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In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Jen, a military spouse and chronic illness warrior, about her journey with colon cancer and the challenges faced within the military healthcare system. They discuss the misdiagnosis, the emotional and financial toll of chronic illness, the impact of toxic exposure on military families, and the urgent need for systemic change in healthcare practices. Jen shares her personal experiences and advocates for better preventative care and support for military families dealing with chronic illnesses.

takeaways

• Both Brandy and Jen experienced misdiagnosis in military healthcare.
• The healthcare system often dismisses patients' concerns, leading to delayed diagnoses.
• Weight gain can be a symptom of serious health issues, not just a lifestyle problem.
• Toxic exposure is a significant risk for military families, affecting their health.
• Preventative care is crucial and often overlooked in military healthcare.
• Chronic illness can take an emotional toll on patients and their families.
• Navigating healthcare in the military can be exhausting and frustrating.
• The financial burden of chronic illness is increasing for military families.
• Systemic changes are needed in military healthcare to improve patient outcomes.
• Advocacy and community support are essential for those dealing with chronic illnesses.

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This conversation delves into the complexities and challenges of Veterans Affairs Community Care, highlighting the increasing costs, bureaucratic hurdles, and the impact on veterans' quality of life. The discussion emphasizes the importance of advocacy, communication with elected officials, and the need for systemic reform in the VA healthcare system to better support veterans and their families.

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In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz and veteran nurse Helen Perry discuss the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, particularly for veterans. They explore the complexities of medical systems, the significance of researching symptoms, and the value of keeping detailed health records. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication with healthcare providers and the role of patient advocates in navigating challenges. Listeners are encouraged to take an active role in their healthcare journey, ask the right questions, and utilize available resources to ensure they receive the care they deserve.

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In this episode, Brandy Schantz and Helen Perry discuss the complexities and challenges of the military health system, particularly in light of recent budget cuts and the impact on veterans and their families. They explore the various components of the military health system, the struggles families face in accessing care, and the critical role of caregivers. The conversation highlights the need for systemic change and increased funding to ensure that military families receive the healthcare they deserve.

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In this special episode of Living Chronic, "Military, Medicine, and the Mission Left Behind, Brandy Schantz discusses the critical need for veteran-specific healthcare with June Heston and Helen Perry. They share personal stories of advocacy, the challenges faced in navigating the healthcare system, and the importance of understanding the unique health issues veterans encounter, including traumatic brain injuries and toxic exposures. The conversation emphasizes the need for better training for healthcare providers, the realities of civilian healthcare versus the VA system, and the importance of advocacy in ensuring veterans receive the care they deserve. The episode concludes with a call to action for veterans to engage in advocacy and demand better healthcare services.

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Join host Brandy Schantz as she sits down with Morgan Check, a nurse practitioner and IBD patient, to explore the intricate journey of living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at a young age, Morgan shares her inspiring story of resilience, from playing collegiate lacrosse to becoming a dedicated advocate for IBD patients. Discover how she navigates the challenges of IBD, the importance of movement and mental health, and the power of community support. This episode offers hope and practical insights for anyone affected by IBD.

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Join host Brandy Schantz on "Living Chronic" as she sits down with Claire Carden, a young woman who shares her unexpected journey of being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at just 17. Claire opens up about the challenges of navigating a sudden diagnosis, the impact of COVID-19 on her hospital experience, and the resilience she found in advocating for herself and others. Discover how Claire's passion for research and advocacy led her to create a supportive online community and an inspiring Instagram account, "Cooking Through Colitis." This episode is a testament to the strength and adaptability of those living with chronic illness. Tune in for an empowering conversation that highlights the importance of support systems and self-advocacy in overcoming life's hurdles.

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In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Glennae Davis, a registered nurse and health equity advocate, about the critical issues surrounding health equity, chronic pain, and burnout in the healthcare system. Glenay shares her personal journey through chronic pain and the challenges she faced navigating the medical system, emphasizing the importance of understanding workplace rights and advocating for oneself. The conversation highlights the complexities of chronic diseases, the impact of medication, and the necessity of rest and recovery. Glenay calls for a shift in the healthcare system to prioritize health equity and the well-being of healthcare providers, particularly nurses, who are essential to patient care. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to educate themselves about their rights and advocate for better healthcare practices.

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In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz interviews Robert Stack, a veteran advocate for disability rights. They discuss Stack's 40-year career, the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, and the disparities in services based on geographic location. The conversation highlights the importance of caregiver support, the impact of private equity on disability care, and the need for advocacy at the state level. Stack emphasizes the underutilization of disabled individuals in the workforce and the necessity for systemic change to improve their quality of life.

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In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Mindy Uhrlaub, an author and caregiver, about her experiences navigating the challenges of chronic illness, caregiving, and mental health. Mindy shares her personal journey, including her advocacy work, the importance of community support, and the therapeutic power of writing. The conversation emphasizes the need for mental health awareness, the role of activism in coping with adversity, and the lessons learned from global experiences. Mindy's insights provide hope and encouragement for those facing similar struggles.

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