That's So Chronic

Happy Tuesday everyone! Sorry for the absence last week, but yay! We’re back with another interview! And today I’m chatting to Anu Dravid about her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) back when she was just 17 years old.

In this episode Anu talks us through her diagnosis, she discusses the various different MS treatments she has been on - including flying to the USA to receive Ocrevus infusions before it was funded here in NZ - what MS looks like on the day to day for her, and how being diagnosed has inspired her passion for studying physiology and pharmacology.

For more information about MS Auckland head to: msakl.org.nz 

If aHSCT is something you are considering for your MS, or you’re interested in learning more, check out Rachel’s interview episode (just a couple of scrolls back!)

** This episode is dedicated to the lovely Ingrid. ** 

Ingrid was the general manager of MS Auckland, was one of my biggest cheerleaders, and is who connected Anu and I together originally. She was really excited to hear Anu on the podcast and sadly passed away a week before this episode was released. I know she would’ve loved this interview, and I hope you do too. 

As always feel free to reach out on instagram, I’m @thatssochronic. I love hearing from you all and seeing where you’re listening to the podcast, so keep the shares coming! 

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

Want to chat even more? SEND IN A VOICE NOTE! Send me a message on the That’s So Chronic hotline. Just head to jessbrien.com/hotline 

Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9 

Or have an idea for an upcoming That's So: episode? Let me know here: https://forms.gle/4RZbCiHARjV5gmcWA 

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m sitting down with my friend and midwife Laura Sheridan to chat about Adam Kay’s best selling book This Is Going To Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor. The book is broken up into chapters filled with diary entries of Adam’s experiences as a doctor working in obstetrics and gynaecology. It has a 4.40 rating on Goodreads (but actually 5 stars from us both!) and there have been over 2.5 million copies sold worldwide. Whether you have read this book yet or not you are in for an absolute treat (we don’t give too much away!) Buckle up.

In this episode Laura and I chat about the highs and lows of reading this book, whether it’s just that the NHS is flawed or if it’s a worldwide shit storm (spoiler: it’s a world wide shit storm), whether Laura is a midwife just for all the $$ money $$ she makes (spoiler: definitely not) and we even hear what some That’s So Chronic followers had to say after reading the book.

Read more about This Is Going To Hurt on Goodreads: ​​goodreads.com/book/show/35510008-this-is-going-to-hurt 

I borrowed Adam Kay’s book from my local library, and read it on a tablet with the Libby app: overdrive.com/apps/libby/ but you can purchase the book online, or at a local bookshop.

The This Morning interview that I reference in this episode: youtube.com/watch?v=CuP1_f8Z-xQ 

And you can find Adam over on Instagram and Twitter: @amatueradam and his website is adamkay.co.uk (if you’re in the UK and go to his live show, let me know! I’m so jealous!!)

And just a PS… read the f*cking footnotes!

Make sure you’re following @thatssochronic over on instagram for all of the latest That’s So Chronic goings on, and if you’re new around here (hi! I see you!) hit that big subscribe or follow button, and if you fancy, please leave a review.

If you want to share a thought about this episode or an upcoming episode topic, send in a voice note! jessbrien.com/hotline 

Have a suggestion, or want to be involved in the That’s So: series? Fill out this google form: forms.gle/4RZbCiHARjV5gmcWA 

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to That’s So Chronic! Today we are heading to Scotland, where I got to chat to Megan Raine all about her diagnosis of interstitial cystitis and endometriosis.

Megan is the founder of Symjo - a symptom tracker journal - which helps record appointments, notes, medications, pain levels, and many more important chronic illness things!

In this episode Megan talks about her unusually quick diagnosis of endo, what it’s like living with a condition that has all of the symptoms of a UTI but no actual infection, the inspiration behind creating Symjo, and she leaves us with an important message that you will want to save to voice notes and pull out whenever you’re feeling down… I know I do!

For more information about Megan and Symjo, head to instagram: @mysymjo or symjo.co.uk 

And here’s the link to Megan’s Etsy shop to purchase your very own copy: etsy.com/shop/Symjo 

As always, I love seeing where you are listening to the podcast from and chatting about the topics that we discuss in each episode. You can find me on instagram @thatssochronic, I’d love to hear from you!

