What might you do if you had symptoms of a chronic condition at the tender age of 15 and diagnosed at 18? Well, our guest for this episode, Effie, turned her fight with juvenile arthritis into a platform for advocacy. Rising Above RA, as she is known in the digital world, sheds light on her journey from grappling with the emotional fallout of her diagnosis to finding her equilibrium. Join us as she opens up about her high school years wrapped in pain, her journey of managing imbalances within her body, and the catharsis of writing.

Imagine having a specially curated 'Spoonie  Toolkit' - what would you put in it? As we chat with Effie, not only do we explore this idea, but we also dive into the realm of personalized treatment plans. We delve into the importance of self-care while juggling chronic conditions and the role of writing in Effie's RA journey. We share some of our favorite book recommendations and ponder on how positivity can manifest differently for each individual.

In the world of chronic illness, inspiration and support are vital. But how do you balance encouragement with sensitivity? How do you access reliable information while avoiding information overload? As our conversation with Effie continues, we emphasize the importance of following organizations that provide reliable resources. We also discuss the value of a robust support system and the challenge of finding a healthcare provider that truly resonates with your personal journey—strap in as we navigate through the highs and lows of living with arthritis.

https://linktr.ee/effiekoliopoulos?fbclid=PAAaYLMG9-Ch1N_dwqJ8j3yJ3LB5oCl5Kl876LCN2CR-_BX0Rqu5WJLBU5g7Q_aem_AWecvW_yL-iGCAPPXnHJnTAd89bHmypDpqz6XeGyLSJCZECZM-rxILkKC-b4gPuRZ-A

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