Chronic Illness Support: That Chronic Thing

If you have chronic illness and belly pain, a lot of this episode may sound familiar! Me? Oh I've been MIA with a Crohn's disease flare! In this episode I tell you all about it, including some basic definitions for IBS, Crohn's disease, and all the diagnostic tests.  Mentioned in the episode...  ** please discuss any diagnostic test and prescription medicine with your doctor if you...

In this episode of That Chronic Thing podcast, Cathy is joined by her friend Jess Gardner.  Jess is Reiki certified, she’s a poodle mama, disability advocate for EDS. Noonan syndrome, ME/CFS, dysautonomia and SFN. In addition, she is the proprietor and herbalist behind Muddy Roots, her business, where she serves up fire cider and plant based skin care for those local in Boston.  We chat about reik...

In this episode of Chronically Yours , a segment of That Chronic Thing podcast, Cathy reads a moving submission from JD Fraser, who lives with severe ME/CFS. JD shares the realities of life with a poorly understood chronic illness—housebound, isolated, and enduring years without meaningful medical treatment. Alongside her story, JD offers ways we can all help: learn about ME/CFS, show care through...

"So you're basically tired all the time?" No, it's #notjustfatigue.  In this episode of That Chronic Thing , Cathy chats with Elizabeth Ansell (Founder, Executive Director) of notjustfatigue.org , a site dedicated to the education and advocacy of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, or ME/CFS, an extremely debilitating illness.  → 75% of those affected are unable to attend school or work...

In this episode of That Chronic Thing , Cathy dives into the high cost of “inclusion” at a WNBA playoff game — literally. From $2,000 ADA seats to arenas telling disabled fans to “just show up and hope,” this story highlights how broken accessibility systems still are, even decades after the ADA. Cathy shares her personal experience as a fan with chronic illness and disability, the barriers that k...

It’s a solo episode! 🎙️ Today, we’re taking a trip back in time to January 2023, when I first shared my chronic illness story. So much has changed—my symptoms, my knowledge, even my podcasting style. But one thing remains the same: almost everyone with chronic illness starts in the Land of the Undiagnosed, not feeling well and searching for answers. In this episode, I’m revisiting my early experie...

In this episode of That Chronic Thing , I sit down with Kim to discuss her experiences navigating life with Cerebral Palsy, Celiac Disease, and Lupus. From the exhausting hoops disabled people have to jump through—like prioritizing health while risking financial aid—to the long and winding road of diagnosing chronic illness, Kim shares her journey with honesty and humor. But it’s not all medical t...

Introducing Chronically Yours, a new segment on That Chronic Thing podcast! This episode explores the power of sharing personal stories from the chronic illness community, ✨because every experience matters.✨ Our first story comes from Carrie Ferguson, (fairycerguson on Instagram ), who shares her journey of accepting an ME/CFS diagnosis and discovering the power of self-compassion.  f you’d like...

In this episode of That Chronic Thing , I talk with Jayne Mattingly about body grief—the losses we experience when our bodies change due to illness, disability, aging, or anything else life throws at us. Jayne shares how her own health journey led her to this work, how she chose the stories for her book, and why grief and hope aren’t opposites—they actually go hand in hand. We get personal, we get...

Managing chronic illness is already a full-time job, and keeping track of symptoms, medications, and doctor’s appointments can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I chat with Isabel from Guava Health about how their platform helps simplify the chaos. We talk about why symptom tracking actually matters, how to make medical records work for you, and the importance of advocating for your own care. Is...

In this episode of That Chronic Thing, I chat with Clark from Chronically the Sickest Podcast, and we dive into her "big three" and "little three" diagnoses (yep, there’s a Percy Jackson connection). We talk about managing chronic pain, sorting through overlapping symptoms, and the joys of willow bark tea when you're sick of popping pills. Clark shares how she juggles her...

This short and sweet solo episode features a few stories from Cathy's Instagram community!  I asked, tell me about a time that someone showed up for you unexpectedly and made a difference. Enjoy these stories and remind yourself: there are good, wonderful people in this world, and you are deserving of excellent care and support.  Featuring submissions from Instagram friends: → Misty @plantspe...

In this episode of That Chronic Thing, host Cathy chats with Dr. Talia, an inspiring digital creator who shares her journey of coping with multiple chronic illnesses. Dr. Talia discusses her experiences with perfectionism, the impact of chronic illness on mental health, and the importance of self-acceptance. Recently achieving her Ph. D. in clinical psychology, Dr. Talia offers insights into how t...