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

Want to chat even more? SEND IN A VOICE NOTE! Send me a message on the That’s So Chronic hotline. Just head to jessbrien.com/hotline 

Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9 

Or have an idea for an upcoming That's So: episode? Let me know here: https://forms.gle/4RZbCiHARjV5gmcWA 

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HI! Welcome to That’s So Chronic. It’s Tuesday which means it’s the best day of the week! 

Today I’m chatting to Carlyn Reed, and we are talking about her not one, not two, but five diagnoses of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

In this episode Carlyn talks us through her initial diagnosis back when she was just 14 years old, and the subsequent diagnoses that followed. We also discuss the various treatments she has had, including having to find $87,000 at the beginning of 2020 to fund regular infusions on the immunotherapy Keytruda, which Carlyn is currently on. We also chat about hot chips* and have a few laughs along the way!

*hot chips = fries for all of our international listeners!

If you would like more information about Keytruda, head here: medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/k/Keytruda.pdf 

Thought I would also let you know that CHOC stands for Children’s Haematology and Oncology Centre in Christchurch

And as always, you can find That’s So Chronic on instagram @thatssochronic. I love hearing your thoughts on each episode, and seeing where you are tuning in from, so please keep reaching out!

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

SEND IN A VOICE NOTE! Send me a message on the That’s So Chronic hotline. Just head to jessbrien.com/hotline 

Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9 

Or have an idea for an upcoming That's So: episode? Let me know here: https://forms.gle/4RZbCiHARjV5gmcWA 

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode - I say this every single time - is a goodie! I’m talking to Karishma Ranchhod all about her diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease.

In this episode Karishma shares her diagnosis story - including the countless operations before anyone knew it was Crohn’s - how her time in Starship hospital has led her to be a volunteer for Radio Lollipop, her treatment journey (from feeding tubes and alternative treatments to surgeries and medications and everything in between!) and what the future holds. I also learn a bit about pageantry and how Karishma managed to get her infusions over in the UK during a university internship. 

Whether you have Crohn’s yourself or you have never heard about it before, this episode is an excellent insight into what goes on behind the scenes of a somewhat invisible illness.

For more information about IDB Passport: ibdpassport.com

The work Radio Lollipop gets up to: radiolollipop.org

And to learn about Camp Purple, run by Crohn’s and Colitis NZ: crohnsandcolitis.org.nz

Don’t forget to follow That’s So Chronic over on instagram (@thatssochronic) so you can share your thoughts and get all of the behind the scenes intel!

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

While I will always try to publish correct information, I am still learning, and understand that the world of medicine is constantly changing. If you want to reach out, send me a DM on Instagram @thatssochronic.

SEND IN A VOICE NOTE! Send me a message on the That’s So Chronic hotline. Just head to jessbrien.com/hotline 

Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9 

Or have an idea for an upcoming That's So: episode? Let me know here: https://forms.gle/4RZbCiHARjV5gmcWA

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the last Tuesday of the month (they come around quickly!) and today I’m sitting down to chat about Love Sick by Cory Martin. A book based on Cory’s life that follows the ups and downs of being 28, living in Hollywood, dating, and trying to make it as a writer, when suddenly she is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). 

In this episode I talk about what resonated with me with my own experience of being diagnosed with MS in my twenties, how traumatic lumbar punctures are, the horrendous English boyfriend’s text message, and I get to ask Cory some questions… including whether everything in Love Sick is true or not. 

Read more about Love Sick on Goodreads: goodreads.com/book/show/27157101-love-sick

I bought Love Sick on Amazon to read on Kindle but make sure you check out a local bookstore or library in your area to #SupportLocal. 

Find Cory on Instagram and Facebook: @corymartinwrites or corymartinwrites.com 

Make sure you’re following @thatssochronic over on instagram for all of the latest That’s So Chronic goings on, and if you’re new around here (hi! I see you!) hit that big subscribe or follow button, and if you fancy, please leave a review.

If you want to share a thought about this episode or an upcoming episode topic, send in a voice note! jessbrien.com/hotline 

Have a suggestion, or want to be involved in the That’s So: series? Fill out this google form: https://forms.gle/4RZbCiHARjV5gmcWA 

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic! Today I’m talking to Chelsea Bruce, who you might recognise as @chelseatheceliac over on instagram, all about her diagnosis of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and celiac disease.

