Jess Gregory: Using Poetry to Heal From Medical Gaslighting

Welcome Jess Gregory In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast, Alycia Anderson chats with Jess Gregory, a disabled poet, writer, and patient advocate who uses her experiences with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and medical gaslighting to fuel her poetry and advocacy work. Jess, author of Burns Unit: Poetry to Heal the Wounds of Medical Gaslighting, shares her journey from undiagnosed illness to becoming a powerful voice in the disability community. She discusses the challenges of living with a rare condition, the importance of believing patients, and how she channels her experiences into her writing to inspire and educate others. Jess opens up about her diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a complex connective tissue disorder that is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. She recounts her struggles with the medical system, where her symptoms were frequently dismissed or misunderstood, leading to years of pain and uncertainty. Through her poetry, Jess found a way to process her experiences and advocate for better understanding and treatment of chronic illnesses. This episode also explores Jess's advice for others facing similar challenges and her hopes for how her work can influence both the medical community and the general public. Her poetry serves not only as an outlet for her own experiences but also as a beacon of hope for others who feel silenced by their conditions. Key Moments: –Jess's Journey with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome –The Inspiration Behind "Burns Unit" –Using Poetry to Heal and Advocate –Challenges in the Medical System –Advice for Patients and Medical Professionals Skip to: [3:12] - Jess shares her journey with undiagnosed Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and the impact of medical gaslighting. [10:45] - The inspiration behind Burns Unit and how writing became a form of therapy for Jess. [15:30] - Jess discusses the importance of disability-informed therapy and finding the right support. [21:20] - A powerful reading from Burns Unit that resonates with many living with chronic illness. [28:55] - Jess’s advice for the medical community on how to better support patients with rare diseases. Quote: "Your shame will turn to rage. Your rage will turn to action. Your action will turn to change. Your change will turn to progress." - Jess Gregory Connect with Jess Gregory: Jess Gregory's Website | Instagram | Burns Unit Book: Purchase on Amazon Connect with Alycia: Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series | Feedback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices