In this episode, Katie reflects on the crucial role that parental and patient advocacy played in her her journey to a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).  She also shares her college experience, and discusses the roles that comedy and humor have played in helping her cope. Cheryl and Katie express the importance of accepting the need for assistive devices, setting boundaries, believing in oneself, prioritizing needs, and having a support system to thrive with chronic illness.

Medical disclaimer: 

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Episode Sponsors

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

Episode at a glance:

• Kate’s Diagnosis Story at age 15: Katie shares her journey of being an active child and being diagnosed juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (juvenile idiopathic arthritis) at age 15 after experiencing symptoms for an extended period of time that were initially dismissed as “growing pains”.
• Advocacy: Katie emphasizes the crucial role her mother played in advocating for her during medical appointments, highlighting the importance of having a supportive network. Katie shares advice on self-advocacy, encouraging patients to set firm boundaries and prioritize their needs, even if it means challenging expectations.
• Support: The conversation emphasizes community and connection, and the benefit of having someone in your corner to help advocate with you.
• Coping Strategies: Practical tips are shared, including the use of specialized tools and gadgets designed to make daily tasks easier for individuals with arthritis. Katie also shares her experience with medical marijuana.
• Comedy: Katie shares the importance of comedy in her life, and how it helps her cope with her diagnosis and spread awareness of it.
• Accommodations: Katie and Cheryl discuss access to accommodations, particularly in educational settings, such as extended test time and speech-to-text tools for students with chronic illnesses.
• Living Authentically: Katie advocates for a balanced approach of embracing realism while maintaining a positive outlook, acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities for growth that come with chronic illness.
• Advice to Newly Diagnosed Patients: Carry on, stick up for yourself, and believe in yourself. Write down three things that made you  proud each day.

For full episode details:

Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life website for full show notes plus a full transcript, video and more!