0061: Rising from Chronic Illness (Part 1)

Rising from Chronic Illness: Dr. Samantha Sanderson Brown's MS Journey In this episode of Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z, host Dr. Christina Za Patella engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Samantha Sanderson Brown. Dr. Samantha shares her personal journey and experiences of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2017. They discuss the early symptoms, the challenges in getting a diagnosis, and how her life has been altered since. Samantha talks about her athletic background, the impact of chronic illness on her daily life, and her professional focus on helping athletes transition from sport using grief theory. This episode offers a deep insight into the silent struggles of chronic illness and the journey towards healing and acceptance. 00:00 Introduction to Phoenix Rising with Dr. Z 00:47 Meet Dr. Samantha Sanderson Brown 01:56 Samantha's Background and Journey 02:47 Living with a Chronic Illness 05:32 Early Symptoms and Initial Diagnosis 14:35 Navigating Life with MS 20:52 Internship at Mount Sinai 22:02 First Symptoms Appear 23:39 Seeking Medical Help 26:19 Misdiagnosis and Frustration 29:53 Comprehensive Testing 34:42 Diagnosis Confirmed