Joel Nelson, a passionate advocate in the rheumatic disease community, shares his journey with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) on the podcast. He discusses the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis and the importance of self-advocacy, especially from a young age. He reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of medication trials and their effects on mental health, emphasizing the stigma surrounding both physical and mental aspects of chronic illness for men. Joel also explores the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare access and his personal life, including parenting with arthritis. He discusses having no transition, experiences in the clinic which impacted his mental health, and the change in health care system over time in the UK. His initiatives, like the Joel Nelson Podcast and the Pain Company, show his commitment to patient-centered care and community support, making him an inspiring voice in chronic illness advocacy.

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