
63 episodes

My Spoonie Sisters Gracefully Jen
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- Education
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5.0 • 13 Ratings
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Welcome to My Spoonie Sisters - a community of support for those with chronic illnesses. As a Spoonie, it's important to recognize the limited mental and physical energy you have for daily activities. The Spoon Theory, created by Christine Miserandino, illustrates this concept. Our community values the importance of being mindful of our energy levels, as they deplete faster than those without chronic illnesses.Join us, whether you're a seasoned member or new to the Spoonie community. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and tune in to hear stories and tips from fellow Spoonie Sisters (and a few brothers too) around the world. Don't forget your spoon!All guests on or mentioned in this podcast will also be listed for your benefit. Be sure to rate and subscribe to My Spoonie Sisters and follow @MySpoonieSisters on Instagram for new episodes and more. If you would like to be featured on My Spoonie Sisters, please email me at MySpoonieSisters@gmail.com. We look forward to speaking and hearing from all our Sisters! *Disclaimer* I am not a doctor or a Health Care Practitioner. This is my and my guests' personal story and the things we have done for ourselves. Everybody is different when it comes to medications and remedies. If you have any questions regarding your health, please speak to and ask your Primary Doctor or Rheumatologist.You can also visit our website at https://myspooniesisters.chewack.com
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Adapting to Life's Challenges with Chronic Illness
Imagine waking up to find your body in a revolt against the change in weather. Sounds crazy, right? Yet, it's a reality that we've grappled with, alongside life's unexpected roller-coaster rides and the influence of modern fashion trends. This episode is an honest, heartfelt conversation about dealing with chronic illnesses, adapting to medication, finding the right doctor, and even coping with the stress that positive changes can bring.
Buckle in as we share some laugh-out-loud moments discussing the world of hats and the pressure to be stylish even when our bodies are in a flare. We've got some invaluable insights to share about the power of self-care, rest, and the underrated role of sleep in managing chronic illnesses. Most importantly, we address how to turn life's challenges into opportunities and find support during testing times. So sit back, relax and tune in for an episode filled with candid advice, laughter, and shared experiences.
https://www.instagram.com/perfectlyimperfectlinnea/#
Support the showWebsite: https://myspooniesisters.com/
Support:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters -
In the Trenches of Autoimmune Diseases with Joshua
Have you ever wondered about the battles that those living with autoimmune diseases face every day? Join us as we listen to the compelling journey of Joshua, a retired army veteran who faced this reality when he was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune conditions - Myasthenia Gravis, Small Fiber Neuropathy, and Hashimoto's. Joshua offers a unique perspective on battling these conditions, from chronic fatigue and muscle spasms to debilitating migraines.
We follow Joshua as he navigates the challenging medical world, advocating for himself in the quest for a proper diagnosis. His story is a testament to resilience, as he battles chronic pain, the inability to exercise without needing multiple days of recovery, and the constant adaptation to a new reality of health. Joshua underscores the life-changing role his wife played in supporting him during these difficult times. He also offers intriguing insights into how weather changes affect his conditions and unveils helpful management strategies like regular chiropractor visits, journaling, and breathing exercises.
In the heart of our discussion, Joshua sheds light on his journey of being medically separated from the army due to his health issues, emphasizing the importance of finding a community for support and connection. He generously shares valuable resources for those dealing with autoimmune diseases, such as Military Disability Made Easy and Myasthenia Foundation of America. His story is a remarkable display of the human capacity to find positivity amidst life's biggest challenges. We invite you to join us and be inspired by Joshua's journey, and maybe even glean some insights for your own.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-thompson-veteran/
https://militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/
https://myasthenia.org/About-Us
Support the showWebsite: https://myspooniesisters.com/
Support:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters -
Empowerment Through Knowledge: Your Guide to Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis
Are you aware of how much power you hold in managing your Rheumatoid Arthritis? Understanding your condition, being knowledgeable about treatment options, and maintaining a robust support system can significantly impact your health journey. In our conversation today, we share our personal experiences and mention Stefanie, the Rheumatoid Arthritis Coach, and Dani from Make It Count for Dani. These wonderful individuals have helped us understand our condition better and have shown us the importance of connection and emotional support in managing Rheumatoid arthritis.
Living with a chronic illness is not easy, but prioritizing self-care can help. We'll explore techniques to adapt your movements, discuss the impact of stress on your body, and share flare-friendly exercises. We will also introduce you to the Serendipity app, a tool that offers recipes, a chat community, and more. Did you know affirmations could aid in self-care? We'll discuss the impressive benefits of stacking affirmations and how you can incorporate this into your daily routine.
