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In this episode of Take a Pain Check podcast, we delve into the life of Alexander Levine, unpacking his journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) from diagnosis to shoulder surgery and beyond. Alex shares the story of his diagnosis, detailing life before AS and the challenges he faced in his career, particularly in the health and fitness industry. We explore the knowledge gap between fitness and AS, how his perspective on fitness shifted post-diagnosis, and the impact of physical therapy on his symptoms. Alex also opens up about his shoulder surgery, discussing the pain and recovery process. He sheds light on how friendships and relationships evolved, the support he received from loved ones, and the pivotal role of the chronic illness community. He also talks about managing a family and newborn with a diagnosis. As a fitness enthusiast and owner of a virtual personal training business, Alex shares insights into his unique training style tailored for those with AS, addressing the mental blocks and challenges that come with chronic illness. The episode wraps up with valuable advice from Alex on getting started in the fitness industry with a chronic condition and changing mindsets for youth already interested in fitness. Sign up for our first joint chat rheum session to meet others with rheumatic diseases this month:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrduGuqj0uHdDgcBicDuG0TBjtvcnGwGkI#/registration Join our campaign at a landmark near you for World Young Rheumatic Disease Day: https://www.takeapaincheck.com/light-it-blue Our socials: Website: https://www.takeapaincheck.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeapaincheck_/ X: https://twitter.com/takeapaincheck Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheck?lang=en Alex's socials: Youtube: @AlexLevineFitness Instagram: @alexlevinefitness Tiktok: @alexlevinefitness Growing Pains, Copyright, 2018, Alessia Cara #ankylosingspondylitis #fitness #personaltrainer #health

In this week's episode of Take a Pain Check, prepare to be inspired as host Natasha welcomes the Sharona Franklin, an artist from Rural British Columbia. Sharona's story, despite grappling with multiple diagnoses, such as SJIA, AS, IBD, Pericarditis, and Vasculitis, transforms into a remarkable journey of unwavering resilience and strength. Natasha and Sharona dive deep into the profound impact of childhood struggles, the intricate complexities of the youth care system, the unique experiences of rural living, the challenges of dropping out of school, mental health battles, and navigating a unique family dynamic as one of eight siblings. Sharona fearlessly shares her early years, marked by the agonizing pain of being unable to eat. The conversation takes an intimate turn as Sharona vulnerably unveils the challenges she faced growing up within the youth care system, grappling with the involvement of social workers and lawyers in her life, and the far-reaching impact on both herself and her siblings. Despite these obstacles, Sharona discovered a wellspring of solace and empowerment through her passion for art. Natasha and Sharona embark on an exploration of the power of artistic expression, as Sharona recounts her early forays into creativity as a means to escape the confines of her circumstances. They delve into the judgments she faced due to perceptions surrounding having an assistant when doing art, and how she harnessed her lived experiences to create art that illuminates the unseen challenges of living with chronic illness. Lastly, Sharona ends off the episode raising awareness and fostering understanding, breaking down barriers and championing the voices of those facing similar struggles. Sharona's socials: Instagram: @hot.crip, @disabled_personals, @paid.technologies Articles to learn more about Sharona's journey: https://www.artbasel.com/stories/sharona-franklin-bioethics-disability-activism-statements-art-basel-2023?lang=en https://luttecollective.com/featured-artists/sharona-franklin Our socials: Website: https://www.takeapaincheck.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeapainch... Twitter: https://twitter.com/takeapaincheck​​​ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheck   Growing Pains, Copyright, 2018, Alessia Cara #ruralhealthcare #ankylosingspondylitis #arthritis #disabled #artistic #rheumatology

