces judgment, misunderstanding, and a lack of support from those who don’t see the invisible struggles her family endures. Simple tasks like mealtimes, dressing, or outings can become overwhelming battles, leaving her physically and emotionally drained. Keeley shares her story to shed light on the realities families like hers face, to show that these challenges are valid, and to create a space where parents of children with neurodiverse conditions feel seen and supported. Click to hear Keeley’s story. Her journey is a reminder that you are not alone. Many families face these struggles in silence, finding strength in sharing their truth and connecting with others who understand. Share your own story here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduT5ncgPExhxdXYRxd-GraSB--TMSKhgijL5FwlW4F87xzaA/viewform Connect Instagram: @thesilentstrugglespodcast TikTok: @thesilentstruggles YouTube: @thesilentstrugglespodcast

I Ended My Pregnancy Because of Hyperemesis Gravidarum | Kali’s Story

Kali’s pregnancy became a fight she couldn't win, and she was forced to terminate.She suffered from Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness that goes far beyond nausea. It causes relentless vomiting, dehydration, malnutrition, and extreme physical and emotional exhaustion. For some, it’s life-threatening, leaving the body unable to sustain itself or the pregnancy.Despite her suffering, Kali struggled to find the support she desperately needed. Medical professionals, instead of helping, pushed her toward a decision she hadn’t wanted to make. The pressure, judgment, and lack of empathy made the condition even more dehumanising.Ultimately, Kali made the heart-wrenching choice to terminate her pregnancy. Her story reveals the raw, often invisible toll of Hyperemesis Gravidarum and the gaps in care for those who endure it.Click to hear Kali’s story.Her journey represents many who face conditions that are dismissed, misunderstood, or ignored. You are not alone. Others are walking the same path, finding strength in speaking their truth.Share your own story here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduT5ncgPExhxdXYRxd-GraSB--TMSKhgijL5FwlW4F87xzaA/viewform [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduT5ncgPExhxdXYRxd-GraSB--TMSKhgijL5FwlW4F87xzaA/viewform]Listen OnApple Podcasts, YouTube & SpotifyConnectInstagram: @thesilentstrugglespodcastTikTok: @thesilentstrugglesYouTube: @thesilentstrugglespodcast

The Truth Behind Over Ten Surgeries and a Lifetime of Recovery - Karen's Story

Karen spent years searching for answers that never came fast enough. She lived with endometriosis while being told her pain was normal. She went through surgery after surgery until the numbers reached double figures. She discovered adenomyosis and PCOS only after her body had already sustained the damage. She had a total abdominal hysterectomy.She had parts of her reproductive system rebuilt. She was told she would need more operations for the rest of her life.This story does not stop there. There is a part of her journey that changes everything. You will want to hear it in her own words. Click to hear what she has carried in silence for years.Her story speaks for many who live with silent conditions that are hard to see but impossible to ignore. If you’re living this reality too, you are not alone. Others are walking the same path, finding hope in small moments and strength in shared stories. If you want to share your own story, you can do it here:⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduT5ncgPExhxdXYRxd-GraSB--TMSKhgijL5FwlW4F87xzaA/viewform [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduT5ncgPExhxdXYRxd-GraSB--TMSKhgijL5FwlW4F87xzaA/viewform] ⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduT5ncgPExhxdXYRxd-GraSB--TMSKhgijL5FwlW4F87xzaA/viewform]Listen On Apple Podcasts, YouTube & Spotify Connect Instagram: @thesilentstrugglespodcast TikTok: @thesilentstruggles YouTube: @thesilentstrugglespodcast

Losing My Uterus at 33 - Erin's Story

Erin had an undiagnosed Placenta Accreta, a rare but serious condition where the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall. Normally, the placenta detaches after birth, but in Placenta Accreta it doesn’t. This can cause life-threatening bleeding during delivery and is often only diagnosed during pregnancy scans or sometimes only discovered in an emergency. If untreated, it can put both mother and baby at extreme risk. At 33, Erin faced the unimaginable. Doctors warned her there was a chance she might need a hysterectomy. She ended up losing her uterus, her baby spent time in the NICU, and she lost a day of her life in a coma. What should have been a natural birth turned into a life-or-death ordeal. Her story is one of trauma, survival, and the devastating reality of rare pregnancy complications. Click to hear Erin’s truth. Her journey speaks for anyone who has suffered from serious, often invisible medical conditions. You are not alone. Others are walking the same path, finding hope and strength in sharing their stories. Share your own story here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduT5ncgPExhxdXYRxd-GraSB--TMSKhgijL5FwlW4F87xzaA/viewform Listen On Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Apple Podcast Connect Instagram: @thesilentstrugglespodcast TikTok: @thesilentstruggles YouTube: @thesilentstrugglespodcast