Hello! Welcome back to <a href="http://www.jessbrien.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">That’s So Chronic</a>. Thanks for being so patient with me as I took a little break to get my health back on track. And we are back, baby! Better than ever. It's nice to see you again. Today we are heading to Adelaide through the power of the internet, where I sat down with burlesque performer, producer and teacher Diana Divine to chat about her diagnosis of Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. In this episode we chat about her journey to a diagnosis, why it’s important to get a good GP, how she felt accepting the use of mobility aids (oh hey Dick and Betty!*), what it’s like being a burlesque dancer with a chronic illness, and we wonder why people feel the need to be rude.&nbsp; *personal joke, you’ll understand when you listen! I’ve been in Adelaide so many times and we hadn’t managed to cross paths yet, so I loved getting to know Diana Divine during this chat, and I know you will too. Follow Diana Divine on instagram: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/dianadivineburlesque" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@dianadivineburlesque</a>&nbsp; And for more information about Singin’ In The Pain - an award winning chronic illness cabaret head to @disabilitycabaret on instagram. And of course, you can always go and give us a cheeky follow, we’re <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a>&nbsp; If you’re new around here and you enjoyed this episode, make sure you press that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. That really helps TSC get into more ears around the world to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… Hope. <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a> | <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jessssbrien" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@jessssbrien</a> | #thatssochronic Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: <a href="https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9</a>&nbsp; Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Diana Divine & Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)

Hi everyone! Just a quick episode this week to deliver a PSA... I'm taking a couple of weeks off! I'm getting my MS treatment next week, and it's a pretty big infusion that knocks me out, so I trying to be kind to myself and take a little breather. Which is kind of scary! Because what if you all forget about me?! But hopefully my infusion goes well and I'll be back in no time. You can use this time to catch up on any episodes that you might have missed, and you'll be hearing from me very soon! I'm still going to be over on instagram though, so make sure you follow <a href="www.instagram.com/ThatsSoChronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@ThatsSoChronic</a> for all the latest updates. As always, I really appreciate your support of TSC from all around the world. It's really helpful if you press subscribe or follow and leave a review! <a href="www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a> | <a href="www.instagram.com/jessssbrien" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@jessssbrien</a> | #thatssochronic Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: <a href="https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9 " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9 </a>

I've got a PSA!

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic. Today’s episode is coming to you from a bright yellow van named Maxwell, with Lauren Cayford. Lauren was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma at the end of 2019, which is what we are chatting about today. In today’s episode Lauren talks about the road to her diagnosis, the process of going through IVF, how her mind and body handled chemotherapy, what happens to friendships when suddenly you’re the friend with cancer, and, she explains how she found out about That’s So Chronic… there might have been a panic attack involved! (Sorry, Lauren!) Find Lauren on instagram: <a href="www.instagram.com/laurenrosecayford&nbsp;" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@laurenrosecayford&nbsp;</a> I loved getting to meet Lauren, and I know you will love this episode too… Even with the sounds of cars passing us by! And as always, let me know what you think of the episode! I’m <a href="www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a> on instagram. If you’re new around here and you enjoyed this episode, make sure you press that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. That really helps TSC get into more ears around the world to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… Hope. <a href="www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a> | <a href="www.instagram.com/jessssbrien" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@jessssbrien</a> | #thatssochronic Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: <a href="https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9&nbsp;" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9&nbsp;</a> Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Lauren Cayford & Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic. Today I sat down on video call with Hayley Cockman, who was diagnosed with premature menopause - or primary ovarian insufficiency as it is called nowadays - when she was only 14 years old.&nbsp; In today’s episode Hayley talks us through her diagnosis, what that meant for her growing up, why she kept it a secret for so long, some tips and tricks to menopause, her adoption journey and why she has been inspired to start sharing her story publicly. It’s a big one! There are so many gems of wisdom in this episode, and I can’t wait for you all to listen. To read more about Hayley’s story, check out her blog: <a href="https://hayleysmenopause14.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hayleysmenopause14.blogspot.com</a> And make sure you follow her journey on instagram: <a href="www.instagram.com/prematuremenopause14" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@prematuremenopause14</a> If you want to reach out, you can find me <a href="www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a> on instagram. I love hearing from you all! I also love to see where you’re listening to the pod, so feel free to tag me in your pictures.&nbsp; If you’re new around here and you enjoyed this episode, make sure you press that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. That really helps TSC get into more ears around the world to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… Hope. <a href="www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a> | <a href="www.instagram.com/jessssbrien" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@jessssbrien</a> | #thatssochronic Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: <a href="https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9</a>&nbsp; Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hayley Cockman & Premature Menopause  at 14 (Primary Ovarian Insufficiency) 

