The Sick Invite Podcast

On today's episode, Lauren talks to us about her experience with Herpes. From misconceptions to finding community, Lauren enlightens us on this common, stigmatized virus.

On today's episode, Will talks to us about their experience with Phimosis and having a circumcision as an adult. In addition to the physical aspect of this experience, Will discusses his mental health and the toll this had on his identity.

Today's episode is the second of three that are being used for my Disability and Diversity Course. Thank you to Professor Andrew Marcum and CUNY School of Professional Studies for allowing me to share this data in an accessible platform so others have the opportunity to learn from these issues. If you haven't already, please check out our preview episode to hear more about why we chose to interview these three individuals. Topics include end of life care, grief, PTSD, therapy, funding and resources, turnover, pain, and more.

Today's episode is the second of three that are being used for my Disability and Diversity Course. Thank you to Professor Andrew Marcum and CUNY School of Professional Studies for allowing me to share this data in an accessible platform so others have the opportunity to learn from these issues. If you haven't already, please check out our preview episode to hear more about why we chose to interview these three individuals. Topics include: Nonverbal communication, stigma, STD's, agism, dangerous assumptions, exposure, education, and more.

Today's episode is the first of three that are being used for my Disability and Diversity Course. Thank you to Professor Andrew Marcum and CUNY School of Professional Studies for allowing me to share this data in an accessible platform so others have the opportunity to learn from these issues. If you haven't already, please check out our preview episode to hear more about why we chose to interview these three individuals. Topics today include non-verbal communication, grief, burnout, staffing issues, Covid-19, therapy, and more.

Over the next three weeks we will be posting three interviews with medical professionals that are being used for my Disability and Diversity Course. Thank you to Professor Andrew Marcum and CUNY School of Professional Studies for allowing me to share this data in an accessible platform so others have the opportunity to learn from these issues. Since the beginning of The Sick Invite Podcast, we have discussed my own adverse experience with medical professionals including my pain not being taken seriously, being underdiagnosed, being accused of drug seeking, among other issues. We quickly learned I was not alone in this experience, and after a year of hearing the same themes come up, I thought it would be helpful to research the problem further and hear from the professionals' experience, too. Topics that we'll be discussing include understaffing, lack of funding, lack of resources, lack of support, lack of mental health awareness, burnout, patient neglect, vague education in diseases, lack of continued education, “teaching an old dog new tricks”, and toxic workplace environments.

We're back! On today's episode, Kayla talks about our short hiatus, the importance of taking breaks, and prioritizing your mental health. Between moving into a new apartment and changing careers, all while flaring, these last few months have been overwhelming. Thanks for sticking around and supporting us through our new schedule. We love doing this podcast and look forward to more interviews!

On today's episode, Maura reflects on their childhood and their neurodivergent traits. We discuss masked autism and the incorrect assumptions about what autism looks like. Maura dicussses how her neurodivergence relates to her identity, and how these experiences have influenced her writing career. You can connect with Maura on Twitter @mauraleebee You can read more about masked autism here: https://devonprice.medium.com/wentworth-miller-mental-health-stigma-and-masked-autism-fc6642513fbc

On today's episode, Kayla and Ricky explain conservatorships- what they are, where they go wrong, and when they can actually be helpful. We talk about other celebrities with very public mental health crises who are also have been under conservatorships including Amanda Bynes and Brian Wilson. Topics include conservatorship abuse, theft, and forced treatment. See links below for sources of info: https://www.npr.org/2021/06/24/1009726455/britney-spears-conservatorship-how-thats-supposed-to-work https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7357836/britney-spears-joni-mitchell-conservatorship#:~:text=In%20December%201991%2C%20Beach%20Boys,musician's%20legal%20guardian%2C%20Eugene%20Landy. https://www.eonline.com/news/1125185/amanda-bynes-speaks-out-about-conservatorship-and-cost-of-treatment https://www.distractify.com/p/amanda-bynes-conservatorship https://www.npr.org/2021/08/12/1027223521/jamie-spears-steps-down-britney-spears-conservatorship https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1999/08/05/forced-treatment-doesnt-work/6554530d-885a-4f6e-983d-a6473fde0b1b/

On today's episode, Kelly talks to us about her experience giving birth to her daughter the first week of shut down during the COVID-19 Pandemic. She talks about the postpartum depression and rage she felt along with the sorrow from missing out on so many typical new parent experiences due to the pandemic. CONTENT WARNING: miscarriage, postpartum depression, covid-19.

On today's episode, Andrew talks to us about his experience with Celiac Disease and a growth hormone deficiency. We talk about how no one knew what gluten was in 2006, the negative connotations of Human Growth Hormone, and the stigma of being gluten free.

On today's episode, Danielle talks to us about her experience with ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) and how it relates to her anxiety and depression disorders. Danielle also talks to us from the perspective of a mother caring for a child who has Cerebral Palsy and other health issues.

