Staying Safe, Smart, Strong, Sweet and Silly with Spondylitis: Jason's Story

Jason Webb is a 42 year old father of 3 daughters who has lived with inflammatory arthritis for 38 years. He’s also an artist, chef-educator (27 years), stock trading coach, and mentor to other single fathers. 

Jason is a creative with a flair for wit and humor. He understands that  what works for him might not work for you, but he's there to help you through, so don’t be shy to reach out. He is currently working on a culinary education program and children's book series.

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 the podcast episode:
  • Jason’s website: Chefscookies.ca
  • Jason’s Instagram:
    • Instagram.com/thejazzyjay
    • Instagram.com/jazzycharts 
    • Instagram.com/chefs_cookies  
    • Instagram.com/jazzyjayfood
  • Jason’s Facebook accounts:
    • www.facebook.com/TheJazzyJay
    • FB @jazzycharts
    • Fb: @chefscookies
  • Free 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:

• 1:09- Jason’s diagnosis story (also known as a journey or saga): from juvenile idiopathic arthritis to ankylosing spondylitis.
• 6:00 - How Jason copes with gray areas and identify his flare triggers.
• 8:40 - How Jason manages his physical health at this time.
• 11:18 - What helps Jason manage Ankylosing Spondylitis: staying “safe, smart, strong, sweet and silly,” plus adaptive aids, massage, knowing his flare cycles, knowing diet and food triggers and more.
• 16:30  – Coping mechanisms for chronic illness and chronic pain 
• 19:25 -  Cheryl once again brings up Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT
• 21:30 - How Jason’s challenging upbringing taught him how to be adaptable.
• 23:45 - How Jason learned the importance of self-education.
• 26:00 - Jason’s reflections on the positives and challenges of parenting with a chronic illness.
• 29:30 - Jason’s past experiences as a chef & how he experienced cycles of stress, physical challenge and financial challenges as a single father.
• 32:30 - Jason’s experience mentoring other single dads on Facebook
• 32:30 - Jason reads his letter to single dads and others who are struggling.
• 37:00 - Jason’s advice for newly diagnosed patients: educate yourself about the disease, listen to your body
• 39:00 - Jason reflects on the connection between his emotional state and physical symptoms, how stress has caused flare-ups for him.
• 42:00 - Jason & Cheryl’s parenting and stress-management advice