Meet Kim, a resilient Lupus warrior who faced two major surgeries before finally receiving her diagnosis, all during the height of the COVID pandemic. Now an ambassador for the Lupus Foundation, Kim has transformed her journey into one of advocacy and awareness. With an unwavering spirit and deep faith, she shares her inspiring story of learning to become her own best advocate. Follow Kim here: Blog https://beautifleye.blogspot.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyaboddie/ Facebook ...
Aug 22, 2024•1 hr 17 min
On today’s episode, we sit down with Pam from Rare Patient Voice, an organization dedicated to giving patients and caregivers a platform to share their experiences and insights. Through surveys and interviews, they help shape the future of medical products and services for better patient care. Sign up here: https://www.rarepatientvoice.com/rp/Spoonfullofstrength Follow them on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/rarepatientvoice/
Aug 20, 2024•46 min
In this episode, we chat with Julie, who has faced scoliosis since childhood and also lives with Chiari Malformation. She shares her inspiring journey of improving her scoliosis through horseback riding and details her experience undergoing surgery for Chiari Malformation. Now, Julie dedicates her time to helping people with disabilities enjoy outdoor activities. Her positive attitude and resilience are truly admirable. Follow Julie on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/slooper.at/
Aug 15, 2024•46 min
Join us as we meet Miranda, a passionate dancer and entertainer who left the West Coast to chase her dreams in New York City, all while navigating life with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). In this episode, Miranda shares her remarkable 15-year journey to finally receiving a diagnosis and how she’s built a supportive and inspiring community on Instagram for others facing the challenges of POTS. Follow Miranda here: https://www.instagram.com/undefinedbypots/
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 6 min
In this episode, we introduce you to Dani, who shares her journey living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. She recounts the pain she has endured since infancy, beginning with an ankle injury at birth that went untreated until adulthood. Dani also discusses how her pregnancies triggered the onset of her RA symptoms, offering an intimate look into her experiences and resilience. Follow Dani on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/flarefreecreations/
Aug 08, 2024•58 min
In this episode, we have an insightful conversation with Kait, who lives with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome (MMS). Kait shares her journey with MMS, detailing the multiple surgeries she has undergone to alleviate the lifelong pain caused by the condition. She opens up about her shift from pushing through the pain to learning to listen to her body. Kait's story is one of strength and resilience, offering valuable perspectives on managing chronic pain and advocating for one's health. Follow Kait...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 6 min
On this week's episode, Tina talks with Em West, all the way from Australia. Em details her story of being diagnosed of MS at the age of 19, her scary relapse that affected her vision, and how nutrition and exercise helped her manage her illness. Em also tells us how she got into only the 2nd trial of HSCT in the entire country. Has this treatment helped her? Well, you'll have to listen to find out! Connect with Em on Instagram here: em. westy and chronicallywell.club
Jul 31, 2024•51 min
In this episode, we talked about our must have essentials for chronic illness. Some of these items we have tried, some of these items we can't wait to try. All these items are available at the link below and every item is a four-star item and above! Don't forget to like & subscribe. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at SpoonFull of Strength Item List: https://1drv.ms/w/s!Ag8cYKv0DCY5u2jEt7olmkiwTF3z?e=39TcXc
Jul 30, 2024•55 min
**THIS EPISODE CONTAINS DISCUSSION OF SENSITIVE SUBJECTS, SUCH AS SEXUAL ASSAULT, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SELF HARM AND SUICIDE. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED** In today's episode, we sit down with Kali from Puerto Rico to explore her profound mental health journey. Kali opens up about her experiences from childhood to the present, sharing the therapeutic steps and wellness practices that have helped her cope with her chronic illness. She recounts a pivotal incident at work a few years ago that trigge...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Today, we're diving into the world of mindfulness and meditation. Our expert, Tina, shares her journey, highlighting the incredible health benefits she's experienced. Tina will also tell us how meditation empowered her to climb Mt. Fuji, just three years after being diagnosed with cancer. We'll explore the distinctions between mindfulness and meditation and discover how dedicating just two minutes a day can bring peace to your mind and body. If you haven't tried it yet, we invite you to start to...
