The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune

027 Victory in the Valley: Tina Medlin on Crohn’s, Faith, and Building Community

In this conversation, Tina Marie Medlin opens up about 30+ years with Crohn’s disease, drug reactions, major surgeries (including an ostomy), and the spiritual warfare of not giving up—like enduring six days with an NG tube and a terrifying arterial bleed she faced fully awake. Through it all, Tina discovered a calling: Warrior Braids Ministry, personalized “Warrior Boxes,” and a monthly faith-based support group that makes sure no one walks the chronic-illness road alone. We talk about pacing life with limited energy, the sting of “you look good,” why transparency matters, and how community becomes a vessel for hope. If you’re in a valley, Tina’s story offers practical compassion and a steady reminder: God still has work for you here.
⏱️ Highlights:
From denial in her 20s to drug-induced lupus and multiple biologics that failed
Ostomy surgery and living with ongoing complications
“Why I still push myself”—serving when you know it’ll cost spoons
The “mustard seed” moment: hearing God’s whisper to start a ministry
Warrior Boxes: personalized care for the newly diagnosed or struggling
Christ & Coffee Time: creative merch that funds ministry work
The hardest truths: appearance vs. reality, and not being defined only by illness
Support systems through different seasons: kids, spouse, parents, and church friends
That brutal NG-tube week and the awake arterial-clamp surgery—choosing not to give up
What “warrior” means now: honesty, community, and never quitting
 
🗣️ Memorable Quotes:
“If my eyes opened this morning, God still has work for me to do.” —Tina
“A warrior isn’t unbreakable; a warrior is honest. Your story can be someone else’s guide.” —Tina
“He didn’t give me Crohn’s, but He gave purpose to my having it.” —Tina
“I push because it’s not about me—it’s about what God asked me to do.” —Tina
🛠️ Tools, Resources & Mentions:
Warrior Braids Ministry: warriorbraidsministry.org
Instagram: @warriorbraidsministry
Christ & Coffee Time (proceeds fund ministry projects & Warrior Boxes)
 
🧭 Reflection / Journal Prompt:
Where have you felt that quiet “mustard seed” nudge in your own valley? What one small step could you take this week to follow it?
 
🪴 One Tiny Step for the Week:
List three people who help you feel less alone (or three you’d like to know better). Send one text today—ask for prayer, a check-in, or a coffee on Zoom.
 
🙋‍♀️ Guest Info:
Name: Tina Marie Medlin
Bio: Founder of Warrior Braids Ministry, Tina advocates for women living with chronic illness through personalized Warrior Boxes, a monthly faith-based support group, and creative merch that funds care initiatives.
Links: warriorbraidsministry.org | Instagram @warriorbraidsministry
Want gentle, honest support every week? Join The Unseen Sisterhood—your dose of encouragement for life and faith with chronic illness. Subscribe to the newsletter
 
🎬 Credits:
Host: April Aramanda
Guest: Tina Marie Medlin
Editing & Production: April Aramanda
Music: “The Invisible Illness Club” theme
Show Notes & Assets: Cherry (ChatGPT)
© The Invisible Illness Club

026 When Healing Doesn’t Come: Acute vs. Chronic Illness and What It Really Means

In this solo episode of The Invisible Illness Club Podcast, April breaks down the difference between acute and chronic illness with everyday examples and relatable metaphors. She explains why society easily rallies around a broken bone but struggles to grasp the lifelong challenges of chronic conditions. April also reflects on how chronic illness shapes relationships and stretches faith in ways acute illness rarely does. This conversation is for anyone living with a chronic condition—or anyone who loves and supports someone who is—offering clarity, validation, and hope.
💬 Memorable Quotes:
“Acute illness is like a thunderstorm—it blows through. Chronic illness is like the climate you live in.”
“Recovery with chronic illness isn’t an end point; it’s a cycle of good days and hard days.”
“The best gift you can give someone with a chronic illness is your presence. Not a fix, but your prayers, love, and presence.”
“Hope has been hard for me, but I’ve learned to hope for heaven where every tear will be wiped away.”
📖 Key Scriptures (if applicable):
Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more…”
Romans 5:3–4 – “…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance…”
💡 Reflection/Journal Prompts (optional):
How do you see the difference between acute and chronic illness play out in your life?
In what ways has chronic illness stretched your faith or reshaped your hope?
How can you offer presence (not fixes) to someone you love with a chronic illness?
🚶 One Tiny Step for This Week:
Reach out to a friend with a chronic illness—simply to check in, pray for them, or let them know you’re there.
 
