June 10, 2020

(Explicitly Sick) Author of The DISCOMFORT ZONE On IBS, Fibromyalgia, POTS, Meditation and Starting a Chronic Illness Podcast: Jason Herterich

1 hour 22 minutes

Website/Blog, Twitter, & Instagram Handle

DZonePodcast, DZonePodcast

Name *

Jason Herterich

Disorder Info

What is your disorder? *

Fibromyalgia, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

At what age did your disorder become a daily issue? *

Who were you before your illness became debilitating? *

An outgoing, energetic, adventurous, driven fourth-year engineering physics student and a varsity triathlete

What would you do if you were not dealing with your disorder and/or disability? *

If I wasn't dealing with my disorder and/or disability, I could be doing any of the following: starting a family, focusing on my engineering career, competing in sports, traveling the world, volunteering with vulnerable members of our society.

What would you like people to know about your daily life? *

I 'live with' pain, I don't 'suffer from' pain. Despite the many challenges my illness presents, my life is very purposeful. There are times when I experience depression, but I'm generally a positive person.

What would make living and moving in the world easier for you? *

It would make my life easier if we could all end the stigma on invisible/chronic illness and mental health. I wish I could talk more openly about these topics without the fear of making everyone around me uncomfortable.

Do you have any life hacks? *

Active decision-making: Periodically throughout the day, I check in with myself to see how I'm feeling physically/emotionally and I make conscious choices about how to use my time/energy. I weigh the pros and cons of each potential decision and select one accordingly. Candlelight hour: An hour before bed, I turn off all artificial sources of light and only use candlelight. (Quick science note: artificial light is more blue-shifted in the light spectrum, which suppresses the production of melatonin. Fire, on the other hand, is more red-shifted, which supports the production of melatonin.) Weighted pen: In the past, I've experienced severe arm pain and have had difficulty using a pen or pencil. Solution: I created a weighted pen by wrapping electrical tape around 4 nails. That way, I can let gravity do more of the work and I don't have to press down as hard.

What kind of support do you get from family or friends? *

I live with my parents. They help me with cooking, cleaning, and other household chores. I have leaned on my sister and friends for emotional support when needed, which isn't very often anymore.

Have you ever had someone, or a medical professional, not believe you have an invisible illness because of your appearance and if so are there any examples that stand out? *

In 2014, the anesthesiologist told me that he deals with patients who have much worse pain than me and that I should simply return to work. For the first 3.5 years of my illness, my parents and grandparents were either skeptical or in denial of the existence of my symptoms.

How has your chronic illness affected your relationships? *

Before becoming ill, I loved group gatherings with friends and meeting new people. Since developing my illness, I can't handle large groups of people. I mostly get together with friends 1-on-1 and do low key things like go for a walk, drink tea, sit around and talk, or play board games.

Is there anything you are afraid to tell people in your life? *

Not really. I've talked openly with my loved ones and on my podcast about how I used to experience suicidal ideation. I don't shy away from difficult conversations if I think that doing so could be fruitful.

What is your best coping mechanism? *

Walking in nature

What are you the most concerned about and the most hopeful for in the future? *

I'm most concerned about whether or not I'll be able to return to a full-time career, live an independent life, and have children (if I decide that's what I'd like to do). I'm hopeful that, over time, I'll find a deeper sense of purpose in my work as I become more involved with advocacy efforts for persons with chronic illness and disabilities.

Is there anything you want to make sure we talk about during the interview? Like an organization you want to promote or something specific that you deal with.

If you'd like, we can chat about my dad dealing with a potential case of COVID-19 after returning from Cuba in early March. (Note: he actually tested negative, but the head of Neurology at a major Toronto Hospital suspects that he was a false-negative. He nearly required hospitalization at his worst) Promoting my podcast, Discomfort Zone - a show on what it's like to live with an invisible and chronic illness. I explore how I developed chronic pain, the daily realities I currently face, and the uncertain road that lies ahead. This podcast stars myself, family, friends, and other members of the chronic illness community. www.discomfort.fm Social media handle: @DZonePodcast I'm also an advisory member for D-Next Accessible Media Lab, an emerging lab that is led and run by a creative team of new media artists, filmmakers, journalists, and advisory members with disabilities. We are dedicated to producing authentic underrepresented portrayals of people with disabilities in the mainstream and social media, told through a nothing for us without us lens. https://www.cilt.ca/d-net-project/

What makes you energized or enthusiastic? What drains you?

I am energized by listening to peoples' stories, telling my own, and connecting with the chronic illness and disability community. I'm drained by conversations involving politics, hate-filled speech, ableism, racism, and sexism. I dislike conversations that divide us as a society. I also don't watch any cable news.

Any favorite books or shows?

I mainly consume podcasts! Radiolab, Snap Judgment, Heavyweight, White Coat Black Art, and last, but not least, Invisible Not Broken :)

What is the hardest and/or best lesson your condition has taught you?

That regardless of the situation I find myself in, my energy is best spent by focusing on "How do I make the most of things?" NOT "What could have gone differently?" Also, it's OK to accept help.

What is the best purchase under $100 that helped your life

Earbuds! I listen to podcasts for hours every day, I definitely got my money's worth

iMovie, CoVid rap, chronic illness, chronic illness and travel, chronic illness and CoVid, Chronic illness and life choices, chronic illness and travel,ME, Fibromyalgia, chronic illness podacst, DiscomfortZone, Jason Herterich, Monica Michelle, Invisible Not Broken, Explicitly Sick

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