How to Survive the Holidays with a Chronic Illness: Interview with Lene Andersen

Photo credit for Lene’s photo: David Govoni. 

Speaker bios:

Lene (pronounced Lena) is an award-winning writer and rheumatoid arthritis advocate living in Toronto, Canada. Born and raised in Denmark, Lene has had autoimmune arthritis since childhood and has used a power wheelchair since her teens. She has a Masters Degree in Social Work and writes books about living well with RA and other types of chronic illness. Lene shares her home with a cat and too many books.  

Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources. 

Links to things discussed in this episode:

• Lene’s website: The Seated View https://theseatedview.com/
• Lene’s Twitter @TheSeateView
• Lene’s Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LeneAndersenwriter/
• Lene’s Instagram  @TheSeatedView
• Cheryl on Instagram
• Cheryl’s website: Arthritis Life
• Cheryl’s Tiktok: @ArthritisLife 
• Arthritis Life Facebook Page
• Cheryls Handout: Cheryl’s Master Checklist for Managing RA
• Cheryl’s Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips & Positive, Realistic Support
• This episode is brought to you by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, an intensive online education and support program Cheryl created to empower people with the tools to confidently manage their social, emotional and physical life with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Medical disclaimer: All content found on the Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Here's the show breakdown:

·       01:50 – Lene shares her diagnosis story with Juvenile and Rheumatoid Arthritis

·       02:32 – Lene shares some tips for managing the holidays with a chronic illness. 

·       05:00 – How Lene learned to embrace “imperfect moments” that create the family legends to make the holidays special.

·       11:45 – Lene’s reflections about navigating the holiday season this year during COVID-19. 

·       20:55 – Lene shares her journey of creating her first book while battling major hurdles living with her Juvenile and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

·       26:45 – Anyone battling chronic illness with big aspirations just take it one step at a time – remember: thinking and planning counts as moving in the right direction. 

·       31:40 – Lene gives insight about using her power wheelchair at age sixteen empowered her to live life to the fullest.

·       36:25 – Lene discusses human right principles by understanding employment and accommodations for people with chronic illness.

·       42:40 – Lene’s advice for newly diagnosed patients.