🛠️ Tools, Resources & Mentions:
Join The Unseen Sisterhood newsletter → [Insert link]
Blog: The Invisible Weight of Chronic Illness
Instagram: @the_invisibleillnessclub
👉 What has your experience been with acute versus chronic illness—for yourself or someone you love? How has it shaped your relationship with God? Send me a message and share your story—I’d love to hear it.

025 Normal Labs, Real Symptoms: Patient Advocacy & Hope with Rheumatologist Dr. Reeti Joshi

When your labs say “normal” but your body says otherwise—Dr. Reeti Joshi shares advocacy tools, faith, and hope for chronic illness.
What You’ll Learn
Why “normal” labs can still miss real disease activity—and how doctors actually interpret results in context of your story
Concrete ways to self-advocate (questions to ask, when to seek a second opinion, and how to communicate across specialties)
How a physician with her own autoimmune disease builds trust, listens, and practices shared decision-making
Why second and third visits often unlock key history—and how to prepare for them
“Never give up”: practical encouragement for long hauls, older patients, and anyone feeling burned out by the system
The quiet power of faith/spirituality, community, and small daily rituals (hello, hot tea ☕) in the healing journey
Memorable Quotes
“Patients rarely read a textbook. In autoimmunity, you often have to turn the textbook upside down.” —Dr. Joshi
“I can’t interpret your labs without hearing your story. History is the first test.” —Dr. Joshi
“Sometimes advocacy means not taking no for an answer—and overcoming gaslighting to get the care you need.” —Dr. Joshi
“Never give up. There’s always new science coming—and there’s always a next right step.” —Dr. Joshi
“We’re very adaptable; we reshape life around illness. Part of the work is seeing how long this has really been with us.” —Dr. Joshi
Reflection / Journal Prompt for the Week
When did my symptoms truly begin (not just when they became unbearable)?
What parts of my life have I quietly reshaped around illness—and what do those patterns teach me now?
Who is my “pillar of strength” (doctor, nurse, friend, spouse, community)—and how can I lean on them this week?
One Tiny Step for the Week
Bring a 1-page “advocacy sheet” to your next appointment:
Top 3 symptoms (with impact on daily life)
3 questions you need answered
1 non-negotiable (e.g., “I need you to explain how this plan fits my actual day-to-day limits.”)
Resources
The One-Minute Joy Journal (find one thing good, even on hard days) → [Link to your product]
Contact Dr. Reeti Joshi: drreetijoshi@gmail.com
Find support & community: The Unseen Sisterhood newsletter → [Link]
Patient advocacy starter list (questions to bring):
“How does this result fit my symptoms?”
“If this lab is ‘normal,’ what else could explain my pain/fatigue?”
“What’s the next step if this plan doesn’t help in 4–6 weeks?”
“When should I seek a second opinion or a higher-level center?”
Credits
Guest: Dr. Reeti Joshi, MD, Rheumatologist
Host & Producer: April Aramanda
Show: The Invisible Illness Club Podcast
Music/Editing: Envato

024 How Do We Respond as Christians When the World Feels Heavy?

This week’s episode is different. April shares from a place of grief, prayer, and reflection after the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, the murder of a young woman on a train, ongoing school shootings, and other tragedies shaking our nation. Rather than diving into politics, this is a conversation about how Christians can process these events through the lens of faith. April talks about the weight of constant news, why our spirits were never meant to carry it all, and the importance of stepping back to listen for what God is calling us to do in these times. Whether that calling is prayer, teaching, showing mercy, or simply loving people we disagree with—this episode reminds us that the heart of our faith is love. If the world feels dark and heavy, may you walk away comforted, encouraged, and reminded that your hope is secure in Christ.
📖 Key Scriptures:
 
