My Spoonie Sisters

Ever Googled your symptoms only to fall down a rabbit hole of doom and gloom? You're not alone. When Asmaa was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2022, she desperately searched for someone who could tell her life wasn't over—someone who looked like her, talked like her, had a career, was getting married, but was 10 years ahead in their journey who could say, "Don't worry, you'll be fine." Instead, she found fear, anger, and non-acceptance online that affected her mental health more than the disease itself.

This pivotal moment became the spark for Lori Health, a groundbreaking platform connecting chronically ill patients with peer wisdom and evidence-based hacks. As Asmaa shares her journey from diagnosis to building the world's largest library of verified habits for chronic illness, we explore the profound gap in healthcare that leaves newly diagnosed patients feeling adrift and alone. With 500 million people worldwide living with autoimmune conditions—one in ten people in the UK—this isn't a small problem.

What sets this conversation apart is Asmaa's remarkable perspective on illness as opportunity. After leaving her high-profile career in luxury brands, moving countries, and dedicating herself to healing, she achieved a reduction in her MS lesions. Rather than keeping her discoveries to herself, she built a platform making this wisdom accessible to everyone—regardless of their ability to take time off work or relocate. Through Lori Health and the newly launched Lori Peers video matching service, she's creating the resource she needed most in her darkest hour: stories of hope.

Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this episode illuminates how community wisdom can transform the chronic illness experience from isolation to empowerment. As Asmaa beautifully puts it: "So many people would not change a thing... It's completely unrelated from how bad you are physically. It's all here—you decide how things are going to unfold."

• https://www.instagram.com/wearelori?igsh=MXg3ZTl0MDR1aGV5Mg==

Send us Fan Mail

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Discount Codes:

• https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)
• GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

Website:

• https://myspooniesisters.com/

Have you ever left your rheumatologist's office feeling like they were speaking an entirely different language? You're not alone. Medical terminology can be overwhelming, especially when you're newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and trying to make sense of your new reality.

This episode brings together a remarkable panel of experts who offer something truly unique – they're not just healthcare professionals who treat RA, they live with it themselves. Dr. Saimun Singla, an integrative pediatric rheumatologist, shares how her own RA diagnosis shaped her holistic approach to patient care, while Stefanie Remsen (known online as the "Rheumatoid Arthritis Coach") brings her perspective as both a nurse practitioner and someone who's navigated RA for over a decade.

Together, they break down confusing terms like DMARDs, biologics, and JAK inhibitors in simple, relatable language. You'll learn why your doctor might recommend one treatment over another, what "seronegative" actually means, and how to interpret those mystifying lab results. The panel explains the infamous "spoon theory" of energy management and tackles the often misunderstood concept of remission – is it really possible, and what does it look like?

Beyond just clarifying terminology, our guests offer practical advice on communicating with your healthcare team, including how to approach research you've done without creating tension. They emphasize that while medications play a crucial role, factors like diet, stress management, and sleep are equally important parts of the treatment puzzle that often go undiscussed in short medical appointments.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with RA for years, this episode will empower you with knowledge to better navigate your healthcare journey. Subscribe now and join our community of Spoonie Sisters who understand what you're going through.

Stef: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatoidarthritiscoach?igsh=NWJqYTFhMDJzMjd6

Dr. Saimun Singla: https://www.instagram.com/rheum.to.grow.tx?igsh=dWs1ZjdwYnF0NWhx

Send us Fan Mail

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Discount Codes:

• https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)
• GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

Website:

• https://myspooniesisters.com/

Nutrition might be the most overlooked aspect of surgical recovery, yet it fundamentally shapes how quickly and completely our bodies heal. In this deeply practical conversation, the Spoonie Sisters welcome holistic nutritionist Jacqueline Lovett to explore the powerful connection between what we eat and how we recover.

We dive into why protein becomes critically important when your body is rebuilding muscle tissue damaged during surgery. Jacqueline shares her expertise on anti-inflammatory foods that prepare your body before procedures and support healing afterward. For those struggling with the magnetic pull of comfort foods during recovery (hello, ramen and chips!), we offer satisfying, nutrient-dense alternatives that don't sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.

The conversation takes a uniquely practical turn as we discuss pre-surgery meal preparation strategies. Learn about freezer-friendly options like homemade bean soups, smoothie packs, and protein-rich meals that require minimal energy when you're focused on healing. We introduce the concept of the "recovery busy box" - a toolbox containing not just activities to keep you occupied during downtime but also shelf-stable, nutritious snacks.