You may recognize Kelcie from episode 9! We brought her back to celebrate one year of podcasting, and to discuss her experience as a Covid-19 Long Hauler. In addition to the physical aspect of long Covid, Kelcie opens up about the toll this traumatic, near-death experience has had on her mental health, and how she is learning to navigate the physical and mental changes since then.

On today's episode, Emily talks to us about her experience with grief, after losing her mother at a very young age, and how her grief presents itself at different milestones in her life. She also talks to us about her dealings with anxiety and an eating disorder, and how all three issues are connected.

On today's episode, Kristina talks to us about her lifelong experience with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). She tells us about the many ways OCD can present itself including intrusive thoughts, and how it disrupts her life.

Today we have a collaboration episode with The Hoppy Boys, Brendan and Brian! Brian talks to us about his experience with Anxiety, Depression, and newly diagnosed Autism and Brendan talks to us about his experience with Tourette Syndrome. Be sure to give The Hoppy Boys Podcast a listen, and look for our episode!

In today's episode, Kayla talks to us about her experience with Ocular Melanoma and how she is feeling now that she is cancer-free. From receiving radiation treatment along with several surgeries, to her career as a radiology tech during the Covid-19 pandemic, Kayla also discusses her mental health with us and how she manages her anxiety.

In today's episode, Keri talks to us about her traumatic brain injury after being hit by a tractor trailer. In addition to the physical aspects of her injury, Keri talks to us about her mental health navigating a suddenly acquired disability, and the difference between giving up and accepting your new reality.

In today's episode, Hail talks to us about finding out she had breast cancer while she was seven months pregnant. Between surgeries, treatments, mental health, and the birth of her second child, Hail walks us through her experience over the last three years, and how this still impacts her deeply.

In today's episode, Holly talks to us about her experience with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). She talks to us about the myths of PCOS such as people with the syndrome cannot have children or that birth control is a cure. For many people having a diagnosis leads to proper treatment, but Holly is still experiencing widespread symptoms. To learn more about PCOS, she has connected with people online who she calls her "cysters".

In today's episode, Pat talks to us about her experience with infertility and two premature births. She is candid with us about everything from the invasive questions and tests to racing across Long Island with her husband's semen for an insemination appointment. You may have heard about Pat on her daughter Alex's episode (ep.35), so as Ricky says, this is like a prequel episode!

In today's episode, Siv talks to us about her experience freezing her eggs.

In today's show, Kayla presents her final project on disability representation in media for her Embodiment and Disability course at CUNY School of Professional Studies. A few weeks ago we asked our listeners to send us examples of media that they thought represented disability. Today we will discuss films and shows that get it right, and where others went wrong. Check out all the citations for this episode here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_ZYDLh9BOI_J-knFtiML-cczm5AZ97hWi78WO1gGyzI/edit?usp=sharing

In today's episode, Kelly talks to us about the multiple surgeries she has had to have on her eye as a result of an airbag injury from a car accident when she was eleven years old.

In today's episode, Ally talks to us about her experience with Type 1 Diabetes. From chugging water from the bathroom sink to the politics of the cost of insulin, Ally enlightens us on the issues surrounding Diabetes. We encourage our listeners to check out Nick Jonas' foundation, Beyond Type 1. You can register through their grassroots platform to be connected with your local representative to help pass The Improving Social Determinants of Health Act of 2021, and keep up with other price capping bills.

On today's episode, Laura talks to us about her chronic illnesses including Supraventricular Tachycardia, premature atrial and ventricular beats, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gastritis, Vertical Heterophoria and PTSD. She discusses the frustrations of having an invisible illness, the guilt of being a chronically ill mom, and the difficulty of working a full-time job. Kayla and Laura reflect on how hard it can be to rely on your spouse for help, but how rewarding that relationship is, and that sick and disabled people are worthy of love.

On today's episode, Joanna talks to us about her 20+ years experience with Crohn's Disease. Joanna reflects on her diagnosis journey as a first-generation American and trying to translate medical terms to her parents as an eight-year-old, and her current journey through pregnancy during a pandemic. Joanna is this year's Honored Hero for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Take Steps Walk, please visit our Facebook or message us for the link to donate to her team!

On today's episode, Tara talks to us about her experience with Endometriosis, or like many in her situation, her "almost diagnosis" of Endometriosis. We discuss the difficulty in identifying and describing symptoms, and how that complicates receiving proper care. Additionally, Tara discusses the importance of feeling your emotions, including grief, and how she manages her anxiety and depression.

On today's episode, Kristen talks to us about their experience with Autism from two perspectives, as an autistic adult, and a parent of an autistic child. She discusses the diagnosis process, stigma, and the ableism she and her daughter, Ava, face. Kristin also talks to us about her experience with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

On today's episode, Sandi talks to us about their experience managing multiple chronic pain conditions, with the focus being on Fibromyalgia. We talk about imposter syndrome, not feeling sick enough to identify with the disabled community, and the grand sense of relief when you finally seek help within the community you belong to.