John 11:35 – Jesus wept.
Matthew 5:14–16 – You are the light of the world.
Romans 12:21 – Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 John 4:19 – We love because he first loved us.
Philippians 4:7 – The peace of God…will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
 
🎬 Episode Credits (end of show notes & YouTube description):
 
 
Podcast: The Invisible Illness Club Podcast
Host: April Aramanda
Editing & Production: April Aramanda
Transcription: Otter.ai
Music: Licensed through Envato
Resources & Community: The Unseen Sisterhood Newsletter

023 When Mold, Motherhood, and Faith Collide: Aubree Felderhoff on CIRS, Starting Over, and Finding Intentional Motherhood

This conversation follows Aubree’s seven-year search for a diagnosis, the emotional toll of not being believed, and the day-after prayer moment that led—miraculously—to answers. She explains CIRS in plain language, why her family had to walk away from their home and most possessions, and what rebuilding practically and spiritually looked like in the middle of a pandemic. We explore DNRS brain rewiring, reframing guilt, and holding both hope and reality with chronic illness. Aubree also shares how Mom Intentional was born: from the gap between “getting better” and having the skills and systems to actually live well. If you’re in the thick of waiting, grieving, or starting over, this one offers honesty, tools, and a steady thread of faith.
🙋‍♀️ Guest Info:
Name: Aubree Felderhoff
Bio: Mom of three, CIRS survivor, host of Mom Intentional. She helps overwhelmed moms build intentional systems at home and reclaim their spark after hard seasons.
🛠️ Resources & Links
Website: momintentional.com
Podcast: Mom Intentional on Apple Podcasts
Instagram: @momintentional
Mom Personality Quiz: Take the quiz here
Contact Aubree: hello@momintentional.com
 
🎧 Credits
The Invisible Illness Club Podcast is hosted by April Aramanda.
Editing and production by April Aramanda.
Podcast music: licensed track.

022 You’re Not Lazy: The Truth About Chronic Illness and Invisible Effort

This episode dives into the shame so many of us carry when we’re living with chronic illness and can’t do what others expect—or what we expect of ourselves. From the outside, it might look like we’re resting too much, avoiding responsibilities, or being inconsistent. But the truth? We’re fighting invisible battles every single day. April shares a personal story of internalized guilt, how she learned to reframe the idea of “laziness,” and what it means to offer ourselves grace on the hardest days. If you’ve ever felt like you had to explain or justify your rest, this one’s for you

021 Faith, Chronic Illness, and Motherhood with Keyundra Thompson

What does it look like to navigate lupus, POTS, and motherhood—all while raising a medically complex child and building a platform to support others? In this conversation, I’m joined by Keyundra Thompson, author, advocate, and founder of Secrets to Serenity. Keyundra shares her powerful story of growing up with undiagnosed symptoms, walking through a difficult pregnancy, and eventually receiving her chronic illness diagnoses. Through her journey, she’s learned how to balance caring for her children, managing her own health, and leaning on her faith to carry her through.
She’s also created a space for authors and storytellers to share their voices and bring encouragement to others who may be walking a similar road. This is an honest, hope-filled conversation about resilience, community, and why it’s okay to rest when your body says “enough.”
 
💬 Memorable Quote:
“Even when it’s hard, keep going and be you.” – Keyundra Thompson
 
 
📌 What You’ll Learn:
 
Keyundra’s journey with lupus and POTS, from childhood symptoms to diagnosis
How she balances motherhood with chronic illness, including raising a medically complex child
The role of faith in her story and why it’s been her foundation
Why boundaries and learning to say “no” are essential for survival and peace
How Secrets to Serenity is giving authors and families a safe space to share their stories
 
 
 
📖 Key Scriptures (if applicable):
 
“From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” – Psalm 61:2
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22–23
 
 
 
📝 Reflection / Journal Prompts:
 
When was the last time you pushed past your body’s limits? What did you learn from that experience?
Where do you need to give yourself permission to rest right now?
Who could be part of your “village” if you reached out today?
 
 
 
✨ One Tiny Step for This Week:
Practice saying no without explanation. Protect your energy by honoring your body’s needs before it shuts down for you.
 
