Take a Pain Check

He could barely move at 15 and now he’s redefining strength. When doctors told Zac Spinosa he might never train again, he refused to accept it. Diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Macrophage Activation Syndrome, he refused to let that be the end of his story. Instead, he built Forge Fitness, a community where disability doesn’t mean limitation and pain becomes power. In this episode of Take a Pain Check, Zac opens up about hitting rock bottom and choosing to fight back, building a gym that truly includes people with chronic illness, the mindset shift that changed everything, and what strength really means when your body is working against you. If you’ve ever been told you can’t, this episode will make you believe you can. Watch now, get inspired, and rethink what strength looks like.Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: ⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapainc...Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Our socials:https://www.takeapaincheck.com/https://www.instagram.com/takeapaincheck_/ https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://ca.linkedin.com/company/take-a-pain-checkhttps://www.youtube.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://www.facebook.com/TakeaPainCheckhttps://www.x.com/takeapaincheckZac's socials:  @ZacTheArthritisCoach 

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, host Natasha sits down with Stacey Ivits, Registered Social Worker, advocate, and author of Navigating Your Vasculitis Journey. Stacey shares her journey living with vasculitis and Crohn’s disease, highlighting the realities of medical trauma, body image challenges, and the emotional impact of chronic illness.We discuss:

• Stacey’s diagnosis story and what it was like growing up with a rare and invisible illness
• The role of therapy (DBT, EMDR, and more) in healing from medical trauma

• The importance of specialized mental health support for people with long-term conditions
• Her guidebook and course, Navigating Your Vasculitis Journey, created to empower and support patients

Why body image and disordered eating need more recognition in chronic illness careStacey’s story reminds us that chronic illness affects both body and mind and that healing also means advocacy, community, and education.Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: ⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapainc...Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Our socials:https://www.takeapaincheck.com/  / takeapaincheck_     / takeapaincheck    / take-a-pain-check     / @takeapaincheck    / takeapaincheck  https://www.x.com/takeapaincheckStacey's socials:LinkedIn: Stacey Ivits, Facebook: Stacey Ivits, Instagram: @staceyivitsmswrsw

At 28, Michael Santillo was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis after years of unexplained pain that made even simple tasks like putting on socks or driving which became nearly impossible. Instead of letting it define him, he turned his journey into an inspiring mission: founding the annual “Let’s Get Loud for AS” gala.
In this episode of Take a Pain Check, we talk about:
- His road to diagnosis and the symptoms he faced
- The mental and physical health challenges that followed
- How AS impacted his relationships and love life

- The creation and growth of “Let’s Get Loud for AS”
Whether you’re living with AS, supporting someone who is, or just looking for inspiration, Michael’s story is a reminder that even in life’s toughest moments, there’s room to create change.

Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapainc...Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Our socials:

https://www.takeapaincheck.com/

https://www.instagram.com/takeapaincheck_/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheck

https://ca.linkedin.com/company/take-a-pain-check

https://www.youtube.com/@takeapaincheck

https://www.facebook.com/TakeaPainCheck

https://www.x.com/takeapaincheck

Instagram: mmichael.ss and letsgetloudforas

In this episode, we explore the legal landscape surrounding injury, illness, and chronic pain. Personal injury lawyer Shane Katz joins us to unpack the most common misconceptions about personal injury law, the truth behind medical malpractice claims, and the importance of compassionate legal representation. We discuss how the legal system can serve as a tool for empowerment—especially for those navigating complex medical conditions—and what patients need to know when dealing with insurance companies and systemic healthcare failures. Shane shares stories from his practice and offers practical advice on when to seek legal help, how to advocate for yourself, and why justice matters just as much as healing.Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapaincDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Our socials:https://www.takeapaincheck.com/https://www.instagram.com/takeapainch... https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://ca.linkedin.com/company/take-...https://www.youtube.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://www.facebook.com/TakeaPainCheckhttps://www.x.com/takeapaincheck

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, Maggie Douglas opens up about her complex journey living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Fibromyalgia, and PCOS. She walks us through the physical and emotional challenges of early symptoms, delayed diagnosis, and navigating the transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care.This week also features something a little different: a conversation about the short film Fibro and the New Me. Maggie shares her reactions to the portrayal of fibromyalgia on screen, reflects on the importance of accurate representation, and unpacks how media can both validate and educate. From support systems to self-discovery, this episode is a candid exploration of resilience, identity, and what it really means to find yourself in the midst of chronic illness. Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapaincDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Maggie's socials: IG - mdouglas0423, FB/Linkedin - Maggie DouglasOur socials:https://www.takeapaincheck.com/  / takeapaincheck_     / takeapaincheck    / take-a-pain-check     / @takeapaincheck    / takeapaincheck  https://www.x.com/takeapaincheck

