Imagine the moment: sitting in a doctor's office, hearing those words for the first time – "You have a chronic illness." What follows isn't just medical treatment, but an emotional journey through fear, confusion, and eventually, finding your way forward.

We've been in that exact seat, and in this heartfelt season opener, my Spoonie Sisters and I share the raw, unfiltered truth about our diagnosis experiences. Andi reveals how years of medical gaslighting led to a diagnosis only after a serious health crisis, while I found relief in finally having answers. Linnea opens up about the fear of following her mother's difficult RA journey, not realizing newer treatments would offer different possibilities.

The conversation dives deep into what we desperately wish someone had told us early on. "This is not your great-grandmother's disease," I share, reflecting on how outdated perceptions of arthritis initially terrified me. Andi emphasizes the life-changing power of finding community after years of isolation: "I encourage people, please find sisterhood and brotherhood so you don't spiral in self-isolation."

We tackle the challenges that follow diagnosis – from handling information overload to the frustration of constantly proving an invisible illness. "Just because I don't look ill doesn't mean I'm not ill," Andi explains, challenging the common misconception of what "sick" should look like.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into your journey, this episode offers both practical guidance and emotional support. Our shared experiences create a roadmap for navigating the complex terrain of chronic illness with dignity, self-compassion, and even joy. Because as we discover together, chronic illness changes how you move through the world, but it doesn't have to define your capacity for connection and happiness.

So, You’re Newly Diagnosed:

https://amzn.to/44Fpha

Imperfectly You:

https://amzn.to/4mgV5sC

Redefining Fine:

https://www.amazon.com/Redefining-Fine-Journey-Self-Care-Unshakable/dp/1300976810

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