That Chronic Thing

Today I would like to talk about Little Actions, and the big differences they can make in our lives.  Sharing a short and sweet story from my life.Keeping it simple, no special links today! Subscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Surprise! It's a Holiday Episode! ❄️  It can be hard to accept that chronic illness doesn’t take a break for the holidays. Let's chat about 5 Low Energy Ways to Make your Holidays Sparkle... Mentioned in this episode: Card Making App:→  Felt App, Apple App Store Link ,  https://www.feltapp.comMusic: → Barenaked for the Holidays;  Link to Apple MusicBook:  → The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer, Apple Books Link,  Amazon Link Movies:→ Elf → It’s a Wonderful Life→ Spirited; Apple TV Link Subscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Life with chronic illness can be really tough. We have to figure out meds, go to the doc, cope with symptoms, rinse and repeat. So when we find tips and tricks, or what we often call hacks, to make things easier, it sometimes makes a world of a difference. So today we’re going to talk about some of our favorite tips, tricks, and hacks, that may better your life if you have chronic illness. I’ll share some of mine, and I’ll share some of yours. I asked for your favorite chronic illness support tools on Instagram, and boy did you deliver! So buckle up and get ready to hear some favorites from me and some of my Insta-friends. All the Links...→ TORRAS COOLIFY 2 Neck Air Conditioner, Wrap-around Cooling Neck Fan→ My fave microwave heating pad: Microwave Neck Warmer→ Pure Enrichment® PureRelief™ XL Heating Pad→ Sunbeam Cordless Heating Pad, Portable and Rechargeable→ Bio Bidet by Bemis SlimEdge Freshwater Bidet Attachment for Toilet,  Whitney’s Affiliate linkEmily’s Instagram Post, Helpful Items for my Mod/Sev ME/CFS→ Pride Go Chair Power Wheelchair, Note: I got mine from a mobility store, not this website → Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs→ Flare Calmer – Ear Plugs Alternative→ Loop Earplugs→ Example Grabber/Reacher, not Ashley’s: 43" Extra Long Grabber Tool, Foldable Grabbers → B-Land Cell Phone Holder, Universal Mobile Phone Stand→ Vaunn Adjustable Bathtub Safety Rail Shower Grab Bar Handle,  This is similar to the one I personally have — I recommend going to your local mobility stores, if possible, to check out their options, in person. Subscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Erika Joy Sneath didn’t start out as a children’s book author, but decided to become one when she didn’t see representation of aunts and uncles and… chronic pain. I mean, think about it, you probably haven’t seen it either! Erika’s life started out a bit different, but as so many of us listening to this podcast, sometimes things take a turn. In Erika’s case, she ended up with a great deal of chronic pain, which has shaped not only her choice to be an author, but her physical and mental perspectives on life. In this episode, we discuss... →  Getting to know Erika, by focusing on 3 things Erika loves → Erika’s injury, then learning that the injury won’t go away. What does it mean to grieve? →Acknowledging the pain and anxiety cycle.→ Learning to invite others in to your new reality → Leading to Erika’s children’s book, Adalene Plays Many Ways: Managing the ups and downs of doing life with someone experiencing chronic pain → Talking about managing vendor events… including Cathy’s perspective from her own small business. Discussed in the episode: → Adalene Plays Many Ways: Managing the ups and downs of doing life with someone experiencing chronic pain → Not Weakness: Navigating the Culture of Chronic Pain Subscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The irony of having a podcast about chronic illness is that I think I would be much better at it if I didn’t have chronic illness. Having one really gets in the way of consistently writing content and getting this podcast out in the world! So for today, I’m going to give you some updates on what has been going on in my world. Here’s what’s up with me… → First up… I have depression. Here is a little story about seeing a psychiatrist. Warning: It doesn’t go well. → Next… I’m scanning photos and emotions are coming up, oh no! But then my wonderful cousin asks me… just like you’re now sending love to your younger self, what if your future self is sending love to your present self? The question blows me away. Subscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Today’s bonus episode features Fran Haddock, who lives with Severe ME/CFS. I’d like to give Fran a voice today, by, with her permission, sharing one of her recent Instagram posts.  Just 3 min long.Follow Fran:→ Fran HaddockSupport ME/CFS organizations:→ #MEAction Maryland→ Solve M.E.→ The Bateman Horne Center Subscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

