Do you have anxiety every time you go to a doctor's appointment because you feel that your symptoms will be dismissed and you won’t be listened to?
That was Erika’s initial experience until she was able to find her voice and advocate for herself confidently. In this episode we discuss her journey to diagnosis and why it was important to her. Erika also shares her top tips on how to become a self advocate. She also gets very vulnerable and expresses how she turned her passion into purpose and wrote her first children’s book, Adalane Plays Many Ways, a book about managing the ups and downs of doing life with someone experiencing chronic pain.
Guest Bio:
Chronic Pain and Writing Adalene
After years of ankle injuries, surgeries, appointments, and physical therapy, I've had to accept that chronic pain is a part of my story. Prior to this acceptance, I had done everything right --following the advice of medical practitioners, seeking additional advice and recommendations, completing my exercises at home and gaining strength in physical therapy, and advocating for myself in countless appointments.
Several years ago I heard from a couple of different specialists that my ankle is as good as it's going to get. While crushing to accept, it gave me freedom to finally look ahead, instead of trying to get back to the Erika I used to be.
Navigating a dynamic disability is filled with ups and downs. It's constant work to accept limitations, invite others into understanding, and take ongoing and active measures to rest. I wrote Adalene Plays Many Ways when I couldn't find a story out there that reflected some of my own experiences, and I wanted to invite my youngest friends (my niece and nephews) into understanding.
I invite you to read it, and welcome your feedback. My hope is that this story helps people feel a little more seen. And maybe along the way we'll promote inclusion. Thanks for joining me!
Guest Links:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/erikajoysneath?igshid=YjNmNGQ3MDY=
Website + Get your Copy of Adalene Plays Many Ways: https://erikajoysneath.com/?fbclid=PAAaaUz3YreSbFos82YdOF0IM9b21H8Iv1FI7yncLnZjMt5dZ3qE4zL5oqA6U
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087907120542
Host:
Catina Morrison is a registered nurse, Chronic Illness Coach and Founder and CEO of Nurse Loves Essentials LLC. Her chronic illness journey and experiences with the healthcare system fueled her passion for assisting women who live with chronic illnesses. She now takes her more than 2 decades of experience in healthcare and life with multiple chronic illnesses to assist women to walk in their purpose, self-advocate, and achieve strategic growth in life, health, business and career. It is her aim to ensure that women living with chronic illnesses will learn to stop hiding and start thriving in all aspects of life.
Host Links:
Website - https://www.nurselovesessentials.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iam_catinamorrison/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/catinamorrison_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nurselovesessentials/
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_catinamorrison?_t=8Ym4HlSenEY&_r=1
Now available on most podcast outlets and YouTube.
Inflamed Sisters Thriving Boss Brunch: https://nurselovesessentials.com/events/inflamed-sisters-thriving-boss-brunch/
Disclaimer:
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.