In this episode of That Chronic Thing, we welcome Jessica Graham, a trauma resolution guide, meditation teacher, author, and filmmaker. Celebrating the release of their latest book, Being (Sick) Enough, Jessica explores themes of invisible illness, chronic pain, childhood trauma, and resilience. They share their personal experiences with chronic illnesses and how it has influenced their life and w...

In this episode, we feature Lexy from the Chronic Chronicles podcast! 🎧 We chat about--  Lexy's personal journey with endometriosis and the challenges she faced in getting diagnosed and treated.  The difficulties of managing chronic illness while pursuing a demanding career path  The moment Lexy eventually accepting her condition. Experiences that led Lexy to start her podcast, focusing on c...

In this episode, I’m talking with my friend Nic, all the way from New Zealand. We dive into the ups and downs of life with chronic illness, from finding freedom in her wheelchair to the small joys her animals bring. It’s a conversation full of real talk, relatable moments, and the kind of stories that stick with you.   What’s in this episode: → 🐔 A chicken named Lola, heartbreak, and the glimmer...

In this episode, we sit down with Casey, a chronic illness warrior whose journey with MALS and comorbidities began in 2016. Despite facing her own health struggles, Casey found purpose and healing through helping others. From hospital celebrations to community support, Casey shares how she balances her passion for creating joy with the realities of chronic illness. → Casey shares how her health jo...

In this special episode, Cathy is interviewed by her longtime friend, Julie Jo, for an honest and entertaining discussion about life, chronic illness, and the importance of connection. → WHOOPS: I say that EBV was linked to MS in the past 5-10 years. I’m completely wrong. It was as early as the 1970s. → Early Signs of Chronic Illness: Cathy shares her struggles with undiagnosed IBS during college...

The holidays are here, bringing cinnamon scents, cozy vibes—and a whole lot of challenges when chronic illness is in the mix. In this episode, we unpack the messy feelings around holiday gratitude, share real-life stories from our listeners, and explore how to celebrate without overextending.  Plus, get inspired with simple, low-energy gift ideas to show your love without draining your spoons. Let...

In this deeply heartfelt episode, we celebrate the life and legacy of Sammy Lincroft, a cherished member of the ME/CFS community whose advocacy, knowledge, and friendship impacted thousands. Sammy was a beacon of hope, sharing invaluable resources, navigating the complexities of chronic illness, and connecting with others in a way that made everyone feel seen and valued. I’ll begin by sharing my p...

In this moving episode, I sit down with Keeley Shantz, a vibrant actor and storyteller who survived multiple strokes and turned her pain into a powerful mission. Keeley shares her journey from dancing in Iowa to pursuing acting in New York City, and how her life changed forever when she experienced a stroke while home alone. We talk about the raw, emotional details of that day—what it felt like to...

Hello my little ducklings! In this solo episode, I’m back after a few tough weeks, here to catch up and chat about life with ME/CFS, post-exertional malaise, and the ways I’ve been coping. From audiobooks (and my new “brain fog ratings” for each one) to podcasts that are giving me life, I’m sharing my latest finds and recommendations, including some great listens from Christina Applegate, Jamie Ly...

In this episode, Whitney Fox returns to discuss relationships with chronic illness and disability. Key takeaways include: → Whitney’s story: How she and her husband, Andrew, create shared experiences despite the challenges of chronic illness. → Partnership tips: Whitney provides insights on how couples can nurture connection, even when one partner is mostly homebound. → Caretaking dynamics: Andrew...

Audio problem? What audio problem?  A replay of an interview with Whitney Fox from May 2023. Sadly, as relevant as-ever! We talk about our fear of COVID, with the context that we’re already ill.  We chat about… → Whitney’s arrest story?! → What happens when you get COVID plus ME/CFS? → Going out in a COVID world when you have ME/CFS… → and more!  💌 Stay in touch with me at  @indoorcathy on Instag...

Hello my chickadees! In this episode of That Chronic Thing , we dive into the internal battery metaphor, a common way to explain energy depletion in ME/CFS. I share my experience attending a festival with my faulty battery and the onset of post-exertional malaise (PEM) that followed. We’ll discuss what PEM is, strategies to avoid it, and how to manage when it hits. Plus, I’ll provide practical tip...