DiscoverMy Spoonie Sisters
My Spoonie Sisters
Claim Ownership

My Spoonie Sisters

Author: Gracefully Jen

Subscribed: 13Played: 59
Share

Description

My Spoonie Sisters features stories from special guests dedicated to empowering those with chronic illnesses. Our goal is to connect people and provide the support and tools they need to live better lives.


For those of us with chronic illnesses, our energy levels are a precious resource that depletes faster. We must be intentional and purposeful with the 'spoons' allotted. So, grab your coffee, sister, and tune in as my Spoonie Sisters share their deeply personal stories of living with chronic illness. This is a space where you can feel connected and supported.

All guests featured or mentioned in this podcast will be listed for your convenience. Don't forget to rate and subscribe to My Spoonie Sisters and follow @MySpoonieSisters on Instagram for updates on new episodes and more. If you have a story to share or would like to be featured on My Spoonie Sisters, please email MySpoonieSisters@gmail.com. We eagerly look forward to speaking and hearing from all our Spoonies! 

Disclaimer While we are  not doctor or a Health Care Practitioners, we want to assure you that this podcast is a credible source of information. It's based on our guests' personal experiences and the strategies we've found effective for ourselves. However, everyone's body is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you have any health-related questions, it's always best to consult your Primary Doctor or Rheumatologist.

Remember, our goal at My Spoonie Sisters is to connect people and provide the support and tools they need to live a better life. 

