Living with Chronic Illness with Carolyne Shallop

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of chronic illness, physical pain, medical trauma, and the emotional impact of living with invisible conditions. Listener discretion is advised.

“The more experience you have with something, the less hard it gets. The more knowledge, the more wisdom you have about it. It's freeing your mind.” — Carolyne Shallop

In this episode, host Asma Jacob speaks with her niece, Carolyne Shallop, about life with two autoimmune conditions: rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis. 

Carolyne opens up about her journey from diagnosis to acceptance, the emotional toll of chronic illness, and how her support network helped her find strength and purpose. 

This conversation highlights the power of shared experience and the importance of being seen and understood. Whether you're living with an invisible condition or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope, honesty, and connection.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s okay to do what works best for you, even if it looks different from others.

• Leaning on trusted people can bring comfort, clarity, and strength.

• Find supportive healthcare professionals who truly listen and advocate for you.

• Connecting with others who have similar experiences can help ease feelings of isolation.

About Carolyne Shallop:

Carolyne Shallop was born in Sierra Leone to Lebanese parents. She moved to England aged 12, with her mum and siblings. For the past 13 and a half years, Carolyne has been living with 2 Autoimmune Disorders. In December of 2008, at the age of 21, she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, after about 9 months of symptoms the majority of which was joint pain. In January of 2014, Carolyne was diagnosed with Vasculitis, after a major flare-up, and in April of 2014, she was told the type of Vasculitis she has is Microscopic Polyangiitis.

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