Living Chronic
Welcome to the Living Chronic Podcast, where we have real, raw, and honest conversations about life with chronic illness and disability. Hosted by Brandy Schantz, a disabled veteran and chronic illness advocate, this podcast explores the realities of navigating work, healthcare, and everyday life while managing a disability or chronic condition.
Each episode features insightful discussions with medical professionals, disability advocates, and individuals sharing their personal journeys. We tackle topics such as workplace accommodations, navigating the healthcare system, mental health, and breaking down societal barriers that often hold disabled individuals back.
Whether you're living with a chronic condition, supporting a loved one, or looking to create a more inclusive world, Living Chronic is here to provide knowledge, inspiration, and a sense of community.
Join us as we change the conversation around chronic illness—because thriving with a disability is not only possible but powerful.
Subscribe now and be part of the movement!
Living Chronic
Season 3 is coming soon
Brandy Schantz shares her journey of living with chronic illness and the challenges she faced in getting a proper diagnosis. After experiencing severe reactions to medication, she was diagnosed with drug-induced lupus and an unknown neurologic condition. She struggled with migraines, chest pain, vertigo, dizziness, and various other health issues. Eventually, she was diagnosed with autonomic dysfunction, cardiac autonomic neuropathy, small fiber neuropathy, pseudo motor dysfunction, orthostatic hypotension, and sleep apnea. Brandy emphasizes the need for better communication and diversity of thought within the medical community to improve patient care.
Takeaways
- Living with chronic illness can be challenging and exhausting, both physically and emotionally.
- Getting a proper diagnosis can take time and persistence, and it's important to advocate for oneself.
- The medical community needs better communication and diversity of thought to improve patient care.
- Patients should not be intimidated by doctors and should actively participate in their own healthcare.
- There is room for improvement in the medical system to provide better support and care for chronically ill individuals.