Jul 23, 2024•55 min
Today, we welcome Michelle Robinson from Northern Ireland. Michelle is living with PCD (Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia), a condition she was born with, that causes frequent colds and pneumonia . Her involvement in PCD Support UK allows her to advocate and help other people living with PCD. Follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/michhrobinson/ Check out PCD UK's webpage for resources here: https://pcdsupport.org.uk/
Jul 18, 2024•50 min
Today, we talk about the process of getting the diagnosis. From tests, to mental effects , to the frustrations of communication with doctors, we cover it all. We also took a poll from Instagram, and you won't believe the results!
Jul 16, 2024•50 min
On today's episode, we speak with Steven Lopez, Sr. , who details his life living with Chiari Malformation and a CSF leak that cannot be found. He's turned his illness into advocating for his illness. He is organizing a walk for Chiari in Tampa, Florida. His positivity and strength is an inspiration! Here's how you can donate or join the walk: (Pick the Tampa location for Steven's walk) http://www.conquerchiari.org/index.asp Connect with Steven here: https://www.instagram.com/steven_chiari_warri...
Jul 11, 2024•53 min
On today's podcast, we talk about adjusting to your "new normal" after being diagnosed with a chronic illness. And, even adjusting to changes years into your illness once progression sneaks in. We speak about changing jobs, a social life that changes, and emotional challenges when your body is not able to do the things it used to. Follow us on Instagram at SpoonFull of Strength Shop at our Etsy shop here: https://spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com
Jul 09, 2024•43 min
Welcome to another episode of SpoonFull of Strength. Today, we are meeting Karissa Fox, who shares her ongoing battle with a CSF leak from a lumbar puncture. She was previously diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, the lumbar puncture was supposed to give her relief. It turned out to be devastating when the LP gave her a CSF leak that has dramatically changed her life. Listen to this episode to hear how this leak has caused her to be in bed, lying flat, for 20 hours a day. Follow Karissa (kfofosho...
Jul 04, 2024•58 min
Today, we talk about all the ways we can support someone with a chronic illness. And, we invited Dawn, from Cards2Warriors in to talk about her wonderful organization that sends cards to spoonies, caregivers, family members, or healthcare workers. You can sign up to receive their happy mail here: (NO COST TO DO THIS) https://www.cards2warriors.org/ Click here to nominate someone (or yourself) in crisis to receive an extra bit of encouragement: https://www.cards2warriors.org/nominate Donate here:...
Jul 02, 2024•48 min
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Gia Mora, a talented performer, producer, and climate-focused writer. Gia shares her extraordinary journey, starting with a childhood marked by frequent broken bones. For nearly 30 years, doctors dismissed her symptoms as "normal" before finally investigating further. Gia was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and subsequent genetic testing revealed she also has Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Throughout her life, Gia has demonstrated remarka...
Jun 27, 2024•1 hr 12 min
We have a guest this episode! Rachel's husband and Tina's brother, Ed, joins us today to talk about his role in Chronic Illness....being a spouse and caregiver. We talk about how Chronic Illness affects a marriage and how he uses his "PU method" helps him navigate the ups and downs of Chronic Illness.
Jun 25, 2024•45 min
This week, we sit down with Rocio, all the way from Madrid, Spain. She details her life, being diagnosed with Sjogren's at a young age and finding her way through pregnancy and miscarriage. Follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/madreautoinmune/ Subscribe to her newsletter here and stay up to date on her life: https://madreautoinmune.substack.com/ @aesjogren Spanish Association of Sjogren's
Jun 20, 2024•36 min
Today, we discuss the Myths and Misconceptions of Chronic Illness. We tackle our top 5 (We may have added a 6th one in at the end) myths and explain the truth to these misconceptions. We'd love to hear your feedback! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at SpoonFull of Strength. Take a look at our Etsy shop, where you'll find trendy shirts, hoodies, mugs, candles and so much more1 Etsy Shop:: https://spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com
Jun 18, 2024•35 min
Today, we have a wonderful guest on our show! Meet Mayra, a woman who, after almost 2 months of non-stop, excruciating electric zaps in her face, received a diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia. She walks us through her story of Drs not listening and not ordering the test she needs to get her assumed Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. Mayra will sure put a smile on her face because of her joy, her fight and her dedication to empower and support women! Find her On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms_...
