Interview with Anna Knight

02/28/24 • 40 min

In this conversation, Brandy speaks with Anna, a chronic illness patient and caregiver. They discuss the challenges of being a caregiver while also dealing with their own chronic illnesses. They share their experiences of role reversal, financial struggles, and the emotional impact of being both a patient and a caregiver. They also highlight the similarities in the healthcare experiences of women with chronic illnesses in different countries. The conversation emphasizes the need for patient-centered research and the importance of self-love in activism. The conversation with Anna Knight explores the concept of bringing love into public systems and making change with love. Anna discusses the work of Love Audaciously and how they aim to incorporate love into areas like healthcare, policing, and violence reduction. The conversation also touches on topics like boundaries, self-care, and finding one's vision and mission.

Being a caregiver while dealing with a chronic illness presents unique challenges and emotional adjustments.
The healthcare system often fails to provide adequate support and understanding for both patients and caregivers.
Women with chronic illnesses face similar experiences and struggles worldwide.
There is a need for global change in healthcare to prioritize patient-centered research and address the financial and emotional burdens faced by patients and caregivers.
Promoting self-love and easy activism can empower individuals to advocate for change and improve their own well-being. Love Audaciously focuses on bringing love into public systems like healthcare and policing.
Boundaries and self-care are important aspects of making change with love.
Finding one's vision and mission can make change-making feel easier and more fulfilling.

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Being a caregiver while dealing with a chronic illness presents unique challenges and emotional adjustments.
The healthcare system often fails to provide adequate support and understanding for both patients and caregivers.
Women with chronic illnesses face similar experiences and struggles worldwide.
There is a need for global change in healthcare to prioritize patient-centered research and address the financial and emotional burdens faced by patients and caregivers.
Promoting self-love and easy activism can empower individuals to advocate for change and improve their own well-being. Love Audaciously focuses on bringing love into public systems like healthcare and policing.
Boundaries and self-care are important aspects of making change with love.
Finding one's vision and mission can make change-making feel easier and more fulfilling.

Support the show

Previous Episode

Interview with Dr. Caplan, author of "The doctor-approved Cannabis Handbook"

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Dr. Benjamin Caplan discusses the benefits of cannabis in medicine and how it can be used as an alternative to traditional medications. He emphasizes the importance of education and empowerment for patients to make informed decisions about their health. Dr. Caplan also highlights the potential of cannabis in treating various health conditions, including mental health issues and women's health concerns. He addresses the challenges of the current legal status of cannabis and advocates for better treatment options for patients. Overall, the conversation aims to provide knowledge and resources for individuals interested in exploring cannabis as a therapeutic option. Go to https://cedclinic.com/ to learn more about Dr. Caplan's work and to purchase a copy of his book, "The doctor-approved Cannabis Handbook"

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Next Episode

Breast Cancer Survivor, Army Veteran, and Chronic Warrior Stephanie Humphrey

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Stephanie Humphrey shares her journey of living with chronic illness, surviving breast cancer, and navigating the VA healthcare system. She discusses the challenges of being diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age and the importance of early detection. Stephanie also highlights the impact of sinus issues on overall health and the benefits of ENT care for veterans. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical activity during treatment and the power of showing up despite the challenges. Stephanie shares her positive experience with the VA healthcare system and the simplified process of filing for disability. The conversation covers various aspects of living with chronic illness, including dealing with medical appointments and records, emotional challenges and coping mechanisms, toxic positivity and comparison of suffering, toxic optimism and denial, humorous breakdowns in public, and finding strength and setting goals.
Takeaways

Early detection is crucial in the fight against breast cancer, even for individuals without a family history of the disease.
Sinus issues can have a significant impact on overall health, and veterans should seek ENT care to address these issues.
Maintaining physical activity during treatment can provide a sense of control and empowerment.
The VA healthcare system has made significant improvements in accessibility and simplifying the disability filing process. Keep your medical records organized and easily accessible.
It's okay to have emotional breakdowns and moments of vulnerability.
Avoid toxic positivity and comparison of suffering.
Acknowledge and address feelings of denial and toxic optimism.
Find humor in difficult situations and embrace moments of vulnerability.
Set goals and find strength in overcoming challenges.

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Living Chronic - Interview with Anna Knight

Transcript

Brandy (00:00.542)
Hi, this is Brandy Schantz and you're listening to Living Chronic. Today I'm here speaking with Anna. She is not just a chronic illness patient. She's also a caregiver with a lot of great insight and some new perspectives. So welcome Anna. Thank you for joining me.
Anna Knight (00:17.573)
Thank you for having me.
Brandy (00:20.426)
So one of the things I found so interesting about your story is, you know, you are a chronic illness patient. You have lupus. You