116 Episodes
Reverse
Ever wondered how someone navigates the unique challenges of a thriving career in musical theater while dealing with the daily hurdles of a chronic illness? Chelsey, our inspiring guest, shares her remarkable journey from Vancouver to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and how she's now making a difference as the Associate Director of Musical Theater at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2020, Chelsey didn't let her condition define her; instead,...
Ever wondered how someone can transform adversity into strength? Meet Victoria, a spirited yoga instructor living with lupus, who shares her powerful journey from undiagnosed college student to a wellness advocate in the bustling city of New York. Experience her raw and emotional recount of confronting extreme fatigue, hair loss, and brain fog before finally receiving her life-changing diagnosis. Through her story, you'll understand the critical role her family's support played during her dar...
What if embracing your vulnerabilities could become your greatest strength? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jake Mayers, a Lyme coach who has turned his chronic illness journey into a pathway for helping others. From dealing with dyslexia as a child to confronting the harsh realities of a Lyme disease diagnosis at 15, Jake's story is one of resilience and creativity. He shares how he balanced the fatigue and neurological symptoms of his illness with his passions for drumming and...
Could you imagine enduring years of chronic pain, only to discover it was more than just "growing pains"? Meet Kait, our remarkable guest who shared her compelling journey from a passionate marathon runner to navigating a labyrinth of medical challenges. From femoral acetabular impingement to labral tears, Kait opens up about her painful experiences that began at the young age of 13 and escalated through her college years. In a candid conversation, she recounts her difficult first surgery, ma...
What if a childhood filled with unexplained symptoms could finally find clarity years later? In this emotional and powerful episode, we journey with Jodi as she takes us through the highs and lows of her lupus diagnosis. From the age of four, Jodi's life was a whirlwind of mysterious rashes, fatigue, and pain. It wasn't until she was 13, with the help of the dedicated rheumatology team at SickKids in Toronto, that her family’s relentless quest for answers finally bore fruit. Jodi shares how h...
Imagine enduring years of unexplained fatigue, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel, only to find out these symptoms were just the tip of the iceberg. Join us as Stasha shares her enlightening journey to a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, revealing the red flags she overlooked and how a rheumatologist finally brought clarity to her persistent health issues. Discover her tips for managing RA, from biologics and physical therapy to lifestyle changes like staying hydrated and incorporating natural anti-...
How do you turn a life of chronic pain and addiction into one of resilience and inspiration? On this episode of "My Spoonie Sisters," we welcome Andrea Vincent, a beacon of hope in the chronic pain community. Andrea opens up about her journey from high school misdiagnoses to her battles with osteoarthritis, hypermobility syndrome, and fibromyalgia. Her story takes a powerful turn when she discusses her struggle with alcohol as a coping mechanism and her triumphant path to sobriety in 2012. Mo...
Are you curious about how patient participation can revolutionize medical research? Join us as we sit down with Emily, a dedicated bio-enthusiast and biotech professional, to uncover her journey from cell biology student to trailblazer at the biotech startup Immu. Emily shares her mission to make complex scientific concepts approachable, fueled by her passion for CRISPR technology and personal experiences that shaped her career. You’ll gain exclusive insights on finding reliable research stud...
Have you ever wondered how a small act of kindness can make a colossal difference in someone's life? Join us for an uplifting conversation with Dawn, the inspiring founder of "Cards to Warriors," who transitioned from a radiation therapist to an advocate for patients and caregivers. Dawn shares her heartfelt journey and the touching story behind this incredible initiative that spreads joy and support through "Happy Mail" to those battling illness. Discover the various ways to get involved, fr...
Have you ever wondered how one navigates life with multiple chronic illnesses? Meet Alexa Sutherland, who has been fighting against juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since she was just 15 months old and later fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, and the more recent Grave's disease diagnosis. Her journey is a testament to resilience and the power of community. Alexa shares her story, highlighting both the struggles and the support she's found, particularly through memorable connections formed at ...
Can you imagine the frustration of battling a chronic illness and not finding the right treatment? On our milestone 100th episode, we reconnect with the remarkable Alison, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 28. Her journey from struggling with an unhelpful specialist to meeting the incredible Dr. Tony is nothing short of inspiring. Despite the bittersweet news of Tony's upcoming retirement, Allison's story is a testament to the impact a dedicated and compassionate docto...
Ever felt overwhelmed by a health condition misdiagnosis? In this heartfelt episode, join me, Gracefully Jen, as I recount my personal journey with psoriasis, starting from the first sores that appeared on my ankle back in 2016. Initially mistaken for a skin infection, my condition went through a series of misdiagnoses until a visit to my rheumatologist revealed the surprising truth: a rare form of psoriasis called pustular psoriasis, caused by my TNF inhibitor treatment. Listen as I share th...
Curious about how to navigate life with rheumatoid arthritis while maintaining a positive outlook? Join us as we reconnect with Cheryl Crow with Jen Weaver, spirited advocates and fellow Spoonies, who share her heartfelt journies. Jen opens up about the severe allergic reactions she's faced with TNF inhibitors leading to pustular psoriasis, offering a candid look at her daily routines and the importance of personalized treatment plans. Her story is one of resilience, community, and find...
What if you were diagnosed with a chronic illness at the age of five? In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Elizabeth, who opens up about her lifelong battle with lupus. From the early signs of hair loss and severe fatigue to the relentless support of her mother and medical team, Elizabeth’s story is one of resilience and hope. She takes us through the evolution of her treatment—from the initial, intensive regimens to a more stable and manageable routine that now involves just three low...
Ever wondered how small lifestyle changes can significantly impact chronic illness management? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Patrick, a dedicated Florida-based pharmacist who specializes in reducing medication burdens for those with chronic illnesses and autoimmune diseases. Patrick shares his holistic approach to healthcare, which includes a meticulous review of medication lists, medical histories, and lab results to identify nutrient depletions and lifestyle adjustments. He ...
Could your mindset be the key to overcoming chronic illness? This episode uncovers the transformative journey of Robbie, an autoimmune empowerment coach who turned his battle with Crohn's disease into a mission to uplift others. From a star gymnast to a certified personal trainer, Robbie has now dedicated his life to autoimmune-specific coaching. Learn about his passion-driven initiatives like the Chronic Empowerment Movement and Spoonie Redefined, which inspire positivity and resilience with...
What if the power to overcome a life-threatening illness lies within your mindset? Join us for an enlightening episode featuring mindset coach Sharon Banyas Hefetz, who bravely shares her journey of battling an aggressive form of multiple myeloma. Diagnosed at just 45, Sharon's story is not just one of medical treatments but of the incredible strength of positivity and self-advocacy. Discover how she navigated a rigorous treatment plan and achieved remission in a mere six weeks, all while hig...
Can you imagine going from running marathons to fighting for a diagnosis that doctors initially dismissed as stress? Kristine has lived this journey, and she shares it with us in a gripping conversation about her struggle with chronic illness and rare diagnoses. From the first strange tweak in her foot to the emotional toll of being invalidated by medical professionals, Kristine's story is one of resilience and the critical importance of having an advocate in the healthcare system. Her mother...
Ever wondered if there's more to managing chronic illness than just medication? Discover the transformative journey of Josie, a fervent advocate for natural treatments for autoimmune diseases, as she shares her powerful story. From childhood ailments to grappling with rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto's, Josie's quest for healing led her to a holistic center in Denver, where she found that emotional well-being was key to her recovery. Hear how she unraveled the emotional roots of her conditi...
When Jessica Mitchell, a health coach driven by a deeply personal narrative, steps into our podcast venue, the air fills with an undeniable energy of transformation and hope. Her sister's untimely passing ignited a fire in Jessica to champion the cause of lifestyle disease prevention, and she's here sharing her wisdom on how to forge a path towards sustainable health. The conversation we engage in goes beyond the typical chatter about diets and workouts; we pierce the heart of what it truly m...
loading