Invisible Condition - Ep 001 - The Intro with Tim and Tania

The Invisible Condition Podcast

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2y ago 20:28

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Hey Tim here, host of the Invisible Condition podcast, a show where we talk about unusually normal things. So before we get into all the episodes that are coming, I wanted to take a moment and share this space with my wife, Tania.

We want to talk about the point and the purpose of the show. And well, what you're going to get out of this. You know, we want to do more than inspire. We want to change the world. And how are we going to do that? We're going to tell stories from people who live with an invisible condition and hear from caregivers, professionals, and those who have an idea about how we can kill the stigma that surrounds sharing about our normal.

The past few years were a rollercoaster. In addition to being severely sick physically, I was sick and tired of holding it all in. All the fear of judgment by others who lack understanding or awareness about my condition. With all my appointments, I had to manage and endure, constantly having to get a camera up my, well, let's just call it a colonoscopy. Getting syringes in my bloated knee to drain the excess fluid, and being hooked up to IVs to get new medication, new blood, and new iron.

With all that real stuff I had to deal with, I was done trying to come up with creative ways to avoid talking about my condition, and all my medical appointments in order to make other people feel more comfortable. So I started to be more open and candid with friends, coworkers, and relatives about what I was going through physically and mentally.

I started posting on LinkedIn about what I was going through and my frustrations with society when it comes to invisible conditions. It was scary and, oh man, it was hard. Yes, I did face judgment and discrimination. But I also found connections with so many people who responded by telling me that they too have an invisible condition but are too afraid to share.

Fearing that they'd lose their job, lose relationships, fear of judgment, or being treated differently. Last winter, I literally could have died if I didn't get the proper medical intervention in time. And now after surgery and being on a new medication, I have some quality of life back. And I don't want to waste it. There's no cure for Crohn's disease, but hey, I've got to at least make it count for something good in this world.

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#Arts #Tim Reitsma #Invisible Illness #Invisible Disabilities #Disability Awareness #Disability #Fitness #Society #Chronic Illness #Inclusion #Health and Well-Being #Spoonie #Mental Health #Healthcare #Disability Inclusion #Dei