Part 1: Unveiling the Unseen: Aella's Fight for Diagnosis Amidst Medical Gaslighting

In this gripping episode of Occult Awareness, Aella Askew bravely shares her harrowing journey through a maze of undiagnosed chronic illnesses and medical gaslighting.

From a childhood filled with pain and dismissed symptoms to a life-altering spine injury, Aella's resilience shines through as she fights for answers and validation. Join us as we delve into the complexities of invisible illnesses, the power of self-advocacy, and the importance of finding community and support. 

• Childhood and the Circus 
  • Aella Askew, a woman with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and other chronic illnesses, shares her lifelong struggle with pain and medical invalidation. 
  • Aella's journey took an unexpected turn when she joined the circus, where she found a sense of belonging among fellow misfits. However, her physical ailments worsened over time, leading to her semi-retirement in 2018.
• A Life-Altering Injury 
  • While working as a metal fabricator, Aella sustained a severe spine injury exacerbated by a chiropractor's mishandling, leaving her hospitalized and homeless.
  • Aella describes her struggles after the injury, including homelessness, reliance on Medicaid and disability benefits, and the challenges of finding affordable housing. 
• Medical Gaslighting and Misdiagnosis
  • Aella discusses her experiences with medical invalidation and misdiagnosis.
  • Aella talks about her advocacy efforts and how she became her own "mama bear" in seeking answers and support. 
  • She discovered the importance of community and connected with others with EDS, learning about ring splints and other resources.
• PANS/PANDAS Diagnosis
  • Aella shares her various diagnoses, including PANS/PANDAS, a neuroinflammatory disorder that can cause a range of symptoms. 
  • She discusses the cause of her PANS/PANDAS and the challenges of managing its symptoms, such as OCD, rage attacks, and tics.
• Ongoing Challenges and Medical Gaslighting 
  • Aella expressed her frustration with the medical system and the lack of understanding and validation she receives from doctors. 
  • She details specific instances of being dismissed and misdiagnosed, highlighting the impact this has on her mental and emotional well-being.
• Living with Chronic Pain and its Impact on Daily Life 
  • Aella discusses the difficulties of finding effective treatments and the constant struggle to manage her symptoms. 
  • She also shares her experiences with physical therapy and the limitations she faces due to her condition.

Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that sheds light on many's unseen struggles.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to today's interview
• 1:39 Childhood and the Circus
• 1:54 PANS/PANDAS Diagnosis and Ongoing Challenges
• 7:38 A Life-Altering Injury
• 14:45 Medical Gaslighting and Misdiagnosis
• 27:03 PANS/PANDAS Diagnosis
• 34:18 Ongoing Challenges and Medical Gaslighting
• 44:36 Living with Chronic Pain and the Impact on Daily Life