The Chronic Fighter

What is it really like to navigate chronic illness while being a college athlete, and what is it like to support a friend through it?In Episode 4 of The Chronic Fighter, I sit down with two of my best friends and former college soccer teammates, Carly and Syd. They saw firsthand how much my health changed throughout college, from playing collegiate soccer to becoming bedridden.We talk about the realities of balancing athletics and chronic illness, learning when to listen to your body, the power of opening up and letting others support you, the fear of being a burden, and what it really looks like to be there for a friend through different seasons.This conversation is a reminder that good friends see the person, not just the illness. What You'll Hear in This Episode01:25 – Welcome and introducing my friends, Carly and Syd03:44 – How my health changed from freshman to sophomore year of college09:58 – Opening up to my friends about my health16:28 – The impact of sharing my story online21:15 – How my torn labrum impacted my soccer career and health28:14 – How I had to fuel my body to play soccer35:45 – Behind the scenes of an athlete with chronic illness43:24 – What soccer meant to me49:34 – How my friends really felt about my health55:07 – Advice on how to support a friend with chronic illness1:04:39– What chronic illness has taught us1:06:41 – Looking back on our college experiencesBiggest Takeaways✔  Chronic illness can change from season to season. Your health, abilities, and needs can look completely different at different points in your life.✔ You don’t always know what someone is going through. So much of what it takes to manage chronic illness happens behind the scenes, even when someone looks okay from the outside.✔ Needing support doesn’t make you a burden. You don't have to hide what you're going through because you’re afraid of holding others back. Opening up about your health can help the people closest to you understand and support you better.✔ Wins can look different with chronic illness. On a difficult health day, getting to the kitchen, eating a good meal, making dinner, or finding one small thing that brings you joy can be a win. ✔ Supporting a friend doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the most meaningful support is simply reaching out, listening, and letting someone decide how much they want to share. ✔ It’s okay for your passions to evolve. What gives you a sense of purpose may look different throughout each stage of life, but finding something you care about can bring joy and direction, especially when other parts of life feel uncertain. Resources MentionedThe Chronic Fighter: Health coaching, membership, and additional resources: https://thechronicfighter.comBusiness & Coaching Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfightercoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfightercoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfightercoThreads: https://www.threads.net/@thechronicfightercoPodcast SocialsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterpodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterpodIf You Enjoyed This EpisodeI'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.Whether you’re navigating chronic illness yourself or supporting someone through it, I hope this episode is a reminder of how much connection, understanding, and support matter.Thank you for listening, and I'll see you in the next episode.

PNES can be confusing, overwhelming, and scary, especially when you're experiencing symptoms for the first time.In this episode of The Chronic Fighter, I'm sharing my personal experience with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), from experiencing three or more seizures a day to rarely experiencing episodes today. I'll break down what PNES is, how it differs from epilepsy, what was happening in my body during episodes, and the tools and support that played a major role in both my short and long-term recovery. I'll also share what I've learned about navigating unpredictable symptoms without letting them take over my life. While this episode focuses on my experience with PNES, you don't have to have PNES to take something away from this conversation. Many of the concepts I share around nervous system regulation can apply beyond PNES to experiences like dysautonomia (POTS), anxiety, panic attacks, chronic stress, overstimulation, or feeling constantly on edge. This episode is everything I wish I had known when I first developed PNES. I hope it helps you better understand what's happening in your body, gives you practical tools to move forward, and reminds you that you are not alone in this.PNES is real, your symptoms are valid, and there is hope for moving forward.What You'll Hear in This Episode01:26 – What PNES is, the different terms used to describe it, and how it relates to FND03:41 – My first PNES episode and what it was like experiencing multiple long-lasting seizures05:53 – Getting evaluated, EEG testing, and understanding the difference between PNES and epilepsy07:00 – Why PNES is real, valid, and not simply "all in your head"07:44 – Recognizing my symptoms, auras, and early warning signs08:45 – Understanding how both physical and mental stressors can trigger PNES09:37 – Why excitement and positive changes can also overwhelm the nervous system10:40 – What happens in the body during a PNES episode and the role of survival mode11:53 – Why physical regulation can be more helpful than simply trying to "think positive"12:37 – Cold exposure, vagus nerve stimulation, distraction, and other tools I use15:55 – Breathing exercises, staying calm, and changing how we respond to episodes17:05 – Long-term recovery and finding a provider who understands PNES18:52 – Resources for finding PNES specialists19:21 – Addressing underlying health issues, lifestyle habits, and overall stress21:36 – The "stress bucket" analogy and why symptoms aren't always caused by one trigger22:28 – Learning to live my life without letting PNES dictate what I can do24:09 – My experience having PNES in public, while traveling, and at the airport25:31 – Practical safety tips and creating a behavioral response plan26:22 – Final thoughts and encouragementBiggest Takeaways✔ Your symptoms are real. PNES is a Functional Neurological Disorder. Unlike epilepsy, it isn't caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, but there is a problem with how the brain and nervous system are functioning. ✔ Think of your nervous system like a "stress bucket." Physical and/or emotional stressors can build up over time, and often it’s multiple things adding up until your nervous system reaches its limit and an episode occurs. ✔ How you respond to symptoms matters. Staying as calm as possible and having people around you do the same can help avoid adding more stress to an already overwhelmed nervous system. ✔ Regulation tools can help both in the moment and over time. Tools like cold exposure, breathing, and vagus nerve stimulation can help when symptoms arise and support regulation between episodes. ✔ Find the right support. A provider who understands PNES can help you make sense of your symptoms and create an individualized plan for recovery. ✔ PNES doesn't have to dictate your life. Learning how to safely navigate symptoms while continuing to get out of the house and do the things you love can be a huge part of taking back control. Resources Mentioned:The Chronic Fighter - Health coaching, membership, and additional resources: https://thechronicfighter.comNon-Epileptic Seizures - Find PNES providers by state: https://nonepilepticseizures.comFND Hope - Support and resources for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND):  https://fndhope.orgNational Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) – Find specialized epilepsy centers for further evaluation and care: https://naec-epilepsy.orgBusiness & Coaching Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfightercoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfightercoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfightercoThreads: https://www.threads.net/@thechronicfightercoPodcast Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterpodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterpodIf You Enjoyed This EpisodeI'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.Whether you're living with chronic illness yourself or walking alongside someone who is, I hope this episode reminds you that you don't have to navigate this journey alone.Thank you for listening, and I'll see you in the next episode.

Living with chronic illness doesn't just affect the person who's sick. It affects the entire family.In this episode of The Chronic Fighter, I'm joined by my parents, Dan and Missy, to share our family's story from all three perspectives.For more than 20 years, they walked beside me through unanswered questions, countless doctor's appointments, hospital visits, and years of being told my symptoms were "just anxiety." We reflect on what it was really like navigating a healthcare system that couldn't see the full picture, the lessons we learned along the way, and why our journey inspired us to create The Chronic Fighter.We'll also talk about why purpose became such an important part of my healing, how we learned to navigate uncertainty, and the advice we'd give to both families and young people living with chronic illness today.If chronic illness has impacted your life, or the life of someone you love, this episode is for you.What You'll Hear in This Episode01:26 – Welcome and introducing my parents, Missy and Dan03:08 – My health journey and how my diagnoses finally connected06:57 – Navigating the healthcare system, functional medicine, and becoming my own advocate22:39 – The biggest misconceptions about my health, PNES, and nervous system tools28:13 – Why soccer and maintaining normalcy became such an important part of my healing30:35 – What my parents were going through behind the scenes and the emotional toll36:00 – Overcoming isolation, finding support, and building a community42:31 – Living with uncertainty, taking things one step at a time, and focusing on what we can control45:53 – Why my anxiety was misunderstood, handling academic pressure, and removing the "Type A" label49:49 – Managing missed school, accommodations, and communication with teachers54:45 – What changed when I finally stopped hiding my chronic illness and embraced my story59:56 – Advice for parents, caregivers, and young people living with chronic illness1:03:59 – Why we created The Chronic Fighter and our shared mission to help othersBiggest Takeaways✔ Chronic illness impacts the entire family. It’s just as important for caregivers to have a support system, as it is for the child.