 
📚 Resources:
 
Connect with Keyundra: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Zire’s Big Feeling About Feeding by Keyundra Thompson – available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and her website
Secrets to Serenity Bookstore and Podcast: Secrets to Serenity
 
 
 
👩‍🎤 Credits:
Host: April Aramanda
Guest: Keyundra Thompson, author, advocate, and founder of Secrets to Serenity
Podcast: The Invisible Illness Club

020 When God Doesn’t Heal: Holding on to Faith with Chronic Illness

This episode is for the ones holding faith in one hand and pain in the other. I share my honest journey of praying, believing, and still living with chronic illness—and the quiet shame, grief, and questions that come with it. Together, we’ll unpack the wrestle of faith when healing doesn’t come, the ways God still shows up in the waiting, and how to redefine miracles beyond physical healing. Whether you’re in a flare, walking through a diagnosis, or simply feeling forgotten, this conversation is an open door to breathe, to grieve, and to believe again—right here in the in-between.
📎 Resources & Mentions
 
The Unseen Sisterhood Newsletter – Weekly encouragement for living with chronic illness. Join here
Related Podcast Episode: What Chronic Illness is Teaching Me About God
Book Recommendation: Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller
Free Resource: The One-Minute Joy Journal

019 Faith, Planning, and Living Fully with Lupus: A Conversation with Shedrica Holmes of Chronically Planned

In this candid conversation, Shedrica opens up about her lupus diagnosis journey, the mental and emotional battles of living with an invisible illness, and how faith has been her foundation. She shares how using a physical planner transformed her daily life—helping her track symptoms, manage her household, and create space for both rest and joy. We talk about the importance of planning around your body instead of against it, using creativity as a source of healing, and finding hope when life looks different than you expected. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your chronic illness journey, this episode offers encouragement, practical tips, and a reminder that you get to decide what your “brighter day” looks like.
⏱️ Timestamped Highlights + Quotes
 
00:00 – Introduction and welcome to guest, Shedrica Holmes
01:45 – “Not waiting—just doing what you have to do.”
03:12 – What lupus SLE is and how it impacts the body
06:45 – “The hardest thing for me is the mental… staying in a good mindset when I don’t look sick but feel terrible.”
10:22 – Becoming a mom, weight gain from medication, and discovering the power of planning
13:10 – How a physical planner became her most powerful wellness tool
17:42 – “People ask, ‘How do stickers make you happy?’ And I say—mind your own business, I’ll mind mine.”
20:15 – Why writing things down can help with insomnia and mental clarity
23:35 – Faith as the foundation for business, healing, and resilience
27:48 – “Hold on—pain ends. Maybe not the way you expect, but there is a brighter day.”
30:55 – Favorite tools, gadgets, and the joy of cooking with chronic illness
🛠️ Tools, Resources & Mentions:
Chronically Planned Podcast – Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website
Shedrica: Instagram – @lupuspeaks | TikTok | Chronically Planned YouTube

018 RV Life, Illness, and Getting Rid of the Crap That Weighs You Down

This episode dives into the hidden emotional weight of starting over with chronic illness. What happens when you’ve finally made the leap—downsizing your home, embracing a new lifestyle—only to find that your body and heart haven’t caught up? I’m opening up about the day I broke down in our RV, what no one saw beneath the surface, and how guilt and grief can sneak into even the most “exciting” seasons. Whether you’re in a season of transition, feeling stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming, or simply tired of pushing through—it’s okay to not have it all figured out. Let this episode remind you: you’re allowed to release what no longer fits. And you don’t have to do it alone.
⏱️ Timestamps + Highlights
00:00 – Opening words
00:42 – When RV life stopped feeling exciting
01:18 – “I felt like I failed at both ends”
02:06 – Victor’s support and your internal guilt
02:45 – What people don’t see
03:30 – The reality of grief in transition
04:20 – “You’re allowed to release what no longer fits”
05:05 – The invisible grief of downsizing
06:00 – Gentle closing + invitation
📎 Resources & Mentions
– The One-Minute Gratitude Practice (That Won’t Drain Your Energy)
– Crazy Compression Socks – use code INVISIBLE for 10% off