Unraveling the Threads of Invisible Illnesses with Olivia
05/13/24 • 43 min
Our exploration of chronic illness doesn't stop there. Olivia courageously steps into the spotlight, shedding light on her life with a spectrum of genetic and chronic health conditions, including POTS, CMT, fibromyalgia, and gastroparesis. Her story is a testament to the relentless pursuit of balance between treatments and lifestyle changes, which includes a daily regimen of managing symptoms that could easily overwhelm the strongest among us. Our guest's insights into the genetic intricacies of CMT and the pervasive influence of fibromyalgia offer a poignant reminder of the complex battles fought behind the smiles of those with invisible illnesses.
Wrapping up with a touch of warmth and compassion, Olivia opened up about the joy she found in assembling spoonie boxes for fellow chronically ill young adults, a project that has seen 58 care packages spread light across the country. These acts of kindness, along with the steadfast support of therapy, family, and the unwavering love of pets, have become a cornerstone of her personal journey. Through stories of validation, laughter, and faith, this episode celebrates the indomitable spirit that unites us in the face of life's greatest health challenges. Join us for an episode filled with raw emotion, unwavering courage, and the healing power of community.
Instagram accounts: @oliviardennis
@yourpainhasapurpose
Info & Funding for Spoonie Boxes: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fund-care-boxes-for-chronically-ill-teens
Mental health resources: https://linktr.ee/mental.health.support
Olivia’s favorite ice packs: https://www.releafpack.com
Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.
Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice
🎙 Living with a rare disease or chronic illness can feel isolating—but you are not alone. Find Your Rare is more than just a brand—it’s a movement. From empowering apparel to real, raw conversations, they’re here to remind you that your story matters. Because being RARE its your superpower. Explore, join & wear your rare with pride at FindYourRare.com
Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSistershttps://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)
Website:
https://myspooniesisters.com/
Discount Codes:
GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off
Our exploration of chronic illness doesn't stop there. Olivia courageously steps into the spotlight, shedding light on her life with a spectrum of genetic and chronic health conditions, including POTS, CMT, fibromyalgia, and gastroparesis. Her story is a testament to the relentless pursuit of balance between treatments and lifestyle changes, which includes a daily regimen of managing symptoms that could easily overwhelm the strongest among us. Our guest's insights into the genetic intricacies of CMT and the pervasive influence of fibromyalgia offer a poignant reminder of the complex battles fought behind the smiles of those with invisible illnesses.
Wrapping up with a touch of warmth and compassion, Olivia opened up about the joy she found in assembling spoonie boxes for fellow chronically ill young adults, a project that has seen 58 care packages spread light across the country. These acts of kindness, along with the steadfast support of therapy, family, and the unwavering love of pets, have become a cornerstone of her personal journey. Through stories of validation, laughter, and faith, this episode celebrates the indomitable spirit that unites us in the face of life's greatest health challenges. Join us for an episode filled with raw emotion, unwavering courage, and the healing power of community.
Instagram accounts: @oliviardennis
@yourpainhasapurpose
Info & Funding for Spoonie Boxes: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fund-care-boxes-for-chronically-ill-teens
Mental health resources: https://linktr.ee/mental.health.support
Olivia’s favorite ice packs: https://www.releafpack.com
Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.
Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice
🎙 Living with a rare disease or chronic illness can feel isolating—but you are not alone. Find Your Rare is more than just a brand—it’s a movement. From empowering apparel to real, raw conversations, they’re here to remind you that your story matters. Because being RARE its your superpower. Explore, join & wear your rare with pride at FindYourRare.com
Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSistershttps://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)
Website:
https://myspooniesisters.com/
Discount Codes:
GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off
Previous Episode
Laughing Through the Layers of Chronic Illness with Jewel
When your world is turned upside down by chronic illness, finding humor and connection can be your lifeline. That's exactly what happened when Jewel, the effervescent @thelipedemacushie, joined me for a chat that'll make you laugh, and nod along with understanding. We dove into Jewel's experiences with Cushing's disease, her surgeries, and the daily dance with adrenal insufficiency. There's something incredibly powerful about sharing stories of resilience, and Jewel's candidness about her spine surgery and its aftermath reminds us all that strength often comes with a side of vulnerability.