Perhaps most valuable is our discussion about breaking free from restrictive nutritional patterns. Recovery becomes an opportunity to expand your relationship with food, trying new flavors and textures that support healing while bringing joy to the process. As Andy wisely notes, "We don't grow in comfort, we grow while we're being stretched."

Whether you're preparing for an upcoming procedure or supporting someone through recovery, this episode offers a blueprint for using nutrition as a powerful healing tool. Share your own recovery nutrition tips with us, and remember - true healing happens when we give our bodies both the nutrients and the time they need to rebuild.

https://www.instagram.com/loveitnaturalhealth?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MWJ4ZThybWQzamU5dA==

https://www.instagram.com/chronicallyiconiccoach?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=bnl3ZTVsbmxkbWps

Send us Fan Mail

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Discount Codes:

• https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)
• GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

Website:

• https://myspooniesisters.com/

What happens when a medical professional becomes the patient? Melissa Marquis—a nurse with over 25 years of experience in emergency preparedness—shares her remarkable journey from healthcare provider to autoimmune patient after being diagnosed with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis following a frustrating 10-year search for answers.

Drawing from both her clinical expertise and lived experience, Melissa offers a unique dual perspective that bridges the gap between medical knowledge and the reality of living with chronic illness. Her story resonates with anyone who has felt dismissed by healthcare providers or struggled to connect seemingly unrelated symptoms into a coherent diagnosis. Despite facing significant health challenges affecting her heart, GI tract, and other systems, Melissa demonstrates how determination and self-advocacy can lead to both answers and purpose.

The conversation explores practical daily management strategies—from heat therapy to Epsom salt baths—that help Melissa navigate her symptoms. She shares insights from her book "Invisible: A Nurse-Turned Patient's Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease," which emerged from her desire to create the comprehensive resource she wished she'd had during her own diagnostic journey. The book combines medical education with practical tools for living well, making complex information accessible to patients at any stage of their journey.

Beyond medical advice, this episode delivers a powerful message about finding meaning amid suffering. As Melissa beautifully states, "I've found purpose in my pain, and I encourage others to find theirs as well." Her approach emphasizes becoming your own "disease detective"—understanding your condition deeply while remaining open to both conventional and complementary approaches that might bring relief. This balanced perspective, coupled with her emphasis on humor, connection, and self-advocacy, offers a blueprint for thriving despite chronic health challenges.

• Melissa: https://www.instagram.com/mmarquis78?igsh=MXFwYzlyZ2t3dnVqbg==
• Book: https://covenantbooks.com/books/?book=invisible

Send us Fan Mail

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Discount Codes:

• https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)
• GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

Website:

• https://myspooniesisters.com/

What does chronic illness really look like when no one's watching? When the "I'm fine" mask slips away?

The Spoonie Sisters gather for an unfiltered, emotional conversation about the reality behind the façade. This episode dives deep into what happens when medication stops working, when anger takes over, and when your body betrays you despite doing "everything right." 

Linnea opens up about her current flare, sharing how she's processing rage through unexpected methods (yes, screaming into pillows actually helps!). Meanwhile, Jen reveals her struggle with weight gain and confidence - how gaining 26 pounds affected not just her body but her willingness to show up online. The sisters discuss the complexity of watching others thrive on social media while you're suffering, and why sometimes taking a break from even your favorite accounts is necessary for mental health.

The conversation takes powerful turns as they explore the pressure chronically ill people put on themselves to perform and push through. "Jesus took a break. Olympians take breaks. Surgeons take breaks. Why are you any different?" This permission to rest contradicts everything we've been taught about proving our worth despite illness.

Whether you're battling an autoimmune condition, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to understand invisible illness better, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the emotional landscape of chronic illness. The sisters share practical strategies for flares, meal prepping when energy is low, and the life-changing power of choosing your response to challenges.

Listen in and remember: behind every "I'm fine" often lies a complex struggle, but with proper support and self-compassion, we can navigate these challenges without sacrificing our authentic selves. Your spoonie sisters are here to remind you that you're enough - every day that ends in Y.

Send us Fan Mail

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Discount Codes:

• https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)
• GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

Website:

• https://myspooniesisters.com/

Have you ever been told that celery juice could cure your autoimmune disease? Or perhaps someone suggested that your joints aren't actually inflamed—they're just dehydrated? Welcome to the world of unsolicited health advice that every person with a chronic illness knows all too well.

