In this episode, Gabi shares her journey of navigating life with spondyloarthritis and palatal tremor as a young adult in her 20s. She opens up about the challenges of getting a diagnosis after months of being dismissed and details her treatment journey, including having to stop methotrexate due to side effects.
Gabi highlights the accommodations that have been instrumental during her college experience, including adaptive tools and flexible scheduling. She shares how other young people with chronic illness can advocate for the accommodations they need to succeed in school.
Cheryl and Gabi also discuss the vital role of peer support groups, such as Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE program, and emphasize the importance of self-advocacy and maintaining a positive outlook.
For those newly diagnosed, Gabi offers invaluable advice: seek reputable resources, stay informed, and embrace the mindset that thriving with a chronic illness requires adapting, planning, and finding joy amidst challenges. This inspiring conversation celebrates resilience, community, and the power of living well with a chronic illness.
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.
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!