An Interview with Tessa: Living with Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

 What if the doctor tells you there's nothing wrong, but you know that there is? What if you spend two years being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and left without answers, all while living in some of the most excruciating pain imaginable? That's exactly what today's guest, Tessa, experienced when she was eventually diagnosed with glossopharyngeal neuralgia, a rare and devastating nerve condition sometimes known as the suicide disease. Tessa is a psychologist who specialises in chronic illness, eating disorders, and disability, so she brings not only her clinical expertise to this work, but her own profound lived experience as someone navigating multiple invisible and dynamic disabilities. In today's episode, Tessa takes us through her long road to diagnosis, the reality of living with chronic-- the reality of living with constant chronic pain, and what it means to be both the provider and the patient. She shares the tools and boundaries that help her live well, the unique gifts and challenges of working in a space you've personally inhabited, and why finding your howl-at-the-moon person might be one of the most important things that you can do. We hope you enjoy this episode. ⁠⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠⁠⁠But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)⁠⁠Webinars and Resources⁠If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit⁠ ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠⁠.⁠⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠⁠