Take a Pain Check

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, Natasha is joined by the inspiring Sahara as she shares her journey of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. They dive into the challenges of getting a diagnosis amid uncertainty, navigating university while managing a chronic illness, and finding the right resources for understanding RA.Sahara opens up about how her south Asian background influenced her family’s understanding of her condition and how she worked to create a supportive space for herself and others who are immunocompromised. She also talk about the importance of setting boundaries, adapting to unexpected challenges while traveling, and lifestyle changes that help her manage flares. Beyond her health journey, Sahara shares her passion for writing and gives us insight into her two books—Love Letters to Myself, a heartfelt collection of poetry on love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, and Reflections, which explores themes of heritage, culture, and love. She leaves us with valuable advice for students managing a rheumatic disease and reflects on what she would tell her younger self when she was first diagnosed.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:Website: ⁠www.takeapaincheck.comInstagram:   / takeapaincheck_  Tiktok:   / takeapainchec.  .X: https://x.com/takeapaincheckLinkedin:   / take-a-pain-check  Sahara’s socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missbrainyb...Growing Pains, Copyright, 2018, Alessia Cara

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, Natasha sits down with Brandon Volesky to explore his journey with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)—from being diagnosed at just two years old to navigating the challenges of childhood, overcoming stigma, and adapting his mindset to thrive as a husband, father, and professional. Brandon shares how his fear of medication affected his condition, how he ultimately embraced treatment, and how he transitioned from aspiring chef to becoming a Software and Data Engineer at H&R Block’s Machine Learning Lab. We dive into his work in AI and healthcare, his involvement with CARRA, and his passion for improving childhood rheumatology research. Through his lived experience, Brandon is leveraging machine learning and data science to transform healthcare and support better treatment options for future generations. Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapaincheckApply to our scholarship today: https://www.takeapaincheck.com/schola...Apply for our NEW paid youth and young adult support program: https://forms.gle/W3ciBhG89eAH8QvS8Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Our socials: Website: ⁠www.takeapaincheck.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeapaincheck_/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapainchec...X: https://x.com/takeapaincheckLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/take-a-pain-check/Brandon's socials: www.linkedin.com/in/bvoleskyCARRA: https://carragroup.org/Growing Pains, Copyright, 2018, Alessia Cara

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, host Natasha welcomes Stella Miller to share her journey with Juvenile Arthritis. Stella opens up about her early symptoms, the challenges of receiving a diagnosis, and the impact of medications like methotrexate and Orencia. She reflects on navigating friendships, advocating for her needs, and the support system that has helped her along the way. Stella also discusses the emotional toll of stepping away from basketball, a sport she loved, and how she found new purpose beyond the court. From her advocacy work with MUSC to modeling with a chronic illness, she shares how she’s reshaped her identity and continues to inspire others.

In this week’s Take a Pain Check episode, we’re joined by Abigail Meyers, who shares her journey of living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and Cerebral Palsy. Abigail opens up about the challenges of receiving a diagnosis, navigating symptoms, and overcoming medical gaslighting. We dive into the emotional and social impact of growing up with a chronic illness, her passion for theatre and writing, and how she balances these pursuits with her condition. Abigail also discusses her experiences with accessibility, advocacy, and the importance of affordable healthcare.

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, Natasha chats with Carroll Meilleur, an advocate for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and senior member of True North Disability Services. Carroll shares her journey from dentistry to advocacy, discussing DTC eligibility, benefits, misconceptions, application tips, and support for individuals with rheumatic diseases. She highlights the importance of advocacy, shares success stories, and offers practical advice for navigating the DTC process. Tune in to learn how Carroll is making a difference in accessibility and support for those in need.

In this week’s episode of Take a Pain Check, Kate Bourne shares her powerful journey with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), discussing the 12-year delay in her diagnosis and the profound impact it had on her confidence, mobility, and academic life. Kate reflects on the emotional toll of not having answers for so long, navigating school and daily life with unexplained symptoms. She also highlights her passion for research, focusing on anesthetic resistance in EDS patients and the relationship between EDS and POTS, with the goal of improving healthcare practices for those affected by these conditions. As a 2024 recipient of the STEM Without Limits scholarship, Kate shares how she plans to use the funds to further her academic and research endeavors, offering advice to young adults about finding their career paths.

In this milestone 100th episode, Natasha sits down with her siblings, Natalia and Nikhil, to reveal the raw, real, and unfiltered moments behind living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. From the first signs of JIA to the highs and lows of family life, this episode unveils how her siblings stood by her side, the unexpected challenges they faced together, and how JIA transformed each of their lives. Discover the secrets to strong family bonds, the power of sibling support, and life lessons you won’t hear anywhere else!

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, we sit down with Shanesha Scott, who shares her inspiring journey with polymyositis. Shanesha opens up about her diagnosis, treatment challenges, and how she navigates the emotional and physical changes brought on by her condition. We discuss her work as an industrial and organizational psychologist and the impact of workplace dynamics on employee morale and success. Shanesha also talks about her two books, When I Got Sick – A Story of Tragedy & Triumph and Birthing the Leader Within You, offering advice on balancing health, career, and personal growth. Don’t miss this empowering conversation!

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, Natasha sits down with Kent Messner, who shares his inspiring journey of living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from childhood to adulthood. Kent discusses his early diagnosis, the challenges he faced using crutches during middle and high school, and the impact of bullying on his self-esteem. He reflects on his time in a rehabilitation center, his pursuit of education, including an undergraduate degree and an MBA, and how his experiences shaped his career at Penn Medicine. Kent also shares practical tools and strategies he uses to manage his condition daily, from surgeries to physical therapy and chiropractic care. Throughout the conversation, Kent emphasizes the importance of advocacy and support, offering valuable advice to young people with disabilities. His story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in embracing differences and the importance of community in navigating life with a chronic illness.

In this episode of Take a Pain Check; Sharan Singh shares her journey of living with multiple chronic illnesses, including Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, and others. Sharan delves into her diagnosis story, detailing the symptoms that led her to seek help, her experiences with Western and regenerative medicine, and the impact these treatments have had on her quality of life. She also opens up about the challenges of maintaining relationships, navigating academics, and undergoing a hip replacement, while emphasizing the importance of mental health and lifestyle changes in managing chronic illness. Additionally, Sharan discusses her path to becoming a physician assistant and her advocacy work on TikTok, where she shares her story to educate and support others in the chronic illness community.