Jun 13, 2024•42 min
In this week's episode, we do something we've NEVER done before. This episode is completely UNEDITED. We both experience cognitive issues with our illnesses and we bring you the real us...No edits here!. All of our UMMS, can't find the word, stumbling over our sentences...it's all there! MAKE SURE AND STAY TIL THE END WHERE WE COMPLETELY LOSE IT. We discuss cognitive changes: Why they happen, the mental side of dealing with them and some tips and tricks to deal with it.
Jun 11, 2024•35 min
In this episode we interview Christina Lisk. She details her life of chronic issues from a very young age and how she turned her illness into art through her writing. Christina spent many years battling pain, only to be diagnosed with Nutcracker Syndrome. She shares the surgery that corrected her Nutcracker and the possible diagnosis she is currently working through. Links to her wri Nothing Ever Happens in Fox Hollow-Volume 2: Christina's Story is called "Fox Hollow Secrets" **Trigger Warning: ...
Jun 06, 2024•40 min
On this episode, we discuss working with Chronic Illness. We talk about managing a healthy work/life balance, revealing your diagnosis to your employer and share some stories of our working experience. Make sure to follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/ Have questions about FMLA and ADA? Look here for more info (US info here): https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/#:~:text=The%20ADA%20prohibits%20discrimination%20on,origi...
Jun 04, 2024•32 min
On this week's episode, we interview Clarity Romero, a 23 year old woman from Melbourne, Australia, and learn about her experience being diagnosed with FND (Functional Neurological Disorder). We talk about the scary symptoms that brought her into the ER and her partner's advocacy that finally led to a diagnosis. Clarity has a YouTube channel where she talks about her diagnosis, as well as inspiring others to live their beautiful life. Check out Clarity's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/...
May 28, 2024•30 min
In this episode we talk about managing daily like with a chronic illness. We give you tips and tricks of things that have worked for us. Thank you to our Instagram followers, Lil_ms.vegan and if_u_cant_say_sth_nice for you r feedback in the episode! Links to apps discussed in the episode: Cara Cara: Food/Symptom tracker https://cara.care/en/global-app/ Tody: The Cleaning App: https://todyapp.com/ Shop our store at: https://spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.insta...
May 21, 2024•35 min
In this BONUS episode, we get a chance to talk to Rachel. She shares her story with about getting a Type 1 Diabetes diagnoses at age 21 to a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis 6 years after first symptoms. She shares her progression with the disease and the muscle weakness that is un-diagnosed. Follow SpoonFull Of Strength on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/ View the Shop: Use code PODCAST for 20% off anything in the store! https://spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Share your...
May 16, 2024•44 min
Get to know Tina! Our co-host Tina recounts her experience with fibromyalgia and stage 4 cancer--cancer in which she was given a 14% survival rate after 2 years. She is currently 3 years NED (No evidence of Cancer). She shares how a stomach bug led to her diagnosis and how she's been able to stay positive throughout her treatment. Join us for a special BONUS episode this Thursday where the tables are turned and Rachel shares her story through Type 1 diabetes and her 6 years of waiting to her dia...
May 14, 2024•41 min
Welcome to our new podcast for the chronic illness community! We are Rachel and Tina, sisters both with multiple chronic issues. We want to create a community where we can learn and share informtaion. Some of our topics will include: Mental Health, Depression and Anxiety Being the Caregiver Tips for Managing Flare Days Interviewing People With Chronic Issues to Learn About Other Diseases Health, Fitness and Diet Relationships Being Your Own Advocate AND MORE! Join us every Tuesday for a new epis...
May 04, 2024•12 min
