In this conversation, Marti (@martis_mslife) shares her journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) and trigeminal neuralgia. She discusses her diagnosis, the lack of symptoms prior to her diagnosis, and the psychological toll of not being believed by doctors. Marty also talks about her experience with trigeminal neuralgia, a condition known as the 'suicide disease' due to its intense pain. She shares how therapy and the online chronic illness community have helped her cope mentally. Marti discusses her treatment plan, including medication and holistic approaches such as diet and exercise. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of exercise and supplements for managing chronic illness, the issue of medical gaslighting, the lack of accessibility for people with disabilities, and advice for those newly diagnosed and for those without chronic illness to show grace and kindness.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:15 Diagnosis and Backstory
03:06 The Psychological Toll of Not Being Believed
06:54 Finding Support in Therapy and Online Communities
13:22 Taking an Active Role in Healthcare
17:38 The Benefits of a Holistic Approach to Treatment
24:44 Managing Chronic Illness: The Role of Exercise and Supplements
26:33 The Issue of Medical Gaslighting
33:19 The Lack of Accessibility for People with Disabilities
39:33 Advice for the Newly Diagnosed
41:31 Showing Grace and Kindness to Those with Chronic Illness