Take a Pain Check

In this episode of Take a Pain Check; Sharan Singh shares her journey of living with multiple chronic illnesses, including Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, and others. Sharan delves into her diagnosis story, detailing the symptoms that led her to seek help, her experiences with Western and regenerative medicine, and the impact these treatments have had on her quality of life. She also opens up about the challenges of m...

Joel Nelson, a passionate advocate in the rheumatic disease community, shares his journey with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) on the podcast. He discusses the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis and the importance of self-advocacy, especially from a young age. He reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of medication trials and their effects on mental health, emphasizing the stigma surrounding both physical and mental aspects o...

Join us for this week’s episode of Take a Pain Check as we welcome Michelle Murchison, who shares her inspiring journey with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). Michelle opens up about her diagnosis story, the challenges she faced with doctors, and the array of medications and surgeries she underwent. She reflects on her childhood experiences, navigating life with a chronic illness, and the impact of nutrition, lifestyle, and horm...

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, we are joined by Ella Rabin, who shares her journey with Juvenile Arthritis (JA). Ella introduces herself, discussing her education, hobbies, and future aspirations. She details her diagnosis story, including the initial symptoms and changes over time, and speaks about her family history with arthritis, particularly her mother's experience. Ella emphasizes the importance of a strong support...

This week’s podcast episode features Carissa Peck, who discusses her journey with mixed connective tissue disorder, encompassing lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The conversation begins with Carissa’s introduction and background, followed by her diagnosis story, including initial symptoms and their progression. Carissa shares her experiences with various treatments, from medications to other treatments. She describes managing f...

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, Amanda Chay discusses her journey with lupus and Sjogren's, sharing the challenges of getting diagnosed, advocating for herself, and the emotional impact of learning about and accepting her chronic illnesses. She highlights the importance of a strong support system, effective doctor-patient relationships, and the role of medications. Amanda also talks about maintaining an active lifestyle, ...

EIn this episode of Take a Pain Check, host Natasha introduces Emily Wahl, who bravely shares her journey living with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), Sjogren’s syndrome, Lupus, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, and FSGS. Emily candidly discusses her diagnosis story, recounting childhood experiences with arthritis and the challenges of managing various medications. She reflects on how her health conditions influenced her career ...

In this week's episode of Take a Pain Check, Carin Lin joins as a guest to share her journey as a parent of a child with Kawasaki Disease (KD), focusing on her son Isaiah's experience. Carin recounts Isaiah's diagnosis story, shedding light on the symptoms that led them to seek medical attention and the challenges they faced during the diagnosis process. The discussion delves into what Kawasaki Disease is, its sympt...

Welcome back to this week's episode of Take a Pain Check! Today, I'm thrilled to have Delane Linkiewich with us, sharing her journey with chronic pain and the incredible insights she's gained along the way. Delane opens up about her experiences, from the car accident that started it all to the psycho-social impacts she's navigated. We delve into the various physical therapies she's tried, her medication regimen,...

In this week's episode of Take a Pain Check, we welcome Ayesha as our special guest, sharing her incredible journey of diagnosis, advocacy, and touching moments of kindness. Ayesha recounts her initial symptoms that led her to seek medical help, navigating a complex medication regimen, and the ups and downs of her health journey. She reflects on her determination during her undergraduate years, the challenges of planning a wedd...

In this episode of Take a Pain Check podcast, we delve into the life of Alexander Levine, unpacking his journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) from diagnosis to shoulder surgery and beyond. Alex shares the story of his diagnosis, detailing life before AS and the challenges he faced in his career, particularly in the health and fitness industry. We explore the knowledge gap between fitness and AS, how his perspective on fitness sh...

In this episode, we're honored to have Jeanine V McGuire sharing her incredible journey with JRA (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis). From her diagnosis story spanning two years to navigating high school with accommodations, shifting friendship dynamics, and excelling as a student-athlete, Jeanine's resilience shines through. She dives into the challenges of managing arthritis during college, both living independently and stayi...

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, we delve into the experiences of Jillian Wickert, who has been living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) for the majority of her life. From her diagnosis story to navigating through various treatments and medications, Jillian shares her journey with candor and resilience. We explore the challenges she faced in school and the impact of her condition on her social life. Jillian also opens u...

In this week’s episode of Take a Pain Check, we delve into the journey of Rachel Gehue, who bravely shares her experiences living with JRA, Spherocytosis, anxiety, OCD, and depression. From the emotional impact of her diagnosis to the challenges faced in school, sports, and social life, Rachel unfolds a narrative of strength and perseverance. She discusses the medications that have played a crucial role in her journey, the supporti...

On this week’s episode on Take a Pain Check, Kyle Brooks talks about his diagnosis journey and about navigating the challenges of JIA and psoriasis. From physio to a two-year wait for answers, Kyle shares his daily battles with symptoms and medications. We delve into the social aspect, addressing bullying, handling negative comments, and finding resilience. Kyle opens up about school life, securing accommodations, and fostering a p...

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, Isabel Dukes opens up about her personal journey dealing with JIA, Lupus, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, ADHD, and Dyslexia. She shares candid reflections on navigating the challenges of high school, dating in university, and the significant transition to adult life, including moving in with her partner. The episode delves into her medication journey and the evolving accommodations she has...

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, Alyssa discusses her journey in being involved in the treatment of osteoarthritis care. She discusses the knowledge gap in patient communication, the importance of a holistic approach, and practical advice on exercise for managing symptoms. Additionally, Alyssa also shares insights into physiotherapist appointments and highlights her initiative, “Keep the Adventure Alive,” aimed at helping thos...

Join us on this week’s episode of Take a Pain Check as Brookie Zarb shares her journey with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). From the initial symptoms to facing healthcare practitioners, Brookie discusses her diagnosis, medication experiences, and their impact on her life. She explores how PsA influenced her high school years, friendships, and extracurricular activities. She dives into the dynamics of her family, navigating the emotional...

In this podcast episode, we delve into Dr. Anna Costello’s pathway to becoming a rheumatologist. She shares her initial interest in oncology and the reasons as to why her decision took her to rheumatology and pediatric medicine. She discusses her educational background, from her undergraduate years at Brown University to her medical school experience and the unique opportunities that paved the way to her current position at the Chi...