I’m back today with my friend Whitney, who just like me, has ME/CFS. Today we talk about our fear of COVID, with the context that we’re already ill. We chat about…→ Whitney’s arrest story?!→ What happens when you get COVID plus ME/CFS?→ Going out in a COVID world when you have ME/CFS…→ and more! Follow Whitney on Instagram! Mentioned Instagram accounts... → Fran Haddock→ The Physics Girl Check out these organizations...→ #MEAction Maryland→ Solve M.E.→ The Bateman Horne Center Subscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This week I have my friend Whitney Fox joining us! Just like me, Whitney has ME/CFS. That’s right folks — we’re continuing our discussion of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in honor of ME/CFS Awareness month. We’ll start with a quick nod to our beloved chronic illness Instagram community, and then you’ll hear all about Whitney’s diagnosis journey. We talk all about patient-led research, including the founding of the Maryland chapter for MEAction. We chat about... → Our beloved chronic illness Instagram community→ Whitney's diagnosis journey: just like me, she started with mild ME, and spent years undiagnosed! → Patient-led research, including the founding of the Maryland chapter for #MEActionMentioned Organizations→ #MEAction Maryland→ National Institute of Health (NIH)→ Solve M.E.→ The Bateman Horne Center Mentioned Persons → An Interview with Ron Davis, PhD: #MayMomentumTuesdays 2022→ Dr. Bateman on Biomarkers and Wild Socks, by Lucinda Bateman, MD | Jan 8, 2023→ Emily Taylor, Vice President of Advocacy and EngagementSubscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, I'm sharing a bit more about my story, along with some information about this debilitating, devastating disease. May is ME/CFS awareness month, and we have a ways to go in raising awareness and working towards a cure!→ Revisiting when I went out on my leave from work and saw my first ME/CFS specialist→ Discussing Post Exertional Malaise (PEM)... what is it? And why is it such a big deal?! → A bunch of important things to know about ME/CFS→ Ways you can help! Mentioned in the episode→ CDC.gov PEM Definition→ Sammy | MECFS Advocacy→ Go Blue For ME/CFSDonation Recommendation→ Open Medicine FoundationSubscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Today we have Kristine Eckart joining us! Kristine is the host of the Chronicon book club, has a blog and book club called the Gilmore Book Club, and focuses on how books can help others transform their lives! We also talk about TV and movies, and how all media can help support those with chronic illness. Whether you read a page, listen to an audio book, or watch a movie, you have the opportunity to make connections and maybe even develop magical powers… We chat about...→ Kristine introduces herself and explains how she's always had her nose in the books... in one way or another! → But also, movies and TV shows go with books! → Learn all about the Gilmore Book Club→ How Harry Potter and Invisible Illness align...→ And more good chat about books and TV!Stay in touch with Kristine! → gilmorebookclub.com→ @gilmorebookclub, @realhousewivesofchronicillness→ Chronicon (book club within!)Subscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Today's guest is Stacey Ballard, the author of The Fine Art of Waiting. Stacey had chronic illness for the majority of her life, dealing with multiple illnesses and an organ transplant. Stacey uses art and creativity to help her deal with stress, loss, and changes that we experience, teaching people to bring more compassion to their experiences and themselves. The most beautiful takeaway I have from our discussion, is how Stacey wants to demystify art, itself, and journaling, so that it is accessible for others, as expressing creativity helps calm your nervous system, and that helps calm chronic illness symptoms. We cover so many wonderful topics, some include... → How Stacey came up with the idea for The Fine Art of Waiting→ Demystifying Creativity... What fills your soul? → Some of Stacey’s favorite exercises from her bookKey messages: 1) We are allowed to feel every emotion that comes along.2) Ways to journal without writing by hand! Don't turn away from journaling if you have physical limitations, there are lots of ways to journal and express creativity! You can follow Stacey at @fineartofwaiting on Instagram Mentioned:→ The Fine Art of Waiting → Chronicon→ Yellow Co→ Michael Singer (Audio Book Living from a Place of Surrender)Subscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Recently someone pulled an oracle card for me that said "Education." Her goal with this card was to inspire me to tell a story. But what story should I tell about Education? I pondered multiple possibilities, and settled on the story that led to my career, abruptly ending with my chronic illness. So was my Education...1) the start of my career2) my career development, itself, or 3) the transition from my career to my new life as a full time patient? And if my chronic illness is an education, what am I learning?! I'm not sure.  Listen and tell me what you think! Wonderful books and resources mentioned in this episode: → Poet Brianna Pastor and her book→ Illuminating Souls: Angel Readings, Soul Mentoring, and wonderful classes like the one I took! → Chronicon→ Path to Empowered AcceptanceSubscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Today’s guest is Sam, a No BS Chronic Illness Coach and Content Creator. I found Sam on Instagram and immediately fell in love with her content. Like she says, it is straight to the point with zero BS. In today’s episode, Sam is going to introduce herself and discuss her first relapse of MS symptoms. There she’ll dive into her tips for someone who is newly diagnosed. From there we discuss community, hobbies, high, lows, and of course, Girl Scout cookies! You ready? → Meet Sam, a No BS Chronic Illness Coach and Content Creator→ Trips for Someone Newly Diagnosed → Finding Community… Back in 2005, and now! → Other parts of our life? That’s right! We have full lives. Cats! Gardening! Hobbies! → Sam’s recent High and Low… can you relate? Follow Sam and see all her No BS content at @slsalvaggio on Instagram/TikTok!Also check out https://www.samanthasalvaggio.com/Some other links for ya:→ National MS Society → Types of MS Subscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