✔ Trust yourself when advocating for your health or your child’s health. You know your situation and needs better than anyone else.✔ Helping your child find their passion is vital for building an identity beyond their illness, and having a reason to get out of bed every day.✔ Healing isn't linear. Flares and setbacks are part of the journey, and learning to respond to them without panic can keep one hard day from feeling like you’re starting over.Resources Mentioned:The Chronic Fighter: https://thechronicfighter.comBusiness & Coaching Socials: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterco Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechronicfighterco Podcast Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterpodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterpodIf You Enjoyed This Episode I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.Whether you're living with chronic illness yourself or walking alongside someone who is, I hope this episode reminds you that you don't have to navigate this journey alone.Thank you for listening, and I'll see you in the next episode.

For as long as I can remember, chronic illness has been part of my life.I've experienced everything from debilitating stomach pain and migraines to fainting episodes and non-epileptic seizures. For years, I felt alone, misunderstood, and unsure if I'd ever be able to live the life I dreamed of.But here's what I've learned:Your diagnosis does not define your future.In this very first episode of The Chronic Fighter, I'm sharing some of my story, why I started this podcast, and the mission behind creating a space for teens and young adults living with chronic illness.We'll talk about what it really means to become a "chronic fighter", not by pushing harder or ignoring your body's needs, but by learning to work with your body so you can build a meaningful life alongside chronic illness.If you've ever felt like life is on hold until you finally get answers, this episode is for you.What You'll Hear in This Episode00:00 – Welcome to The Chronic Fighter and my mission02:32 – Why I started this podcast03:49 – My personal journey living with chronic illness since birth05:34 – Why I created The Chronic Fighter coaching community07:20 – Why I stopped hiding my health struggles08:14– The trap of "destination addiction" and waiting for life to begin09:12 – The advice from my aunt that gave me the confidence to start this podcast10:19 – What you can expect from future episodes (solo episodes & guest interviews)11:21 – The three lessons I wish I'd learned sooner about living with chronic illness12:08 – Upcoming episodes and what's nextMy Three Biggest Lessons✔ There will never be a perfect time. Life doesn't begin after healing, it happens alongside it.✔ Self-trust matters more than having all the answers. You don't need permission to begin living your life.✔  Being a fighter doesn't mean pushing through pain. It means learning how to support your body while continuing to pursue the life you want.What's Coming NextI'll be bringing you a mix of solo episodes and conversations with incredible guests who understand the realities of living with chronic illness from different perspectives.In the next few episodes, we'll explore:Raising a Child with Chronic Illness: Our Family’s StoryUnderstanding PNES: From 3 Seizures a Day to Reclaiming My LifeNavigating Friendships with Chronic IllnessAs the podcast continues, we'll cover topics including:Reducing medical anxietyNervous system regulationPersonalized nutritionManaging chronic illness flaresNavigating the healthcare systemPurpose and identity beyond chronic illnessPractical tools to reclaim controlResources Mentioned:The Chronic Fighter: https://thechronicfighter.comJebeh Edmunds (Cultural Consulting): jebehedmunds.com Business & Coaching Socials: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterco Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechronicfighterco Podcast Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterpodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterpodIf You Enjoyed This Episode...I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use this reminder: You don't have to wait until you're healed to start living your life.Every small step forward matters, and I'm so grateful you're here. I can't wait to continue this journey with you.