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic. Today I am bringing you an interview with ‘aging acrobat’ (his words!) Joshua Phillips. Back when Joshua was around 11 or 12 he was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD. In this episode we chat about his diagnosis, what obsessions and compulsions are like for him, we discuss the misinformation floating around about OCD, and there’s even a message for Kylie Minogue. I consider Josh to be a really good friend, and when he messaged me to be interviewed on That’s So Chronic that was the first time I had ever heard him talk about OCD. I feel really honoured that he trusted me and the That’s So Chronic community to share his story, and I love that I get to share it with all of you today. For more info about the ‘97 movie As Good As It Gets: <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119822/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119822/</a> PS I did watch it… It’s definitely dated, but it holds up okay. It was interesting! The episode of Scrubs with Michael J Fox that is mentioned is: ‘My Catalyst’ <a href="https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/scrubs/episodes/s3-e12" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">season 3 episode 12</a> And I recommend following Joshua on instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/joshuakirayoshi/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@joshuakirayoshi</a> it's truly amazing the things he creates and the tricks he performs! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with everyone! Tag me (<a href="www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a>) in a pic of you listening. I love to see it! And don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and leave a review. That really helps TSC get into more ears around the world, to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… Hope. <a href="www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a> | <a href="www.instagram.com/jessssbrien" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@jessssbrien</a> | #thatssochronic Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: <a href="https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9</a>&nbsp; Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Joshua Phillips & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic. Ohhh this episode is a big one!! Today I sat down with Lauren Dewhirst during a rainy Dunedin day. Lauren was finally diagnosed after years of uncertainty with mcEDS - musculocontractural ehlers danlos syndrome. There are 13 different subtypes of EDS and mcEDS is very rare. At the time of recording, Lauren is one of two people living with this diagnosis in New Zealand. It’s kind of like a “That’s So Chronic exclusive” if you will!&nbsp; Lauren also has a variety of other diagnoses - including anaphylaxis, arthritis, mast cell activation syndrome, osteopenia, and gastroparesis which we will talk about today.&nbsp; In this episode Lauren shares the journey to her diagnosis, explains what anaphylaxis feels like, gives us an insight into the countless hospital admissions she has experienced, and teaches us the ins and outs of life with a feeding tube.&nbsp; Content warning: throughout this episode we do talk about death, which might be distressing to some listeners. It has been a real honour getting to know Lauren, and I think the episode really speaks for itself. I can’t wait for you to listen! If you want to reach out feel free to send me and email, or a DM on instagram: <a href="www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a> and tag a pic of you listening to the podcast! I love seeing and hearing from you all! If you enjoyed this episode make sure you subscribe on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify and leave a glowing review! That really helps us get into more ears around the world to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… hope. <a href="www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a> | <a href="www.instagram.com/jessssbrien" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@jessssbrien</a> | #thatssochronic Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: <a href="https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9</a>&nbsp; Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Lauren Dewhirst & Musculocontractural Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (mcEDS)

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic. Today you are in for a treat as I interview my friend Abbie Madden. Abbie was born with congenital glaucoma, which has led to a variety of different diagnoses for her eyes. This hasn’t stopped her though! Abbie has traveled the world, founded a circus and dance company called Blindful, and has most recently been awarded Arts Access Australia’s National Leadership Award… Yeah! She’s a pretty big deal! In this episode Abbie talks us through her diagnoses, fills us in on the time she washed a contact lens down the drain, how her company Blindful came to be, and she has a message to everyone with 20/20 vision.&nbsp; You can find out more about Blindful and the work Abbie does for accessibility over on instagram <a href="www.instagram.com/bliindful&nbsp;" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@bliindful&nbsp;</a> Here’s a link explaining what Arts Access Australia’s awards are all about: <a href="https://artsaccessaustralia.org/celebrating-outstanding-achievement-at-the-2020-national-arts-and-disability-awards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://artsaccessaustralia.org/celebrating-outstanding-achievement-at-the-2020-national-arts-and-disability-awards/</a> Find out more information about the term “legally blind” or to book an eye test at <a href="www.specsavers.co.nz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">specsavers.co.nz</a>&nbsp; And as always, feel free to reach out to me, I’m <a href="www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a> on instagram Anyone still reading? Do people read the show notes?! If you are still here and you've been enjoying That's So Chronic, I would really appreciate you shouting it from the rooftops! Take a photo of you listening, or screenshot you listening on your fave podcast app and tag That's So Chronic! The support has been overwhelming, and I can't wait to reach more ears around the world... To hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly... hope. <a href="www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a> | <a href="www.instagram.com/jessssbrien" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@jessssbrien</a> | #thatssochronic Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: <a href="https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9</a>&nbsp; Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Abbie Madden & Congenital Glaucoma