In this powerful episode of Take a Pain Check, we sit down with Mya Barnett, a driven and inspiring young woman living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Diagnosed at just 11 years old, Mya shares the reality of growing up with a chronic illness, how it shaped her confidence, impacted her daily life, and led to major decisions like undergoing jaw surgery. From navigating school accommodations and finding community at IWK summer camp, to becoming a camp counsellor and launching a homemade soap line for psoriasis. She also opens up about her experience travelling to Europe with Global Brigades Canada and managing her condition on the go.Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapaincDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Our socials:https://www.takeapaincheck.com/https://www.instagram.com/takeapaincheck_/ https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://ca.linkedin.com/company/take-a-pain-checkhttps://www.youtube.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://www.facebook.com/TakeaPainCheckhttps://www.x.com/takeapaincheck

What happens when you’re diagnosed with the same illness you once watched a friend silently suffer through? In this powerful episode of the Take a Pain Check Podcast, Natasha sits down with Macenzie Rebelo, who shares how Lupus reshaped her life, relationships, and sense of self. From juggling university and dating to confronting stigma and learning to speak up, Macenzie reveals the unfiltered truth behind living with a chronic illness and how writing became her rebellion. Don’t miss this raw, honest, and unexpectedly empowering conversation. Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapaincDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Our socials:⁠https://www.takeapaincheck.com/https://www.instagram.com/takeapainch... https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://ca.linkedin.com/company/take-...https://www.youtube.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://www.facebook.com/TakeaPainCheckhttps://www.x.com/takeapaincheck

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, we’re joined by  @DrAndreaFurlan , a physician, researcher, educator, and YouTube star who is transforming the way we understand and approach chronic pain. From her early days studying medicine in Brazil to becoming one of Canada’s foremost pain experts, Dr. Furlan shares her personal journey with chronic pain, explains the differences between nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain, and uncovers why so many patients are misdiagnosed and what we can do about it. We also explore the inspiration behind her latest book, the impact of her viral YouTube content, and how she makes cutting-edge science accessible and empowering for patients worldwide. Register for our in person event here by May 18: https://forms.gle/tWdabTbta8ZYeieb8Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapaincDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Dr. Furlan's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@DrAndreaFurlan instagram.com/dr.andrea.furlan twitter.com/adfurlan facebook.com/dr.andrea.furlanOur socials:⁠https://www.takeapaincheck.com/https://www.instagram.com/takeapaincheck_/ https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://ca.linkedin.com/company/take-a-pain-checkhttps://www.youtube.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://www.facebook.com/TakeaPainCheckhttps://www.x.com/takeapaincheck#chronicpain #chronicpaindoc #doctor #education #pain #opioids

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, we are joined by the Jenna Kedy, a passionate advocate living with Juvenile Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. We dive deep into Jenna’s diagnosis journey, navigating school and childhood with a chronic illness, and the challenges of finding proper pediatric care. Jenna opens up about learning to advocate for herself, balancing a busy life of advocacy, volunteering, and pageantry, and the realities of managing pain and flare-ups. We also explore the differences in healthcare systems across Canada, her work with IMPaCT Trials mentoring researchers, and her inspiring role as a Youth Board Member and Youth Ambassador at Take a Pain Check.Register for our in person event here by April 27th: https://forms.gle/tWdabTbta8ZYeieb8Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapaincDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Jenna's socials:Instagram: _missjennak_ LinkedIn: Jenna Kedy Our socials:⁠https://www.takeapaincheck.comhttps://www.instagram.com/takeapaincheck_/ https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://ca.linkedin.com/company/take-a-pain-checkhttps://www.youtube.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://www.facebook.com/TakeaPainCheckhttps://www.x.com/takeapaincheck

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, our host Natasha introduces our guest Dr Erica Lawson. Dr. Erica Lawson is a pediatric rheumatologist and Program Director for the UCSF Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship. We dive into her journey in medicine, passion for pediatric rheumatology, and the challenges young patients face—from diagnosis to transitioning to adult care. Dr. Lawson shares insights on parental involvement, health disparities, and the importance of collaboration in healthcare. She also discusses balancing family life with a demanding career. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes.Register for our in person event here: https://forms.gle/tWdabTbta8ZYeieb8Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapaincDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Our socials:Website: ⁠www.takeapaincheck.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeapainch...Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapainchec...X: https://x.com/takeapaincheckLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/take...#arthritis