Arthritis Life

From Marriage to Friendships: Reflections on Support Systems with Alice Getchell

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Arthritis Life Podcast, host Cheryl Crow welcomes back Alice Getchell to delve deeper into the topic of social support for those living with chronic conditions. Alice shares her journey with multiple health issues, including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Episode Notes

They discuss the complexities of managing overlapping conditions and the importance of a strong support system. Alice highlights the invaluable support she receives from her family, friends, church community, and online groups. They also talk about the challenges of explaining chronic illness to others, dealing with unsolicited advice, and finding comfort in relationships. This episode serves as a guide for both patients and their loved ones on fostering understanding and meaningful support.

Alice also discusses the significance of finding specialized support groups, such as the 'Rheum to Thrive' community, led by Cheryl. Both Cheryl and Alice stress the importance of open communication, patience, and understanding in building effective support systems. 

Episode at a glance:


 

Medical disclaimer: 

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Episode Sponsors

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!