Having an open line of communication with your healthcare provider is vital to managing Rheumatoid Arthritis effectively. We'll shed light on how to express your needs, ask the right questions, and prioritize your care. Moreover, we delve into the importance of using online charts and share tips on how to communicate effectively with your healthcare provider. Lastly, we provide five essential tips to manage Rheumatoid Arthritis and stress, drawing from our personal experiences and what has worked well for us. Join us on this enlightening journey and empower yourself to take charge of your health.
https://www.instagram.com/makeitcount4dani/#
https://www.instagram.com/rheumatoidarthritiscoach/#
https://www.instagram.com/gracefully_jen/#
https://www.instagram.com/perfectlyimperfectlinnea/#
https://www.instagram.com/ourserendipity.app/#
https://www.instagram.com/wearebewell/#
Support the showWebsite: https://myspooniesisters.com/
Support:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters -
From An Autoimmune Struggler to Health Pioneer: Sweta's Transformation
Imagine the strength it takes to not only battle multiple autoimmune conditions but to also travel across 40 countries seeking knowledge from experts and scientists. That’s exactly what Sweta did. Born with epilepsy, and later diagnosed with rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia, lupus, IVSC, Hashimoto's, and alopecia, she was determined to learn how to manage her symptoms and prevent other autoimmune conditions from developing. Her resilience and relentless pursuit of health led her to establish Healveda Health, providing others with the tools to overcome their conditions.
Sweta's story is one of victory over adversity. In this conversation, she reveals her 'Spoonie Toolkit,' a treasure trove of her top five must-haves for dealing with an autoimmune condition. You'll learn about the mindset changes and lifestyle alterations Sweta believes are key to maintaining a positive outlook amidst health challenges. She also discusses the 'Make Me Visible' campaign by Healveda Health, a movement that focuses on making visible the struggles of those with autoimmune conditions. Whether you are fighting an autoimmune condition yourself or know someone who is, this episode is filled with invaluable insights, inspiration, and practical advice. Join us as we unravel Sweta's inspiring journey and learn how to manage autoimmune conditions effectively.
https://healveda.health/make-me-visible/
Support the showWebsite: https://myspooniesisters.com/
Support:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters -
Igniting the Spark of "Move-Ember"
Ready to shake off the chill of November and get your blood pumping? Join me, your host Gracefully Jen, and my dear friend Dani from Make it Count 4 Dani, as we ignite the spark of "Move-Ember," a call to action for at least 20 minutes of deliberate, focused movement every day this month. This isn't a grueling challenge; it's a beacon towards a healthier, more energized lifestyle. Whether it's a brisk walk, yoga, or even a Zumba class, the choice is yours.
But there's more! Along with the benefits of self-love and a healthier lifestyle, we're also giving back to you fantastic giveaways in the first week of December from some truly incredible companies. To stand a chance of winning, it's as simple as sharing your progress with us each day, no social media expertise is required! So, my Spoonie Sisters, brace the cold, choose yourself, get moving, and let's make this the best "Move-Ember" yet! Remember, it's all about making it count 4 Dani!
https://www.instagram.com/makeitcount4dani/#
https://linktr.ee/makeitcount4dani
Support the showWebsite: https://myspooniesisters.com/
Support:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters -
Spoonie Explained
Are you ready to decode the enigma of 'Spoon Theory'? Let's embark on a journey together, unraveling this metaphorical term coined by the notable blogger, Christine Mizerendino. We'll leverage the concept of spoons as units of daily energy, revealing the victories and challenges inherent in life with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Prepare to discover 15 signs that resonate with the 'Spoonie' life, from systematically designed daily routines to the comfort found in the empathetic companionship of fellow Spoonies.
Feeling alone in your battle? Here's a promise - you are not! The wonderful world of social media abounds with expansive communities brimming with support and understanding. Simply look up hashtags like #Spoonies, #SpoonieCommunities, and #SpoonieSupport, and you'll find a universe of resources. From Rare, Patient Voice, Reactive Rehab, and countless more, you'll never be short of encouragement. We're rooting for you, and eager to accompany you along this journey. So, why wait? Come, share your story, and remember, never forget your spoon!
https://myspooniesisters.chewack.com/
Support the showWebsite: https://myspooniesisters.com/
Support:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters
Customer Reviews
Thank you for having me again!
Can’t wait for the next episode to drop. I loved doing this and sharing my story with you all.
Leaves me wanting more
Fantastic conversation!
Good resource! Thank you!
Good information for dealing with chronic pain from those that are actually living it. No quack medicines…. Real stories and truth.