On today's episode, Alex talks to us about her experience with Graves' Disease, Anxiety and Depression, and what came first- "the chicken or the egg?" She discusses her traumatic experience as a teenager who was not believed, told to diet, exercise more, and "go enjoy your summer". Alex's experience of gaslighting paired with the lack of exposure and knowledge of anxiety and depression prolonged her diagnosis and healing, and is unfortunately a common theme among people with non-apparent illnesses.

On today's episode, John talks to us about his experience with Asperger's Syndrome. He tells us about things that bother him such as loud noises and rude behavior, along with things he loves such as jazz music, classic Disney films, and drawing (check our Instagram to see his art!). Also joining us is John's sister, Maria, who tells us a little more about Autism from the perspective of a sibling.

On today's episode, Nora talks to us about her experience with Hypothyroidism, which Ricky also has! The two of them compare their experiences regulating their hormones through high school and college. Nora also discusses her experience in the Peace Corps and healthcare in China including access to feminine care products and the lack of discussion of mental health.

On today's Episode, Lake talks with us about their experience with many mental and physical diagnoses and the difficulty of managing all of them at once. In this discussion, we focus on Ehler's Danlos Syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Bipolar 1, Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD. Lake offers great insight into identity struggles some disabled people face in terms of acceptance and accessibility into different communities, but also speaks as a queer person and discusses their experience with Gender Dysphoria. With many of these diagnoses being new, Lake talks to us about their internalized ableism they are working through and reflects on the gaslighting they experienced. CONTENT WARNING: Suicide, Self Harm, Eating Disorders, Sexual Abuse, Substance Abuse.

On today's show Sarah talks to us about her experience with Ulcerative Colitis, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Major Depression and Anxiety. She details her intrusive thoughts and gives us a better look at what OCD actually looks like. Sarah tells us everything about her treatments from colonoscopies to her stay at a psychiatric hospital, and how she wishes more people in her life would ask about these experiences.

On today's show we have Andy on to talk to us about his experience with migraines and anxiety. He manages both without medication and has learned to listen to his body to, if possible, prevent episodes, and if not, understanding the signs and properly addressing them. He finds comfort in music (check out @abbandnyc!) and friendships, and reminds us that it is ok to rely on others for comfort.

On today's episode, Harry talks to us about his experience with Anxiety, Ulcers, a Hiatal Hernia, and GERD. Looking back on his own childhood, Harry can now identify that these issues along with other emotions he felt were anxiety-related, which reminds us again how important it is to have these conversations and properly address our health

On today's episode, Brianna talks to us about her experience with Bipolar 1, and how her profession as a social worker helps her navigate her mental illness. Brianna also has PTSD and talks to us about the traumatic event she experience in college, and how she addresses it still today. CONTENT WARNING: Self harm, suicide, and sexual assault.

On today's episode, Allie talks to us about her experience with Crohn's Disease from the exclusion she felt as a teen, to the pressure of staying healthy to achieve her goals as a professional actor. Though Kayla and Allie have the same disease, their symptoms, medications, and journeys have been totally different so far.

On today's episode, Nelson talks to us about his experience with Antrochoanal Polyps and anxiety.

On today's episode, Andrea talks to us about her experience with a Pilonidal cyst, anxiety and depression.

On today's episode, Tina tells us "The Story of Hope" through her physical and emotional pain of endometriosis and fertility issues.

On today's show Alexis talks to us about her experience with Lupus, Lyme Disease, Anxiety and Depression.

Happy Holidays! On today's show we discuss the Christmas classic, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and the lessons it teaches on inclusion. We also chat about Peter Dinklage in Elf, Emelia Clarke in Last Christmas, Ali Stroker in Christmas Ever After, and other disability issues.

On today's show, we have Valerie on to discuss her experience with Dysmenorrhea, Flat Feet, and accommodations within the education system.

On today's episode Ayse talks to us about her experience with bilateral vocal fold polyps and how that impacted her as a vocal professional.

On today's episode Victoria talks to us about her experience with Multiple Sclerosis

On today's episode, Keith talks to us about his experience with Social Anxiety Disorder and Depression. We discuss different methods of treatment including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

On today's episode, Meghan talks to us about her experience with Vulvodynia, Vestibulitis, Vaginismus, and Chronic Pelvis Floor Dysfunction.

On today's episode, Kayla talks about her most recent monthly infusion and dealing with Arthritis.

On today's episode we have Gaby on to talk to us about her experience with ADHD, Binge Eating Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and how she copes with these issues through music with her band, AB. **"Please note Kayla's mic is really low in the first few minutes. It is fixed a few minutes into the episode." - Klaus, Producer