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic! Today I sat down with a cup of tea to chat to Dearna Doglione all about borderline personality disorder. Content warning: this episode talks about mental health and suicidal thoughts. In today’s episode Dearna shares the journey it took for her to get a diagnosis, she explains what her symptoms look like, the importance of having a good GP, and she leaves us with a message of hope that everything will be okay… Which we learn is something she didn’t always believe. I feel truly honoured that Dearna trusted me and That’s So Chronic to share her story. Dearna and I had a conversation after she listened to Morgan’s episode about coeliac disease, and she wondered why we couldn’t talk about mental health in the same way… I then got another message from her saying that maybe she could help change that, and that she was ready to share her story. If this episode brings anything up for you please remember you can always free text or call 1737 here in New Zealand to talk to a trained counsellor at any time. If you want to reach out, feel free to message me on instagram <a href="www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a> and don't forget to subscribe, follow, rate and review! That truly helps me get into more ears around the world to hopefully spread awareness... and more importantly, hope. <a href="www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a> | <a href="www.instagram.com/jessssbrien" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@jessssbrien</a> | #thatssochronic Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: <a href="https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9</a>&nbsp; Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Dearna Doglione & Borderline Personality Disorder

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic. Today’s episode is super exciting for me as I have had Olivia Odey on my wish list since the very first idea of making this podcast! Today she shares with us how she came to be diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome and neural sensitisation syndrome. It's a goodie! In this episode Liv talks us through what happened that day at high school when she suddenly couldn’t use her legs anymore, the months she spent in a wheelchair with doctors unsure what was going on, what happened when she was finally diagnosed, and how she manages her pain. I feel very grateful to be telling her story, and if you want to find out more you can find Liv on instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://open.acast.com/shows/5f5ecee581d7b1132d35e681/episodes/www.instagram.com/oliviaodey%C2%A0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@oliviaodey</a> Here's the viral video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xfDV8YiDXo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xfDV8YiDXo</a> We don’t mention it in the episode, but she also has an recipe ebook out called “Sweet Dreams” which you can check out here:&nbsp;<a href="https://open.acast.com/shows/5f5ecee581d7b1132d35e681/episodes/www.payhip.com/b/qYaC" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">payhip.com/b/qYaC</a> As always, if you want to reach out you can find me&nbsp;<a href="https://open.acast.com/shows/5f5ecee581d7b1132d35e681/episodes/www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a>&nbsp;on instagram, or send me an email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hello@jessbrien.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hello@jessbrien.com</a> I’m always looking for more people to interview! So if you want to share your story here's an application form:&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9%C2%A0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9&nbsp;</a> <a href="https://open.acast.com/shows/5f5ecee581d7b1132d35e681/episodes/www.instagram.com/thatssochronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thatssochronic</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.acast.com/shows/5f5ecee581d7b1132d35e681/episodes/www.instagram.com/jessssbrien" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@jessssbrien</a>&nbsp;| #thatssochronic &nbsp; Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Olivia Odey & Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Neural Sensitisation Syndrome

A weekly podcast where performer, writer, and MS-er Jess Brien interviews people from around the world that are thriving - and sometimes only just surviving - with chronic illnesses, life changing injuries and potentially disastrous diagnoses. In each episode we discover the positive, difficult, inspiring and random things as we dive deeper into the guests' lives. @thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic Cover art: Molly's Pink CreativeMusic: Omar Chakor Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

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