*Trigger Warning*
In this episode of “Resilient Advocacy: Riane’s Journey Through Juvenile Arthritis and Beyond,” listeners are taken on an inspiring journey of perseverance, self-advocacy, and the pursuit of healing in the face of chronic illness. Riane, a Hawaii native, shares her personal experiences growing up with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and chronic migraines. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience and the critical role of community support. Through her narrative, we explore the emotional and physical challenges faced by those living with rare autoimmune diseases and the importance of self-advocacy in the healthcare system.
Riane’s journey begins with her early diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and chronic asthma, conditions that greatly influenced her perspective on health and advocacy. Despite repeated medical dismissals, she learned the value of standing up for herself and advocating for her health needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Riane faced additional challenges in securing an accurate diagnosis, highlighting the often dismissive nature of medical professionals towards rare conditions. However, her persistence paid off when she found a compassionate healthcare team that diagnosed her with a rare autoimmune disease, Ankaculitis. This chapter underscores the collaborative effort required between patient and practitioner to achieve effective care.
The episode also delves into Riane’s experiences with medication management and alternative treatments. Traditional pain management methods like opioids and steroids presented significant challenges, prompting Riane to explore alternative options. Cannabis microdosing and Eastern medicine, such as acupuncture and cupping, became integral to her treatment plan. These alternative methods provided promising benefits and offered a personalized approach to managing her symptoms. Riane’s story highlights the importance of exploring diverse healing paths and personalizing treatment options to suit individual needs.
Throughout her journey, Riane’s grandmother played a pivotal role, instilling the wisdom of indigenous medicines and the importance of resilience. This wisdom, combined with Riane’s experiences, inspired her literary venture, “Blurred Vision,” a poetry book that offers a dual narrative of healing from both survivor and perpetrator perspectives. Her book reflects the complex, lifelong process of healing from trauma and emphasizes the power of storytelling in advocating for health and wellness.
Riane’s candid recount of navigating the healthcare system, medication management, and alternative treatments offers listeners a broadened perspective on chronic illness and advocacy. Her story is a heartfelt call to embrace diverse healing paths and to persist in the face of adversity. By sharing her experiences, Riane aims to inspire others to advocate for their health and explore various avenues for healing.
In conclusion, this episode of “Resilient Advocacy: Riane’s Journey Through Juvenile Arthritis and Beyond” provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of living with chronic illness. Rianne’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-advocacy, community support, and the exploration of diverse healing paths. Her journey is a testament to the resilience and strength required to overcome the hurdles of chronic illness and emphasizes the critical role of personalized treatment options in achieving wellness. Through her narrative, listeners are encouraged to embrace their unique healing journeys and advocate for their health needs.
Exploring New Paths to Healing