Could you imagine becoming disabled in your 20’s and not even knowing why? Autoimmune diseases are often undiagnosed, misdiagnosed and untreated for extended periods of time. This is especially the case for minorities and POC. This may be a result of cultural biases, lack of access to appropriate care and diagnostic testing, and limited research of autoimmune diseases’ impact on certain ethnicities.

Antoinette Chrisana’s journey to be diagnosed and treated for the autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and disability will shock and amaze you. She was forced to leave university and at times unable to even lift a toothbrush, yet her smile and positivity still shines so bright. How? Listen to the episode to learn in her words how she has maintained positivity and lived a life of gratitude despite the challenges and disappointment she has faced.

Review of Episode (time stamped):

2:30 – Antoinette Chrisana explains the details of what happened to her health when she attended university, and her fight remain in school while disabled.

5:00 – Her experience with medical gaslighting as she was told her symptoms were weight related and not related to disease.

8:24 – The steps she went through to learn her family history and what she learned from Google University.

12:12 – Her condition progresses to being bedridden and wheelchair-bound, and she is finally diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

17:50 – Antoinette shares how she was able to maintain a positive mindset and live in gratitude despite her chronic illness and the loss of loved ones.

23:15 – She shares the fact about living with disability.

Guest Bio:

Antoinette Chrisana is a 27-year-old RA warrior, advocate and host of @illest.chronicals on Instagram. Throughout her RA journey thus far she has become very passionate about the hashtag she coined #RALooksLikeMeToo …which enlightens, educates, uplifts, empowers and encourages fellow warriors, advocates and allies! She has experienced many different levels of severity along the #SpoonieSpectrum from being bedridden to being wheelchair bound and now back into her beloved high heels! This big-hearted warrior reminds us all that “Rheumatoid Arthritis is not pretty, BUT life can STILL be beautiful”!

Social Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illest.chronicals/

Host:

Catina Morrison is a registered nurse, Chronic Illness Coach, Founder and CEO of Nurse Loves Essentials LLC, and host of the Inflamed Sisters Thriving Podcast. After decades of symptoms, she was finally diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and endometriosis in her 30's. Her experiences with the healthcare system and autoimmune disease have fueled her passion for assisting women like her to stop hiding and start thriving in all aspects of life.

Social Links:

Website - https://www.nurselovesessentials.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iam_catinamorrison/

Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/room/xew6Q5YA?utm_medium=ch_invite&utm_campaign=Lm1jf3pWWhDhnkb24DsjJw-185177

Twitter - https://twitter.https://www.facebook.com/nurselovesessentials/com/NurseLoves

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv4_3Q6S057tO32FjQBk9zg

DrugViu helps patients with autoimmune disease gain full control of their health journey.

https://catina-morrison.referral-factory.com/GeJTL7/join

Powderful

https://powderful.com/

Enter coupon code CATINA10 for 10% discount.

MindFlight Journal:

https://mindflightjournal.com/

Enter coupon code NURSELOVE for 15% discount.

Now available on most podcast outlets and YouTube.

Disclaimer:

This post does contain affiliate links. This means if you decide to make a purchase, I may receive a commission that is at no extra cost.

The information contained in this podcast episode and post is meant for educational and informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, or provide medical advice or treatment.