Take a Pain Check

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...

In this week's episode of "Take a Pain Check," we sit down with Laurie Proulx, who takes us on a journey through her life and experiences dealing with arthritis. Laurie discusses her early years, when arthritis seemed to be taking control of her life, and how she found solace and inspiration in the realms of piano, dance, and voice lessons. Diagnosed with arthritis in 1991, she sheds light on the limited treatment opt...

In this week's episode of Take a Pain Check, we dive deep into Maddie Nero's inspiring journey with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. From the early symptoms and struggles with medical professionals to triumphing over bullying in school, Maddie's story is a testament to resilience. Join us as we explore her college life, her passion for pageantry, and her empowering initiative, the Self Care Club for people with disabi...

Join us on this week's episode on Take a Pain Check as Dawn Richards, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, shares her incredible journey from diagnosis to clinical remission. She opens up about changing rheumatologists, managing methotrexate side effects, and the transformative impact of exercise. She discusses her life both as a researcher and being patient partner in research. Finally, she discusses her involvement with the C...

In this episode, Natasha talks to Kohle Merry about his journey with osteoarthritis. From undergoing joint injections to a hip replacement at just 29, Kohle's resilience is evident. As an engineering grad with aspirations for physiotherapy school, his surgical timeline redirected him to a PhD candidate in rehab science. He discusses the hurdles younger adults encounter in a rehab as it is setup predominantly for seniors and del...

In this week's episode, we dive deep into the world of occupational therapy with Lindsay DeLong. Lindsay's journey spans from her foundational education to her innovative initiatives in the OT profession, particularly her unique focus on medical equipment. Having worked in a rehabilitation hospital, she specialized in inpatient brain injury rehabilitation, offering a wealth of insights into the day-to-day life and chall...

Join us on this week's episode featuring Navya Juneja, a university student and a patient partner living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. In this week's discussion, Navya candidly shares her journey, from the early symptoms to her recent diagnosis and the challenges of finding the right medications. Natasha and Navya delve into essential topics, such as university accommodations compared to high school, providing pract...