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In this episode, Emily Parks, a patient advocate and professional living with a chronic illness, shares her personal journey with medical PTSD, starting from her diagnosis at birth with a gene mutation affecting her GI system. She talks about the lack of mental health support in her medical treatment and how she learned to manage her condition and advocate for herself within the healthcare system.

We touch on the importance of recognizing medical PTSD, understanding its triggers, and learning how to communicate effectively with healthcare providers to ensure better care and support. Emily emphasizes the power of language in expressing our experiences and the need for literature that accurately reflects the trauma associated with chronic illness and medical treatment.

We cover practical tips for managing medical PTSD, such as setting boundaries with healthcare providers, seeking therapy, and finding coping mechanisms that work for you. We discuss the importance of building a respectful relationship with your medical team and how to advocate for your needs in a healthcare setting. Welcome to the Conversation! 

00:03:57 - Emily Parks' Personal Medical Journey
00:08:41 - Defining Medical PTSD
00:10:10 - Examples of Medical PTSD
00:14:28 - The Impact of Medical PTSD on Cancer Patients
00:18:12 - The Term "Non-Compliance" in Medical Notes
00:19:51 - Medical Gaslighting Explained
00:29:27 - Building a Trusting Relationship with Healthcare Providers
00:31:09 - The Importance of Language in Expressing Medical Trauma
00:33:06 - Practical Steps for Accessing Care with Medical PTSD
00:34:11 - Setting Boundaries with Healthcare Teams
00:37:10 - Coping Mechanisms and Self-Advocacy
00:44:55 - Resources and Articles on Medical PTSD
00:47:38 - The Importance of Patient-Centered Care
00:51:07 - The Power Dynamic Between Patients and Providers
00:52:31 - Strategies for Communicating with Healthcare Providers


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