I developed these three easy tasks when I was in a horrible flare a couple months ago. They became My Three Things, which is now evolving into That Chronic Thing 3. This simple formula has greatly helped me end my day with reflection and positivity, as well as a look forward at things to come.Today’s episode covers… → Discussing Gratitude→ Discussing "Something for you," plus some items from my cheat sheet! → Discussing ConnectionGet your own template for the Chronic Thing 3 at either of the below Instagram accounts! ꜜꜜꜜSubscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Life Hacks…. specifically for hair! Why? Because mine is currently a rats nest! Eek! It’s hard to take care of your care when you’re sick. If you’re sick, this may sound familiar to you. Today’s episode covers… → My daily fix… the messy top knot.→ My monthly-ish fix… The salon! *Budgeted, Self-Care*→ Grief, still. Thinking about my former life.→ Tips & Tricks for taking care of your hair when you’re chronically illFrom the Tips… (not affiliate links, just examples)→ Shower stool→ Scalp Scrub Brush→ Dryer/Diffuser CapSubscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Content Warning: Depression, Suicidal IdeationThis Part 2 episode (Part 1 was previous episode), features my close friend Alison, who I have known for over a decade! Like all friends, our friendship has changed quite a bit over this time... But with me becoming very sick a few years back, it has changed in some more serious and unexpected ways! Today we discuss: → Ask for Help with Tasks. Talking about perspective… what is a small effort for your friend, may be huge for you. So ask! Save your spoons! → Then… pay attention to who shows up. And… it is okay to grieve over a lost friendship.→ Learn to think in spoons. (Are you familiar with spoon theory? Should we do an episode on it?)→ Making plans: Make the plans! But always have a plan B. Subscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This episode features my close friend Alison, who I have known for over a decade! Like all friends, our friendship has changed quite a bit over this time... But with me becoming very sick a few years back, it has changed in some more serious and unexpected ways! Today we discuss: → A quick intro to Alison! More specifically... How Alison’s brain helps out mine! Which includes some background on what makes her a great ally and friend.→ What was it like watching Cathy’s health change?→  What do you think friends of chronically ill individuals should know?NOTE: There will be a Part 2 next week! Subscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Welcome to our first guest, Nitika Chropra! Nitika is a chronic illness advocate and so much more… including the founder of Chronicon, my beloved platform and group of people coming together to discuss our chronic illnesses and support each other. Today we discuss: → All about Chronicon→ Coping with Grief→  Current fave books (see below!)→  Nitika’s new podcast!→ 3 Random Things… including a shout out for #animalrescue (how could I not?!)Mentioned: → Healing by David Elliott → The Rumi Prescription by Melody Moezzi → Bromance Series by Lyssa Kay AdamsSubscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Grief and sadness. It comes with the territory of chronic illness. It’s not easy to talk about… but I realized, when you share about it, it makes others feel less alone. Today’s episode covers… → An update on my health and grief→ Some resources I found to make myself feel more supported→ A quote that has made me feel like there is some light at the end of the tunnel (hate that metaphor!)Mentioned:→ Option B, by Sheryl Sandberg, Adam Grant→ You Better Be Lightning by Andrea GibsonAlso: → Open Medicine FoundationSubscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hi there, my name is Cathy and welcome to That Chronic Thing. I’m here to share my experiences living with chronic illness, including ME/CFS and MS, and offer support and advice for others dealing with similar struggles. This show is a resource for anyone looking for support, advice, and a sense of community as they navigate life with chronic illness. I know firsthand how hard it can be to adapt to a new way of life, managing symptoms, and finding a new rhythm, and doing this all while you’re going to a gazillion doctor's visits. But through my own struggles, I've learned to find joy and laughter along the way and I really hope you can do the same. So join me and other chronic illness warriors as we tackle the ups and downs of living with chronic illness together.Here's our agenda for today!→ Let's do a little introduction! I'm an open book on social media -- you may already know me. If not, let's go on our first date. → Some lessons from my chronic illness journey that may be common across your journey, too!→ One of my favorite quotes that reminds me to keep moving forward! Subscribe to the show to be notified of new episodes, and make sure to follow the show on Instagram @thatchronicthing. You can also stay in touch with Cathy directly on Instagram @indoorcathy. "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/