Ep. 36 - Cheryl

Hello Hello! I’m Jess (insta: jess_and_elda) and this is Patient POV!

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Today we chatted with Cheryl (insta: @arthritis_life_cheryl) who shares her story with Rheumatoid Arthritis, PsA & AxSpa.

Cheryl’s Website: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/

Cheryl’s podcast: Arthritis Life

Notes from our conversation:

• Overview of chronic illness diagnoses and career path in occupational therapy.

• Mental Health and Chronic Illness - Discussion of stigma around mental health for those with chronic illnesses and techniques for acceptance. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework for accepting uncertainty and living according to values despite health issues. Book recommendation: The Happiness Trap

• Current Projects and Support - Details current arthritis support groups and self-management programs to help others thrive.

• Cheryl discusses going to therapy for short periods to treat acute conditions vs chronic conditions like arthritis that require ongoing management. Also touches on lack of access to OT/PT for arthritis patients. Cheryl explains initially not wanting to specialize in arthritis as an OT but getting frustrated by lack of education for arthritis patients. Decided to develop a self-management program.

• Service model and programs developed - Overview of the online self-paced course, support groups, and wellness consultations offered through Arthritis Life to help patients manage their condition.

• Gaps in care and 'donut hole' model - Explanation of the gaps in care between patients who are well-controlled and those needing intensive treatment, and how the program aims to help those in the 'middle'.

• Advice for newly diagnosed patients: Encouragement to balance a 'fixing' mindset with acceptance, focus on living with rather than fighting the condition, and breaking problems into small increments. Tips on managing anxiety in flares by focusing on getting through small increments of time rather than the future.