Deena shares her powerful 25-year journey with migraine from her first symptoms at age 3 to becoming a leading advocate for migraine care and awareness.

Misdiagnosed early on, her condition turned chronic by age 20. Deena endured decades of medical gaslighting, so many failed treatments, and endless battles for care before discovering relief.

She now leads The Migraine Network, offering community, support, and advocacy. Her work spans from running support groups to pushing for policy change on Capitol Hill, giving a voice to millions living with this invisible disease.

Learn more at TheMigraineNetwork.com or follow Dina on Instagram and Facebook @TheMigraineNetwork 

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Happy Healing, babe! 

Donna Irene joins me for Young Women Living With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in America to share her story of living with a misunderstood, invisible disability. From years of medical gaslighting and dismissal by doctors to embracing mobility aids and confronting internalized ableism, Donna’s journey is raw, real, and full of insight. We talk about chronic illness, hypermobility, neurological symptoms, and how creativity keeps her connected to joy while navigating the political and social realities of being disabled in the United States.

FOLLOW DONNA: @wanderwithdonna

FOLLOW SIS: @sickiswearpodcast 

In this powerful episode, Dr. Akilah Cadet joins Sick, I Swear to talk about the harsh realities of navigating Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome while also confronting racism and systemic bias in healthcare. From being dismissed to the deep-rooted impact of white supremacy in medicine, Dr. Cadet shares her personal journey and expert insights into what it's like living at the intersection of chronic illness and marginalized identity. This is a must-listen for anyone ready to face the truth and fight for change.

Order your copy of White Supremacy is All Around: Notes from a Black Disabled Woman in a White World here: https://www.changecadet.com/book

Follow Dr. Akilah Cadet on Social Media 

TikTok: @changecadet

Instagram: @changecadet 

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TikTok: @sickiswearpodcast 

Instagram: @sickiswearpodcast

Sarah Nicole shares her story of living with POTS, facing medical gaslighting, and the deep importance of prioritizing mental health. Her honesty and advocacy is lighting the way!

Follow Sarah!

TikTok/Youtube: @Sare.nicolee

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TikTok/Insta: @sickiswearpodcast

Wanna chat? www.sickiswearpod.com

In this episode, I sit down with world renowned psychic medium Amie Balesky—someone who played an absolute pivotal role in my journey toward getting diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. We dive into the intersection of chronic illness, spiritual connection, and the unseen energy that surrounds us all.

Amie opens up about her own experiences with real AF talk about getting sick and navigating life with a connective tissue disorder, offering insights into how illness can awaken deeper levels of intuition and sensitivity. We explore the idea that we are all energy and frequency, how spirit communicates with us, and what it means to channel messages from the other side.

This episode is for anyone curious about the relationship between the body, spirit, and the unexplainable guidance that sometimes finds us right when we need it most.

Follow Amie Balesky

@TheBalesky on Youtube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twiter/X

Website: thebaleskyexperience.com

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Wanna Chat? www.sickiswearpod.com

Talk to yourself the way you would a friend! On this episode Kylee Nixon joins us to discuss living with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and how to keep a positive mindset despite the challenges of chronic illness.

Kylee also shares how finding a creative outlet can serve as a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, and creating connection. Whether you're navigating a chronic condition or just need a reminder to be gentle with yourself, this conversation is for anyone who needs to hear that they are not alone.

In this episode of Sick I Swear, we're joined by Katie Killick, an advocate and creator. Katie is the visionary behind Chronic Youth, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals navigating the complexities of life with chronic illness--with a mission to improve quality of life through resources, emotional support, and advocacy,

Listen in as Katie spills the tea on her personal journey with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and discusses the differences and challenges within healthcare systems in the UK and the US. Together, we explore the importance of creating inclusive spaces, raising awareness, and advocating for systemic change to better serve the chronic illness community.

Get Involved: Katie Killick: thechronicillnesshub

Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/Threads: @sickiswearpod

Want to share your stories and be apart of SIS? drop a message www.sickiswear.com

Rate! Follow! Subscribe!

🩷Happy healing, babe💚

In this episode, we dive into the art of self-advocacy—why it’s crucial, how to do it, and why staying silent is never the answer when it comes to your health. Chronic illness can leave you feeling powerless at times, but being your own advocate is one of the most empowering tools in your toolbox. From navigating doctor’s visits to setting personal boundaries, we discuss the ways you can assert yourself, get the care you deserve, and stand up for your needs—no matter how uncomfortable the situation might be.

Get Involved:

Instagram/TikTok/Threads @Sickiswearpodcast for more updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Share your self-advocacy stories and drop a message on sickiswearpod.com

Rate and review this episode to help us reach more listeners who need to hear this message. 💚 Happy Healing babe!🩷

Welcome to Episode 1 of Sick I Swear! In this first episode, we’re diving right into what this podcast is all about—giving a voice to the millions living with invisible illnesses and disabilities, the ones who “don’t look sick” but know all too well the realities of chronic illness.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why this podcast exists: If you’ve ever been told “But you don’t look sick!” or felt isolated by your health struggles, this space is for you. We’re here to build a community that understands, laughs, and navigates these experiences together.
• A little about me (Kaitlyn Rohde): My own experiences with chronic illness, what led me to start Sick I Swear, and why this conversation is so personal and necessary.
• What to expect each week: Expect raw stories, educational deep-dives, myth-busting, professionals, and yes—a good dose of humor. We’ll cover everything from managing symptoms and the oddities of healthcare to daily moments that only those with chronic illnesses really “get.”
• Who this is for: Whether you’re living with an invisible illness, supporting someone who is, or just wanting to learn, we’re here to create a judgment-free, stigma-busting, laugh-out-loud kind of place.
• A peek at future episodes: We’ll be exploring topics like the ridiculous things people say, “must-have” tools for spoonies, navigating relationships with chronic illness, and many different chronic illnesses!

So, what can you take away from this episode? This podcast is a safe, honest space for everyone touched by invisible illness. We’re here to learn, advocate, and laugh (because let’s face it, sometimes that’s all we can do). Hit play to join the conversation, and welcome to Sick I Swear—where invisible doesn’t mean we’re going unheard.

Thank you for listening, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with someone who might need this! Happy Healing!