The Medical Maze

Anja Vesterhus Knustad, also known as this.is.the.illness.m.e on social media, sat down with us to discuss her diagnostic journey with M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis). In this episode you'll learn what M.E. is, the signs and symptoms to look out for and how to discuss this condition with your doctor. Follow Anja on social media for extra support, guidance and community on this topic.

In this episode, we’re joined by Kendra DePinto, better known as The Accessible Chef or @Kendrawesomeness on social media, who shares her inspiring journey as a chef living with a chronic illness. Kendra opens up about the unique challenges she faces in the kitchen and offers practical tips on how to make cooking accessible and enjoyable, even when managing health obstacles. From simple, time-savi...

Hear from our guest Nathaly on how she fought for answers in Bolivia! Nathaly finally got diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and opens up about her couple year journey and mental health battle while awaiting an accurate diagnoses. She shares tips and tricks on managing daily symptoms, diet and what tests to ask your provider for. 

Kaleigh details her years long battle of finding a diagnosis, going to several medical systems and even dealing with lost medical tests. A fan favorite on Tiktok at @chronic.kaleigh, Kaleigh often chronicles others stories who have been medically mislead. You can also find Kaleigh as an advocate on the MedDefend App! 

We sat down with Maggie, @thehypermobilecpt to learn more about her diagnostic journey with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.  Maggie shares her experience growing up as a dancer and athlete, often times having to push through pain and symptoms she didn’t understand.  Now Maggie helps advocate for others on her TikTok where she shares her helpful binder for doctor’s appointments and gives tips t...

In this episode we sat down with our very own marketing associate, Val Soto! You can find her on social media at @OKAYVAL.  Val details the signs and symptoms she experienced with HS, how she manages symptoms in her day to day life and ways to advocate for yourself with HS. Val follows her passions, like being a DJ, and does not let HS stop her from living life - despite the amount of surgeries sh...

In this episode we sat down with Jaylun Moore, known as IBSurviving on social media. Jay educates us on the different types of IBS, what symptoms to look out for and remedies they've tried to alleviate symptoms. Jay also talks about staying positive and finding support through different outlets when experiencing chronic conditions.  If you want to follow Jay's journey or connect with her...

In this episode we sat down with Justin Pham (JP) or as we know him, @platinumkidney, on social media, to discuss his battle with kidney failure. JP shares his diagnostic journey, treatment plan and advice on navigating this disease and staying positive. Learn what symptom's to be aware of, how health insurance plays a role & what it's like being on a transplant list. JP (@platinumki...

We sat down with Justine Martin to discuss the lengths they've gone through fighting for an accurate diagnosis within the Canadian healthcare system. Justine has been active on social media under the username @hottie.autie.autie sharing advocacy tips and tricks, research on different chronic conditions and advice to her followers/community. In this episode, we learn about the primary care sho...

For our last episode of our introductory mini series we sat down with our COO, Jeremy Mitchell. Jeremy is a leader and advocate in the clinical research space, trying to diversify healthcare. He came onboard to MedDefend as he has seen too many times the healthcare system fail people close to him, because of bias in the system. 

Listen as Livie Hamilton explains her long and difficult journey to her endometriosis diagnoses. She details her experience with specialists, how endometriosis is properly diagnosed and provides resources for people going through similar journeys. We talk women's health, endometriosis and more!  You can follow Livie on TikTok where she shares more about her life, endometriosis and women'...

We sat down with Zahra (a popular TikToker @neurodivergentreader) to talk about her experience being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Zahra explains the healthcare systems in Denmark and England, and the issues she faced on her road to diagnosis. Zahra is a big advocate for those with neurodivergences and improving access to healthcare.  

We sat down with Kate Greenaway, known for her TikTok's about chronic illness, to learn more about her road to diagnosis, the challenges she faces and what the New Zealand healthcare system is like. Listen as she offers advice to patients and the medical community. 

Join us as we talk to Dr. Natalie Porter as she explains how she brings inclusive practices and active listening into how she treats her patients. Learn how physical therapy can benefit those with chronic pain, and how Dr. Natalie Porter navigates the healthcare system herself as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.  Want more information or loved the episode? Give Dr. Natalie Porter a shout on Lin...