In this episode Chelsea talks about being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s when she was just 9 years old, the importance of having doctors and specialists that you connect with, what happened when celiac disease entered her life, and her thoughts around being a mum with autoimmune diseases.

Like I mentioned in the episode, Chelsea’s website and instagram are super informative. You can check out her website here: chelseatheceliac.com or on instagram at @chelseatheceliac.

Chelsea also appeared on a recent episode, That's So: your superpower, so make sure you check that out wherever you listen to your podcasts.

As always, let me know what you thought of this episode! Send me a DM @thatssochronic on instagram. I also love seeing all of the unique places you find yourself listening to TSC, so make sure you tag me in those photos as well! 

If you haven’t already, make sure you’ve pressed subscribe on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify, and if you are enjoying TSC, please leave a review! (Only if you want to of course, but if you do I’ll love you forever!) That helps these important episodes get into more ears around the world, to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… hope.

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

SEND IN A VOICE NOTE! Send me a message on the That’s So Chronic hotline! Head to jessbrien.com/hotline 

Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9 

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Tuesday againnnn (Wednesday Thursday what) (anyone else completely sick of hearing that Friday song??? Lol just me??) Anyway! Hello!

I’m talking to my friend Emma Cusdin today, and she shares her story of being diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) - a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the platelets - the year after she lost her Mum, and started a year long contract touring New Zealand performing in schools.

In this episode Emma talks us through the months of bruising that led to someone saying “hey what’s up with your legs?”,  the moment she realised she wasn’t invincible, her coping strategies, the countless blood tests around the country, and what happens when the show simply can’t go on.

Like I say in the episode, I’d love to know your thoughts on pushing through when serious health things are going on. Send me a message over on instagram, @thatssochronic

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

SEND IN A VOICE NOTE! I’d to know how you feel about continuing to push through when serious health things are going. Send me a message on the That’s So Chronic hotline! Head to jessbrien.com/hotline 

Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9 

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy Tuesday favourite people! Today’s episode is coming to you straight from windy Wellington, where I sat down with Tom Noble. Tom was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder, or, OCD, and I’m so honoured he chose us to share his story with today.

In this episode Tom talks about his anxiety and obsessions, what it’s like to be in a panic spiral, how medication and psychologists have worked for him, and even throws in a PSA about flippantly using the term OCD. 

I love hearing from you all, and seeing where you’re listening to the podcast, so tag me or message me on instagram, I’m @thatssochronic

If you enjoyed this episode with Tom, you might also enjoy the interview episodes with Joshua Phillips on OCD, and Dearna Doglione on Border Personality Disorder, which are out now and are only a scroll away!

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

SEND IN A VOICE NOTE! If you want to share a thought about this episode or an upcoming episode topic, I’d love for you to leave a message on the That’s So Chronic hotline! Head to jessbrien.com/hotline 

Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9 

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The best day of the week! Hello! Happy Tuesday. Today’s episode is about a condition that affects millions of people world wide, and I sat down with Christchurch local Ren to chat about her diagnosis of the condition. It is, of course, endometriosis. 

In this episode we learn more about the years and years of Ren’s diagnosis journey, the difference between public and private care here in New Zealand, a special type of water that isn’t what the influencers are talking about, and how she continues to be career driven while having a chronic illness.

I also want to quickly note that towards the end of the episode we do briefly talk about suicide and mental health. 

WATCH HER TVNZ ONE INTERVIEW HERE: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/endometriosis-sufferer-says-public-health-system-dismissed-her-agony-17-years 

And feel free to reach out over on instagram, I’m @thatssochronic. I love hearing from you all.

Make sure you’ve pressed the big purple subscribe on Apple pods, follow on Spotify, and left a review if you’re enjoying these interviews. That really helps TSC get into more ears around the world, to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… hope.

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

SEND IN A VOICE NOTE! If you want to share a thought about this episode or an upcoming episode topic, I’d love for you to leave a message on the That’s So Chronic hotline! Head to jessbrien.com/hotline 

Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9 

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.