Episode 98 - Feeling like one of the fastest kids on crutches

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, Natasha sits down with Kent Messner, who shares his inspiring journey of living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from childhood to adulthood. Kent discusses his early diagnosis, the challenges he faced using crutches during middle and high school, and the impact of bullying on his self-esteem. He reflects on his time in a rehabilitation center, his pursuit of education, including an undergraduate degree and an MBA, and how his experiences shaped his career at Penn Medicine. Kent also shares practical tools and strategies he uses to manage his condition daily, from surgeries to physical therapy and chiropractic care. Throughout the conversation, Kent emphasizes the importance of advocacy and support, offering valuable advice to young people with disabilities. His story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in embracing differences and the importance of community in navigating life with a chronic illness.