In this candid and often hilarious conversation, four women (Alison, Jen, Jewel, Linnea) with various chronic conditions share the weirdest, wildest, and most bewildering "cures" they've been offered by well-meaning friends, family members, and strangers. From the childhood friend who messaged after 20 years to suggest "eating right and exercising" would solve everything, to the truly outlandish experience of being led to a stranger's basement, given an apple, and anointed with oil to "pray away" rheumatoid arthritis—these stories will have you nodding in recognition or picking your jaw up off the floor.

Why do people feel compelled to offer solutions rather than support? How does "medicine shaming" affect those who need medication to function? The conversation delves into how chronic illness becomes a masterclass in setting boundaries, educating others, and sometimes finding the humor in absurd situations.

Experiences are validated, medical gaslighting is acknowledged, and fellow "spoonies" understand that wellness often requires multiple approaches working together, not miracle cures or quick fixes. Whether you live with chronic illness or love someone who does, this episode offers insight, comfort, and permission to respond to the next person who suggests dancing under the full moon with a smile, a boundary, or perhaps a witty comeback.

• Jen: https://www.instagram.com/gracefully_jen?igsh=MW9iMTl0ZXMwZ2dleg==
• Linnea: https://www.instagram.com/perfectlyimperfectlinnea?igsh=bGFyZzJqcGc0eG5m
• Alison: https://www.instagram.com/alisons1616?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Jewel: https://www.instagram.com/thelipedemacushie?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Send us Fan Mail

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Discount Codes:

• https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)
• GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

Website:

• https://myspooniesisters.com/

What happens when chronic pain intersects with mental health? Our panel of chronic illness warriors tackles this question head-on, revealing the emotional landscape behind physical suffering and the mindset shifts that transformed their journeys.

Meet Steve, living with rare and painful arachnoiditis, who found renewed purpose as an advocate after his body began failing him. Listen to Stasia's powerful reframing of productivity – "sometimes just sitting and listening to birds is productive" – challenging our cultural obsession with constant activity. Rick shares his structured approach to resilience despite debilitating knee pain, while Lisa reminds us that emotional resilience ultimately comes down to choice in the face of uncontrollable circumstances.

Together, they explore how chronic illness fundamentally reshapes self-worth, relationships, and identity. You'll hear candid admissions about wallowing (it's okay sometimes!), grief as necessary processing rather than pain itself, and the transformative power of finding purpose amid suffering. Their practical wisdom includes removing "I'm fine" from your vocabulary, setting time limits on pity parties, and preparing mentally for others' reactions to your invisible battles.

This conversation goes beyond typical chronic illness discussions, diving into the psychological strategies that help warriors rise above their conditions. Whether managing pain yourself or supporting someone who does, you'll gain insight into the delicate balance between acknowledging suffering and choosing engagement with life despite limitations.

Grab a cozy drink and join us for an honest, heartfelt exploration of how the mind can triumph over misery – not by denying pain, but by transcending it through purpose, community, and intentional mindset shifts.

Steve Lovelace:

https://www.instagram.com/arachnoiditis_unfiltered?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Rick Cram:

https://www.instagram.com/rickcram?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Lisa Norris:

https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunewarriorinfo?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Stasha Parker:

https://www.instagram.com/tenaciousinme?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Send us Fan Mail

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Discount Codes:

• https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)
• GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

Website:

• https://myspooniesisters.com/

Chronic illness transforms not just our bodies, but our entire emotional landscape. What happens when persistent physical pain collides with mental health? How do we find joy when our bodies seem determined to hold us back?

"Mind Over Misery" brings together a diverse panel of chronic illness warriors who open up about the rarely discussed emotional sides of their health journeys. From polymyositis and lupus to arachnoiditis and complex regional pain syndrome, these guests navigate vastly different diagnoses but share remarkably similar emotional challenges.

The conversation begins with a profound exploration of grief – not as something to rush through, but as an intentional process essential for healing. As one guest powerfully frames it: "The level of pain needs to be matched by the level of intentionality." We hear how each person navigated the devastating loss of their former self and discovered unexpected gifts amid their suffering.

