Part 2 of holistic nurse practitioner Marla Ririe sharing her empowering journey from brokenness to wholeness. Suffering from Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos, chronic migraines, POTS, MCAS and psoriatic arthritis Marla fought back and reclaimed her life. In this 3 part series Marla shares her journey and the changes she made to her life to go from pain and fatigue levels of an 8-10 down to a 1-2 today. Her emotional and difficult journey is filled with great advice and information which may be helpful in your healing journey.

Holistic nurse practitioner Marla Ririe shares your empowering journey from brokenness to wholeness. Suffering from Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos, chronic migraines, POTS, MCAS and psoriatic arthritis Marla fought back and reclaimed her life. In this 3 part series Marla shares her journey and the changes she made to her life to go from pain and fatigue levels of an 8-10 down to a 1-2 today. Her emotional and difficult journey is filled with great advice and information which may be helpful in your healing journey.

Heather suffers from both fibromyalgia and migraines. She gives us a very personal and enlightening interview on how she has been able to live a full life in spite of both chronic pain conditions. This interview is filled with great advice, many examples of how to advocate for yourself as a patient and insights into alternative treatments.

This episode Meg Quinlisk details expert advice on how to prepare for an upcoming surgery. Meg has had over 45 surgeries and is therefore able to offer first hand advice on the best ways to ensure your surgery is a success. Because it is from a patient's perspective you will hear practical tips on everything from finding the right surgeon/specialist, questions to ask your surgical team, tips on what to eat and drink prior to surgery, pain medication side effects and withdrawal symptoms, the importance of home health aides, exercise and diet in your recovery. This will be part of a series all based on her experience with ensuring a successful surgery.

Parkinson's disease a neurodegenerative disease that impacts the part of the brain that produces dopamine which causes a vast array of symptoms such as tremors, involuntary movements, stiffness, pain, balance problems, memory loss and cognitive problems. Connie shares her early onset journey with Parkinson's all while offering advice, guidance and hope.

00:40 Insights offered for this episode.

01:04 Who is Connie Colon?

05:22 What is Parkinson's Disease?

06:00 Invisible symptoms

10:58 Who are the specialists to see for Parkinson's?

15:50 What are the many visible and invisible symptoms?

23:40 Highlight on the invisible symptoms

23:42 Online classes offered free by Parkinson's Place

24:20 Pain is amplified by Parkinson's.

26:38 More symptoms along with the differences between support group vs Facebook groups

32:24 The importance of modifications and adaptations.

34:40 Foods known to improve Dopamine levels

38:56 Treatments that have helped Connie.

41:03 Prescription assistance programs, the PAN41 program

48:38 Importance of asking for support and help

49:40 The stereotypes to be aware of and what not to say to patients.

54:12 Best advice from Connie

59:20 What doesn't kill me - Connie's response

Kelly shares her personal story of suffering with Pudendal Neuropathy. A condition that causes chronic pelvic pain due to damage or irritation to your pudendal nerve. The pain is a burning, stabbing or shooting type pain which can be felt in your buttocks, perineum and genital region. It is more severe when sitting.

00:00 Podcast Intro

00:38 Kelly's Episode Insights

01:46 Who is Kelly Kean, what is here background

04:53 Kelly explains Pudendal Neuropathy

16:11 Successful surgical and medication options

31:13 Successful alternative treatment options and coping skills

28:53 Newest research and treatments for nerve pain

42:40 Redefining success in your life

42:55 What is the best way to ask for help from family and friends

47:30 What not to say to Kelly regarding her pain

55:28 What Kelly motivated

57:31 The biggest lessons she's learned about herself as a result of this pain

01:37 Advice she wish someone had given her when she was first diagnosed

Meg Quinlisk offers up her insights into living 45 years with Rheumatoid Arthritis and her changing chronic pain. She shares the major learning milestones in her journey, her "ah ha" moments and the many lessons that led her to acceptance and hope.

00:00 Podcast Intro

01:30 Seven Podcast Insights

03:00 Who is Meg Quinlisk

09:59 Pain forces change in every part of you

10:19 Chronic pain changes you biologically, physically and mentally

16:03 Shrinking and expanding your world

25:30 Balancing acceptance with hope

32:20 Everything happens for a reason versus finding reason in your suffering

42:55 A detailed description of horrific pain

43:53 Your scars and the lessons you have learned from chronic pain don't leave you. They stay to offer you strength and resilience

Jennifer shares her incredible journey with Crohn's disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis. She was diagnosed when she was 11 years old with debilitating Crohn's disease. At 19 she had very serious surgery which was life changing .

00:00 introduction

00:37 Jen's 6 Episode Insights

01:50 Who is Jennifer

01:45 What is Crohn's disease, her symptoms, surgeries and her most life changing surgery an ileostomy, her secondary autoimmune disease is Rheumatoid Arthritis, J Pouch surgery

06:27 The differences between Colitis and Crohn's disease

08:06 What exactly is an ileostomy and why they are not to be feared

08:38 How the ileostomy changed her life for the better

10:09 Diet and her Crohn's disease

13:14 How Jen's identity and her sense of self has changed since her diagnosis

16:35 The role shame plays in our lives as we navigate our illness

18:49 What should people that love and support us refrain from saying and what is ok to say

23:14 Chronic pain is a thief that takes so much away. What has she lost, what has she gained?

27:39 Medications like Gabapentin help her nerve pain yet there are many medicines she can't take for pain due the negative interactions with her Crohn's

30:02 The importance of a good mental health team and chronic pain

31:30 Medical Marijuana for pain control

32:18 The importance of humor in Jen's life

35:58 Jen offers advice for the newly diagnosed, self advocacy, finding the right doctor, taking a person with you to big appointments

37:48 Jen finishes the statement "What Doesn't Kill Me"