What’s in Gittel’s Coping Toolbox? Group Support, Overcoming Ableism & More

Content / trigger warning: mass shooting discussion 

Learning to thrive with chronic illness is a marathon, not a sprint. Cheryl and Gittel discuss coping through unlearning toxic positivity, confronting internalized ableism, getting social support and adapting though accommodations.  

Gittel shares what’s in her coping toolbox for life with ankylosing spondylitis, from exploring the benefits of medicinal cannabis to getting support in Rheum to THRIVE.  Becoming a “life hacker”, learning acceptance, going with the flow, and letting go of control can help you find joy despite pain, one moment at a time!

Episode at a glance:

• Journey to diagnosis: After 15 years of chronic pain, Gittel was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Crohn's disease. With diagnosis came a combination of emotions: validation that something was wrong, sad that it wasn’t something acute and fixable, and empowered with information that she could research. She learned to adapt and ask for accommodations without shame.
• Gittel’s coping toolbox: Understanding and unlearning toxic positivity, confronting ableism (including internalized ableism), and building health literacy.
• Medical Cannabis: Gittel has experienced pain relief, appetite stimulation, and mental health benefits from medical cannabis, which can be injested, topical, or smoked. Her favorite medicinal brand is Level.
• Getting support: After trying individual therapy, Gittel found Rheum to THRIVE and felt seen and heard with multiple people who “get it”.
• Finding joy despite pain: One moment at a time, my now is not my forever.
• Best advice for newly diagnosed patients: Be patient with yourself! This is a marathon, not a sprint. To me, thriving with rheumatic disease means becoming a life hacker, learning acceptance, going with the flow and letting go of control

Medical disclaimer:

All content found on 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.

Episode Sponsors

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

For full episode details

To see full details including a transcript and video, go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website here.