In this heartfelt and powerful episode, Nichi welcomes a very special guest, Carla Yeo, a devoted mother of three, a talented photographer, and an advocate for her daughter, Georgia, who has been diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Carla shares her family’s journey through the challenges of living with an invisible condition, emphasising the importance of hope, acceptance, and finding personalised care that truly listens to the patient.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Importance of Listening:
   • Carla stresses the significance of healthcare professionals truly listening to patients and their families, as each individual’s experience with an invisible condition is unique. This deep listening can lead to better, more tailored care and support.
2. Acceptance and Adaptation:
   • Acceptance of the diagnosis was a turning point for Carla’s family. It allowed them to focus on what they could control and to filter out unhelpful advice, leading to a more personalised approach for care.
3. Hope and Gratitude:
   • Holding on to hope is crucial. Despite the challenges, Carla emphasises celebrating small victories and maintaining a perspective of gratitude, even for the simplest things that are often taken for granted.
4. The Dangers of Expectations:
   • Overloading someone with expectations and goals can be detrimental, particularly in cases of chronic pain. Carla highlights the importance of meeting the person where they are and avoiding pressure that could exacerbate their condition.
5. Finding Joy and Routine:
   • Despite the challenges, Carla and her family have found joy in small, consistent routines like daily walks and coffee together. These rituals provide much-needed connection and normalcy in their lives.
6. The Role of Lived Experience:
   • Carla’s experience underscores the value of learning from those who are living with invisible conditions. This lived wisdom is essential for professionals seeking to offer compassionate and effective care.

Quotes:

• "Every zebra has different stripes, just like every person with these conditions, their presentation is different, so there's no one size fits all approach."
• "Forward is forward at any pace."

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Intro and Outro music: Inspirational Acoustic - Organic Harmony by Sonican.

Disclaimer: This content is general in nature and intended for educational purposes only. It is not deemed as psychological treatment and does not replace the advice from your health professional or need for psychological treatment.