What happens when you’re diagnosed with the same illness you once watched a friend silently suffer through? In this powerful episode of the Take a Pain Check Podcast, Natasha sits down with Macenzie Rebelo, who shares how Lupus reshaped her life, relationships, and sense of self. From juggling university and dating to confronting stigma and learning to speak up, Macenzie reveals the unfiltered truth behind living with a chronic illness and how writing became her rebellion. Don’t miss this raw, honest, and unexpectedly empowering conversation. Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapaincDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Our socials:⁠https://www.takeapaincheck.com/https://www.instagram.com/takeapainch... https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://ca.linkedin.com/company/take-...https://www.youtube.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://www.facebook.com/TakeaPainCheckhttps://www.x.com/takeapaincheck

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, we’re joined by @DrAndreaFurlan , a physician, researcher, educator, and YouTube star who is transforming the way we understand and approach chronic pain. From her early days studying medicine in Brazil to becoming one of Canada’s foremost pain experts, Dr. Furlan shares her personal journey with chronic pain, explains the differences between nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain, and uncovers why so many patients are misdiagnosed and what we can do about it. We also explore the inspiration behind her latest book, the impact of her viral YouTube content, and how she makes cutting-edge science accessible and empowering for patients worldwide. Register for our in person event here by May 18: https://forms.gle/tWdabTbta8ZYeieb8Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapaincDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Dr. Furlan's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@DrAndreaFurlan instagram.com/dr.andrea.furlan twitter.com/adfurlan facebook.com/dr.andrea.furlanOur socials:⁠https://www.takeapaincheck.com/https://www.instagram.com/takeapaincheck_/ https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://ca.linkedin.com/company/take-a-pain-checkhttps://www.youtube.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://www.facebook.com/TakeaPainCheckhttps://www.x.com/takeapaincheck#chronicpain #chronicpaindoc #doctor #education #pain #opioids

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, we are joined by the Jenna Kedy, a passionate advocate living with Juvenile Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. We dive deep into Jenna’s diagnosis journey, navigating school and childhood with a chronic illness, and the challenges of finding proper pediatric care. Jenna opens up about learning to advocate for herself, balancing a busy life of advocacy, volunteering, and pageantry, and the realities of managing pain and flare-ups. We also explore the differences in healthcare systems across Canada, her work with IMPaCT Trials mentoring researchers, and her inspiring role as a Youth Board Member and Youth Ambassador at Take a Pain Check.Register for our in person event here by April 27th: https://forms.gle/tWdabTbta8ZYeieb8Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapaincDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Jenna's socials:Instagram: _missjennak_ LinkedIn: Jenna Kedy Our socials:⁠https://www.takeapaincheck.comhttps://www.instagram.com/takeapaincheck_/ https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://ca.linkedin.com/company/take-a-pain-checkhttps://www.youtube.com/@takeapaincheckhttps://www.facebook.com/TakeaPainCheckhttps://www.x.com/takeapaincheck

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, our host Natasha introduces our guest Dr Erica Lawson. Dr. Erica Lawson is a pediatric rheumatologist and Program Director for the UCSF Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship. We dive into her journey in medicine, passion for pediatric rheumatology, and the challenges young patients face—from diagnosis to transitioning to adult care. Dr. Lawson shares insights on parental involvement, health disparities, and the importance of collaboration in healthcare. She also discusses balancing family life with a demanding career. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes.Register for our in person event here: https://forms.gle/tWdabTbta8ZYeieb8Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapaincDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Our socials:Website: ⁠www.takeapaincheck.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeapainch...Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapainchec...X: https://x.com/takeapaincheckLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/take...#arthritis

