For Kindra, it's been a 17 year journey to figure out why she is chronically ill. Her symptoms started around 14 years old, and include not just widespread chronic pain, but also severe fatigue and brain fog. Although the pain is difficult, the fatigue has the most detrimental effect on her functionality. Two years ago she was told she fit the profile of someone with lupus, but this past June the rug was pulled out from under her when she was officially diagnosed with fibromyalgia. She is now going through the process of getting to know herself all over again, while fitting this new diagnosis into her self-image.

In this episode of the Major Pain podcast, Kindra discusses how living with chronic illness has impacted her personal journey. She spent years being gaslit and ignored by doctors, experiencing the depression and loneliness of people not believing or validating her symptoms. Although there is huge relief in finally finding doctors willing to listen, her rheumatologist believes she may also have an autoimmune disease, leaving a sense of unresolved uncertainty hanging over her diagnostic journey. Like many people living with chronic illness Kindra has lost friends who were unwilling to believe or accommodate her symptoms. But she has also found a powerful sense of belonging within the chronic illness community, finding strength in going public with her diagnosis.

Connect with Kindra on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rin_a_kinkin

PlayWatch the episode on YouTube, or listen on all podcast platforms.