Fck The Illness fcktheillness

I'm joined by Ella and Jamie, who are both Cystic Fibrosis patients. Ella is holding steady with diminished lung function thanks to a new drug that she discusses on this episode. Jamie is post double lung transplant. They share their ups and downs, and how knowing your body is important in knowing when to make the decision for transplant. 
 
About Ella: I am 28 years old and was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 18 months old.  CF is a life-limiting, invisible, chronic, and rare lung disease. Since being a child, I’ve had countless hospitalizations to receive intravenous antibiotics to treat the lung infections that are the hallmark of this disease. These infections deteriorate the lung tissue over time, reducing function, and ultimately leading to failure requiring a double lung transplant to prolong life. My disease is becoming visible as I require using supplemental oxygen with physical activity, but despite the physical limitations I have with 28% lung function, I’ve never let it be my excuse. 
 
About Jamie:  Jamie is a 33 year old Interior Designer from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. Jamie has endured an immeasurable amount of suffering in his life but since his double lung transplant in 2017, he’s determined to make the rest of his life, the best of his life. Jamie discusses how important mental health is post transplant and working through shame and turning it into empowerment.
 
Fck The Illness Podcast is hosted by Nika Roxana, who is a kidney transplant patient wanting to bring together the chronic illness community and and change how the world views chronic illness.
www.fcktheillness.com
www.instagram.com/fcktheillness 

Being diagnosed with a chronic illness can be devastating. Advocating for yourself will be key in gaining control over your health and future. Join us as we discuss self advocacy, finding your own answers and living a fulfilling life with chronic illness.

Sean and Michael go deeper into what goes through a man's mind during diagnosis and while dealing with side effects of chronic illness. Their open and honest stories show the private thoughts men deal with when going through their illness and what it took them to build up their mentality.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Sean Pears and Michael S. Martin as they discuss what it's like for a man to go through chronic illness. The internal struggles that affect them emotionally, physically and mentally. I am so grateful to these two men for openly speaking about their experiences.

Episode 3 is a discussion with fellow female entrepreneurs about the ups and downs of having a business and chronic illness.

Nika Roxana is joined by Brigette Hurley and Michael S. Martin to discuss their experiences of being diagnosed with chronic illness.