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, Natasha is joined by the inspiring Sahara as she shares her journey of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. They dive into the challenges of getting a diagnosis amid uncertainty, navigating university while managing a chronic illness, and finding the right resources for understanding RA.Sahara opens up about how her south Asian background influenced her family’s understanding of her condition and how she worked to create a supportive space for herself and others who are immunocompromised. She also talk about the importance of setting boundaries, adapting to unexpected challenges while traveling, and lifestyle changes that help her manage flares. Beyond her health journey, Sahara shares her passion for writing and gives us insight into her two books—Love Letters to Myself, a heartfelt collection of poetry on love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, and Reflections, which explores themes of heritage, culture, and love. She leaves us with valuable advice for students managing a rheumatic disease and reflects on what she would tell her younger self when she was first diagnosed.Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapaincDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Our socials:Website: ⁠www.takeapaincheck.comInstagram: / takeapaincheck_ Tiktok: / takeapainchec. .X: https://x.com/takeapaincheckLinkedin: / take-a-pain-check Sahara’s socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missbrainyb...Growing Pains, Copyright, 2018, Alessia Cara

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, Natasha sits down with Brandon Volesky to explore his journey with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)—from being diagnosed at just two years old to navigating the challenges of childhood, overcoming stigma, and adapting his mindset to thrive as a husband, father, and professional. Brandon shares how his fear of medication affected his condition, how he ultimately embraced treatment, and how he transitioned from aspiring chef to becoming a Software and Data Engineer at H&R Block’s Machine Learning Lab. We dive into his work in AI and healthcare, his involvement with CARRA, and his passion for improving childhood rheumatology research. Through his lived experience, Brandon is leveraging machine learning and data science to transform healthcare and support better treatment options for future generations. Donate to Take a Pain Check Today: https://www.gofundme.com/f/takeapaincheckApply to our scholarship today: https://www.takeapaincheck.com/schola...Apply for our NEW paid youth and young adult support program: https://forms.gle/W3ciBhG89eAH8QvS8Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.Our socials: Website: ⁠www.takeapaincheck.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeapaincheck_/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapainchec...X: https://x.com/takeapaincheckLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/take-a-pain-check/Brandon's socials: www.linkedin.com/in/bvoleskyCARRA: https://carragroup.org/Growing Pains, Copyright, 2018, Alessia Cara

In this episode of Take a Pain Check, host Natasha welcomes Stella Miller to share her journey with Juvenile Arthritis. Stella opens up about her early symptoms, the challenges of receiving a diagnosis, and the impact of medications like methotrexate and Orencia. She reflects on navigating friendships, advocating for her needs, and the support system that has helped her along the way. Stella also discusses the emotional toll of stepping away from basketball, a sport she loved, and how she found new purpose beyond the court. From her advocacy work with MUSC to modeling with a chronic illness, she shares how she’s reshaped her identity and continues to inspire others. Apply to our scholarship today: https://www.takeapaincheck.com/scholarship Apply for our NEW paid youth and young adult support program: https://forms.gle/W3ciBhG89eAH8QvS8 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes. Our socials: Website: ⁠www.takeapaincheck.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeapaincheck_/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheck?lang=en X: https://x.com/takeapaincheck Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/take-a-pain-check/ Stella's socials: Instagram & TikTok @Stellamiller71

Growing Pains, Copyright, 2018, Alessia Cara

In this week’s Take a Pain Check episode, we’re joined by Abigail Meyers, who shares her journey of living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and Cerebral Palsy. Abigail opens up about the challenges of receiving a diagnosis, navigating symptoms, and overcoming medical gaslighting. We dive into the emotional and social impact of growing up with a chronic illness, her passion for theatre and writing, and how she balances these pursuits with her condition. Abigail also discusses her experiences with accessibility, advocacy, and the importance of affordable healthcare. Apply to our scholarship today: https://www.takeapaincheck.com/schola... Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes. Our socials: Website: ⁠https://www.takeapaincheck.com/⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeapaincheck_/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapainchec... X: https://x.com/takeapaincheck Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/take-a-pain-check Abigail's socials: Instagram and X: @abigaillmeyers Growing Pains, Copyright, 2018, Alessia Cara