In this powerful and heartfelt episode, hosts Debbie and Katie, both parents living with inflammatory arthritis (IA), share their experiences balancing parenthood with chronic illness. They discuss the challenges of raising children while managing IA, the importance of awareness, support networks, and resilience.

Firstly, they share their recent experience attending an event at the House of Parliament with the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS), advocating for faster diagnosis times. The event was a great success, and they were thrilled to receive recognition for their podcast and charity work. They also discussed their charity Board Awayday, how they are developing the charity to help improve the lives of anyone living with IA. Along with the importance of fundraising to continue their work. They share moving listener stories about how the podcast has helped them feel less alone and where you can donate, at our website Inflammatoryarthritis.org

The hosts go on to explore how their children knew about their inflammatory arthritis and has IA enabled them to be better parents? They discuss the use of age-appropriate language being key to help foster compassion and resilience, and Debbie shares the TikTok she watched from a rheumatologist explain the immune system like a sound system, and for auto-immune diseases the volume is turned up and the medications help to turn it down again.

The also explore balancing honesty with protecting childhood innocence, the role of young carers programs and support systems and how amongst all the hard times of IA this can create a kinder more empathic child.

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This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating chronic illness, parenting, or wanting to support those living with IA. Tune in for insight, encouragement, and inspiration! 🎙️

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Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.

For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/

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