Our Lupie LIfe

Hosts Kat and Mel welcome their older sister Jen to share her story: diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 12, recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's, and the role she played in helping Kat get tested for lupus. They discuss diagnosis, treatment experiences, and the emotional impact of chronic illness. The conversation covers insulin pumps and CGMs, fatigue, stigma, hormone effects, insurance struggles, a young heart attack, and strategies for self-care and alternative treatments. They also explore family patterns of autoimmunity, share statistics and resources, and invite listeners to join the community, share stories, and celebrate small wins.

In this episode, Kat and Mel explore Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month for March, sharing research-backed statistics about the 80–150 autoimmune conditions that affect roughly 10% of the global population. They explain how autoimmune diseases work, highlight the most common conditions worldwide, and discuss geographic and demographic trends. The hosts also preview upcoming guest interviews, celebrate advocates and public figures with autoimmune conditions, and offer practical self-advocacy tips for navigating healthcare. Resources and encouragement to share listener stories round out the episode.

sisters candidly discuss dating, relationships, and parenting while living with chronic illness. They cover when to disclose a diagnosis, handling casual and committed relationships, managing guilt and expectations, and the importance of self-care and finding supportive partners. The episode includes personal stories, survey statistics about lupus and relationships, and encouragement to seek support and prioritize self-love during February.

In this first episode, sisters Kat and Mel introduce themselves and share their journeys with lupus and related health challenges — from Kat’s spinal fusion and long recovery to Mel’s kidney involvement, arrhythmia, and life as a parent with chronic illness. They talk symptoms, tests, treatments, setbacks, and small victories. Listen for honest conversation about coping, managing flares, and building community — and an invitation for listeners to share their own stories and suggestions for future episodes.

Hello and welcome to our podcast! We are Kat and Mel, sisters living with lupus. We share our real-life experiences, struggles, accomplishments, and day-to-day life with chronic illness. Our goal is to offer support, raise awareness, and inspire others living with chronic illness — so you know you are not alone. If you like our vibe, stay and listen for a while.