On this week’s episode, Chris Pudlak talks about his journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Diagnosed at age 36, Chris struggled to lift up his kids or even play with them because of his arthritis pain. Since day one, he started journaling in which he intertwined his engineering skills to track his symptoms. He discusses lifestyle changes he implemented and how he tracked his symptoms. Not only that, Natasha and Chris discuss workplace accommodations such as a height adjusting desks and a different type of handshake. Chris also gives tips on how to cycle and run with ergonomic equipment. He talks about the impact of physiotherapy on his arthritis. Lastly, Chris talks abut his book ” Achieving Wellness Through Arthritis” and his involvement in Arthritis Research Canada. Check our Chris' Socials: Twitter and Facebook: @ChrisPudlak Check out our socials: Website: https://www.takeapaincheck.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeapainch... Twitter: https://twitter.com/takeapaincheck​​​ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheck Growing Pains, Copyright, 2018, Alessia Cara #ankylosingspondylitis #rheumaticdisease #advocate ##rheumatology #workout

“Don’t say you're disabled” they said. These were comments Anna Samson received when they were using mobility aids to help them get through their daily tasks while living with a chronic illness. This week on Take a Pain Check, Anna Samson comes on the podcast to to talk about their life with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Fibromyalgia as a 23 year old. They start off the conversation by talking about their initial symptoms and explaining the 4 year wait to get a diagnosis. After receiving a diagnosis, Anna talks about their experience finding resources to help them understand their own conditions. Moreover, Natasha and Anna discuss the benefits of physiotherapy. The conversation progresses to talking about disability in different settings, specifically the blue and red seats on the TTC subway. Throughout Anna’s journey, they learned how to advocate for themselves in a health care setting and how they become more confident. Not only did they have to talk about their symptoms, but they had to “get better at talking to people.” Finally, Anna explains their involvement in Take a Pain Check as an ambassador, as well as their work in Health Union. Next Joint Chat Rheum Session on Tuesday, August 16th at 7pm EDT: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsc-CvqDMtEtdQYezlNi8gJhkW5roy5_TK Self-Advocacy Live: https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cb5sHwVIC8P/ Makeup Live: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CaQI5eBKKTG/ Health Union: https://www.instagram.com/healthunion/ Check out Anna's socials: Instagram @chronicallyillxo TikTok @chronicallyillxo Twitter: @chronicallyillx Check out our socials: Website: https://www.takeapaincheck.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeapainch... Twitter: https://twitter.com/takeapaincheck​​​ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheck Growing Pains, Copyright, 2018, Alessia Cara #mobility #disability #ankylosingspondylitis #fibromyalgia #rheumatology #chronicillness #advocate #physiotherapy

Today, we have Spencer Hamilton talk about his story of being diagnosed in years, being a pro skateboarder and changing his lifestyle to one that suits his needs. Spencer talks about how he managed to remain a pro skateboarder even though his ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis took quite a while to diagnose. Check out his social media: @spencerhamilton Check out our website! Website: https://www.takeapaincheck.ca/ Check out our social media accounts! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeapainch... Twitter: https://twitter.com/takeapaincheck​​​ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheck Growing Pains, Copyright, 2018, Alessia Cara #skateboarding #diagnosis #journey #spencerhamilton

Have you ever met twins with the same chronic disease? This week we have Makayla and Carly Fox come on our podcast to talk about Ankylosing spondylitis, Make a Wish Foundation, moving out and living their lives with JIA. Check out our social media accounts! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeapainch...​ Twitter: https://twitter.com/takeapaincheck​​​​​​ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takeapaincheck​​​ Check out Makayla and Carly! Carly's Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMe9mpueD/ Makayla's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makaylakfox/ Carly's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscarlyfox/ Carly's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlysteelefox You can also stream us on Spotify, Apple and Google Podcasts: https://anchor.fm/takeapaincheck​​​​​ Make a Wish: https://makeawish.ca/ Life spin: https://www.lifespin.org/ Carly on Make a Wish the article: https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/lifespin-blown-away-by-generosity-of-young-woman-who-forsakes-make-a-wish-cruise-to-give-to-poor Download the iCanCope app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/icancope-with-pain/id1345697088?app=itunes&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 Read about how the app impacted Natasha here: https://arthritis.ca/about-us/what-we-do/research/research-impact-snapshots-en/can-an-app-help-teens-manage-arthritis-pain Growing Pains, Copyright, 2018, Alessia Cara