As the discussion deepens, our guests share their personal toolkits for maintaining emotional equilibrium during symptom flares. From the endorphin rush of gentle movement to the comfort of loyal pets, these practical strategies showcase the resourcefulness chronic illness demands. Most striking is their collective wisdom about balancing optimism with honesty – finding ways to acknowledge suffering authentically while still nurturing hope and resilience.

What emerges is a masterclass in transforming adversity into growth. Rather than pursuing toxic positivity, these warriors demonstrate something more nuanced: a hard-won ability to embrace both the darkness of chronic illness and the light of who they've become because of it. As one guest reflects, "I am thankful for my illnesses because they've made me a better person."

Whether you're battling health challenges yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode provides invaluable insight into cultivating resilience when your body feels like it's betraying you. Ready to discover how to develop the mental fortitude that chronic illness demands? Listen now and walk away with strategies that can transform your relationship with pain.

My Spoonie Sisters - YouTube

My Spoonie Sisters

Home - My Spoonie Sisters

Send us Fan Mail

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Discount Codes:

• https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)
• GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

Website:

• https://myspooniesisters.com/

Have you ever considered that your chronic illness might have given you superpowers? Not the kind that let you leap tall buildings, but the real-life abilities that make you uniquely resilient, intuitive, and resourceful.

In this heartfelt conversation, we explore the unexpected strengths that emerge when living with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Our guest shares how being diagnosed completely transformed her perspective, teaching her to value her incredible resilience – waking up each day to face a body that doesn't always cooperate, yet somehow finding ways to adapt and keep going. This quiet, persistent strength rarely gets recognized but represents an extraordinary form of courage.

We dive deep into how our intuition sharpens after diagnosis, helping us make smarter decisions about everything from travel plans to work commitments. Years of managing unpredictable symptoms teach us to read the fine print, seek flexibility, and anticipate our needs in ways others might never consider. This isn't about limitation – it's about making choices that allow us to enjoy life more fully.

The discussion takes fascinating turns through time management strategies (work smarter, not harder!), relationship wisdom (valuing positive connections while setting healthy boundaries), and career navigation with chronic illness. Our guest shares her remarkable journey from physically demanding hospital work to finding her purpose helping others with RA, writing for major health publications, and embracing multiple careers that accommodate her health needs.

Perhaps most inspiring is the revelation that being underestimated because of chronic illness can become its own kind of superpower – creating motivation to exceed expectations and the satisfaction of surprising others with what you can accomplish. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing symptoms for years, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on finding strength in unexpected places.

Send us Fan Mail

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Discount Codes:

• https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)
• GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

Website:

• https://myspooniesisters.com/

What if you could transform your autoimmune health through nutrition and lifestyle changes? That's precisely what Tanya Freirich, The Lupus Dietitian, has done for herself and thousands of clients over her 15-year career.

This illuminating conversation takes you deep into the intersection of nutrition and autoimmune disease management with someone who uniquely understands both sides. Tanya brings not only her professional expertise as a registered dietitian with advanced credentials but also her lived experience of navigating multiple autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, ITP, and lupus, for over 11 years.

We explore how inflammation manifests in the body—sometimes surprisingly through weight gain and fluid retention—and practical ways to address it through diet and lifestyle modifications. Tanya shares powerful insights about becoming the expert in your own body, tracking your responses to foods, and developing a personalized approach to wellness that honors your unique needs and circumstances.

Perhaps most valuably, Tanya offers hope through her guiding principle of "progress, not perfection," acknowledging that the journey with autoimmune disease is like "walking a mile with a weighted vest." Her compassionate, realistic approach makes healthy changes accessible to everyone, regardless of budget or cultural background. She breaks down common barriers to wellness with practical solutions for eating nutritiously on a budget, creating optimal sleep environments, and making sustainable lifestyle shifts.

Whether you're living with an autoimmune condition or supporting someone who is, this episode delivers practical wisdom, genuine encouragement, and a roadmap for transforming health challenges into opportunities for deeper healing and self-discovery. Ready to take the first step toward better health? This conversation is your starting point.

Home | The Lupus Dietitian

https://www.instagram.com/thelupusdietitian?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Link to the September Group and use the discount code for My Spoonie Sisters: SPOONIESIS20% discount off the September Group:

 https://tanyafreirichnutrition.practicebetter.io/#/6199071639803308381092e7/bookings?p=6791142254576f7a7e3c15cf

Send us Fan Mail

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Discount Codes:

• https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)
• GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

Website:

• https://myspooniesisters.com/