Rare Conditions, Real Pain: Living with MALS with Charlie

Season 2, Ep 8

Welcome to The Chronic Chronicles, I'm SO happy that you're here!

In today’s powerful episode, I’m joined by Charlie, a passionate advocate, content creator, and chronic illness warrior living with MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome), SMAS (Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome), and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Charlie opens up about the heartbreaking and exhausting reality of being seen as “too complex” by doctors, and how that narrative impacts both medical care and mental health.

We dive deep into what it’s like to navigate rare and under-researched conditions while also existing outside of the gender binary. Charlie shares how their identity as a trans, nonbinary person often adds another layer of dismissal and misunderstanding in healthcare spaces. We talk about surgical trauma, the emotional toll of medical gaslighting, and the resilience it takes to keep fighting for care that’s not only competent — but affirming.

This episode is a raw, honest look at the intersections of chronic illness, gender identity, and systemic failure and a reminder that people like Charlie deserve to be seen, heard, and believed.

LETS CONNECT: 

The Chronic Chronicles Instagram: @chronicchroniclespod

Youtube: Youtube Link

Lexy's Instagram: @lexyhalloran

Lexy's Small Business: coastlinechidesigns.com

Substack Blog Posts: https://lexyhalloran.substack.com/

Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/AKnyBphZ

Be a guest, business inquiries, submissions for Q/A: [e-mail]

Connect with Charlie: the.charliee.chronicles

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