Living with Severe Allergies and Constant Anaphylactic Reactions

Kristy has been dealing with constant anaphylactic reactions since she was 19 years old. The first time it happened was at a restaurant, when she started projectile vomiting for no apparent reason before going into shock. At the emergency room she was accused of drug seeking behavior, even though she Read more…

Living with Psoriatic Disease

Aimee’s first psoriasis breakout occurred when she was just 12 years old. She was at a sleepaway camp, where something about the change in environment triggered an outbreak of plaques and scales all across her scalp. Her symptoms would come and go for the next several years but remained manageable, Read more…

Surviving a Five-Year Chronic Pain Nightmare

Danielle’s harrowing chronic pain journey started with one bad olive. She broke a molar on an unexpected olive pit, requiring surgery to remove the remaining fragments of tooth. The dental surgery went very poorly, with the dentist removing significant amounts of bone and even breaking into the sinus cavity. Danielle Read more…

Finally Diagnosed: Her Genetic Condition Hid in Plain Sight for Decades

When Ashley scheduled an interview for the Major Pain podcast to discuss her chronic illness, she was prepared to talk about living with an undiagnosed disease. But to her shock, just weeks before recording her interview, a rheumatologist officially confirmed a diagnosis. Ashley found herself looking back on her life Read more…

Living with Celiac Disease, Chronic Migraines, Covid Complications, Fibromyalgia and more

Kristin has lived with pain since she was 9 years old, a journey that has taken her through chronic migraines, celiac disease, covid complications and remaining medical mysteries. As a child she would experience tingling pain in her head, often accompanied by visual disturbances, nausea and vomiting. Shortly after these Read more…

Chronic Illness Author and Advocate Ilana Jacqueline Shares Her Rare Disease Journey

As a chronically ill child, Ilana was repeatedly accused of faking her illness when seeking medical care. Doctors refused to dig deeper into why this particular child was consistently afflicted with bacterial infections and viruses that took abnormally long to heal, choosing instead to blame the parents or Ilana herself. Read more…

The Link Between Childhood Abuse and Endometriosis: A Survivor’s Personal Account

Amanda grew up experiencing constant trauma. Her mother was deeply abusive, to the point that Amanda’s father was given custody at 6 years old. He moved the family to California and joined a religious cult, where Amanda would continue to suffer abuse with nowhere to turn. Having lived through emotional, Read more…

Living with Two Invisible Conditions: Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos (HEDS) and Autism

Brandy grew up knowing she was different. She struggled both socially and physically, having problems picking up social cues while constantly experiencing injuries and joint dislocations. When seeking help she was disbelieved, shrugged off, or accused of drug seeking behavior. Brandy tried to push through and be strong, but her Read more…

Caitlin’s Chronic Illness Puzzle: POTS, Spondylolisthesis, Hypermobility, FND and More

Many children beg their parents for a pony, but Caitlin actually made that dream a reality. She wasn’t allowed to have a pony until proving she could afford one and look after it by herself, so as a teenager she bought one in secret, finally informing her parents 10 months Read more…

Our One Year Anniversary! Catching Up with Previous Guests

This week we are celebrating the one year anniversary of the Major Pain podcast, kicking off the second season of the show by catching up with previous guests! India and Brooke each have a new diagnosis that offers some clarity, while still leaving big picture questions unanswered. Cammie has found Read more…