Our conversation took a lighter turn as we mused over the quirky collections that pepper our lives—from my array of cups to my husband's stash of comic book memorabilia. We all have our treasures, don't we? The secret sweatshirt hoards, the spoons from travels, or that second fridge in the garage that silently marks our passage into adulthood—these collections tell the stories of our lives. And as we laughed about the closet wars waged with our loved ones, it was clear that these shared spaces hold more than just stuff; they hold the essence of our relationships, too.
Rounding off our tête-à-tête, Jewel and I touched on the peculiar world of mail delays and the sweet anticipation of giveaways that mean so much, particularly to those of us with chronic illnesses. We delved into the role of physical therapy, the non-negotiables of emergency medication, and the oddities of coordinating meals across time zones. It's not every day you get to plan lunch and breakfast simultaneously! Whether you're tuning in for a dose of empathy, a spot of crafting, or just to feel understood, this episode is a warm invite to join our community where chronic illness is part of the conversation, but not the whole story.
The Lipedema Cushie - Listen on YouTube, Spotify - Linktree
Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.
Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice
🎙 Living with a rare disease or chronic illness can feel isolating—but you are not alone. Find Your Rare is more than just a brand—it’s a movement. From empowering apparel to real, raw conversations, they’re here to remind you that your story matters. Because being RARE its your superpower. Explore, join & wear your rare with pride at FindYourRare.com
Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSistershttps://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)
Website:
https://myspooniesisters.com/
Discount Codes:
GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off
Next Episode
Annie's Blueprint Your Health & Wellness Coach
Navigating life with an autoimmune condition can feel like a solo journey, but it doesn't have to be. I had the pleasure of bringing in Annie, my health and wellness coach, who's an expert in turning living with autoimmune diseases into thriving despite them. Together, we unpack the art of crafting wellness plans that are as unique as your fingerprint, offering hope and actionable advice for anyone aiming to steer their health in a positive direction. Through our candid conversation, I open up about my own triumphs—no matter how small they may seem—they're milestones worth celebrating.
Community can be your lifeline when dealing with the silent battles of autoimmune conditions. Annie and I shed light on the solace found in support groups and the connections made in the digital space that often act as a beacon of understanding in the face of isolation. We also delve into how a consistent mindfulness practice can not only ease the physical pain associated with autoimmune diseases but also elevate your overall quality of life. I share some personal anecdotes on finding joy in these practices, emphasizing the beauty in selecting activities that resonate with you on a deeper level.
Habit-building can feel like an uphill battle, yet it's the cornerstone of lasting wellness. In this heart-to-heart with Annie, we explore the nuances of setting attainable goals and the transformative potential of regular check-ins for those on their autoimmune journey. From spotlighting success stories to discussing the unique hurdles women face, particularly during perimenopause, this episode is a tapestry of experiences woven together to illustrate the profound impact of consistent, personalized care. Join us as we affirm that, regardless of the ebbs and flows of life with an autoimmune condition, there's strength in the steadfast pursuit of health.
Annie is a yoga teacher, meditation guide, and wellness coach certified by the Mayo Clinic of Rochester, MN, and Yoga Center of Minneapolis. She holds an M.B.A. and is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).
Annie’s passions extend beyond yoga to encompass a whole body, whole mind approach to wellness. This passion drove her to obtain her M.B.A. and create Annie Hayes Wellness, a holistic approach to making wellness affordable and accessible to all.
Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.
Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice
🎙 Living with a rare disease or chronic illness can feel isolating—but you are not alone. Find Your Rare is more than just a brand—it’s a movement. From empowering apparel to real, raw conversations, they’re here to remind you that your story matters. Because being RARE its your superpower. Explore, join & wear your rare with pride at FindYourRare.com
Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSistershttps://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)
Website:
https://myspooniesisters.com/
Discount Codes:
GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off
My Spoonie Sisters - Unraveling the Threads of Invisible Illnesses with Olivia
Transcript
Hi , my Spoonie sisters , it's your Gr acefully Jen ,
Jen. I am so thrilled I'm sitting here with Olivia Dennis and I cannot wait to tell you all about the many things that this girl is up to . But who better to talk about what she does than Olivia herself ? So , hi , olivia , how are you ?
JenHi , I'm doing
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