13 years ago I was given my second chance at life when I was diagnosed with Addison's Disease. There were a lot I had of things I had NO IDEA about what I was going to learn on this journey. I had no idea about the lack of support and guidance I would receive and the struggles I would continue to face. There were a lot of other things I had NO IDEA about what this 13-year journey would teach me. No matter what mountains you have to climb, or the battles you are facing...there is a choice to make. I made a choice and I found the support, guidance and hope I needed to thrive in life with Addison's Disease. Please support THE PICKLE JAR PODCAST through donations at:https://www.gofundme.com/f/thepicklejarpodcast If you would like to share your journey on THE PICKLE JAR please go to www.chronicallyfitcanada.com for more information. DISCLAIMER: The information from THE PICKLE JAR represents the experiences of the host Jill Battle and the individual experiences of each guest. No information is intended to provide or replace the medical advice of a medical professional. The host or guests are not liable for any negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation, to any person following the information from the podcast.

This week was my 13th Anniversary of officially being diagnosed with Addison's Disease. 13 years ago I was given an answer to my health issues and a second chance at life. There have been many 'HIGHLIGHTS' over the last 13 years and I tell them honestly from my GAME CHANGER MOMENTS TO the MOST RIDICULOUS THINGS said to me by healthcare professionals (and my responses), my SCARIEST MOMENTS and the BEST MOMENTS. It has been a journey full of the unknown, full of fear, full of hope, and full of strength I never knew I had. Please support THE PICKLE JAR PODCAST through donations at:https://www.gofundme.com/f/thepicklejarpodcast If you would like to share your journey on THE PICKLE JAR please go to www.chronicallyfitcanada.com for more information. DISCLAIMER: The information from THE PICKLE JAR represents the experiences of the host Jill Battle and the individual experiences of each guest. No information is intended to provide or replace the medical advice of a medical professional. The host or guests are not liable for any negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation, to any person following the information from the podcast.

FIRST...exciting news to share about the PICKLE JAR! And the adventures continue!!! Staying on top of my health is a priority. Maintenance and prevention is key. A couple abnormal PAPs (yes please censor if you need to this is getting personal) and I had part of my cervical lining removed. I did several things to prepare. Personally, things like this do not bother me. I find a dental visit more traumatizing. And if these little nasty cells are going to cause any issues...well sooner I know the better and they are better out then in. I was prepared and it relaxed any anxiety I may have (which is minimal). If you can survive death in an adrenal crisis with SKY ROCKEtiNG POTASSIUM...let's be serious...this is nothing. ✅ Doctor ordered extra meds - DONE ✅ ATIVAN to relax - DONE ✅ ADVOCATE along for the ride - DONE ✅ EMERGENCY syringe prepared (just in case) - DONE Upon arrival, I was told the freezing would increase my heart rate and cause panic attack responses to the body. I expressed my concern about the increase of metabolism may have on my cortisol levels although I took the recommended extra dose. NO PROBLEM - BACKUP PLAN FOR FREEZING. Well the backup plan didn't freeze which led to intense pain, you know where. Super dose this girl with freezing to get the job done. Two new areas of concern were noted so biopsies were taken. I will worry about that when and if there is a concern. Again...better to know than not to know. My doctor always told me if an infection or cancer becomes a concern for you...we will know early because you will be in an adrenal crisis before it is very serious. HOT DOG!!! Finally a perk of Addison's Disease. This girl goes into crisis before a bladder infection gets out of control. Now to rest, heal and keep living my life!! Please support THE PICKLE JAR PODCAST through donations at:https://www.gofundme.com/f/thepicklejarpodcast If you would like to share your journey on THE PICKLE JAR please go to www.chronicallyfitcanada.com for more information. DISCLAIMER: The information from THE PICKLE JAR represents the experiences of the host Jill Battle and the individual experiences of each guest. No information is intended to provide or replace the medical advice of a medical professional. The host or guests are not liable for any negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation, to any person following the information from the podcast.

Brendon's story started in 1997 at what was supposed to be the beginning of his 'life'. He had plans for his dream job as a firefighter and was excited about the adventures of life. He had no idea about the adventures life had planned for him. A devastating work accident and a few months later another devastating hit of being diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic. Brendon shares the honest truth of dealing with the immense and overwhelming grief of having his life crumble at his feet. His mental health journey through the dark days, and the burdens and stigma it carries need to be heard by everyone going through chronic illness. When diagnosed with chronic illness the mental health devastation is rarely addressed. And we are often treated like it is our fault. Brendon is here to remind you are not alone, it is not your fault and you can do this. Brendon will inspire you with how he took control and took a step forward— starting with AA after drowning his mental aqueous to the realization he needs to manage his illness to better his life. Now a double organ transplant recipient, he is involved in the TRANSPLANT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM. and is continuing to take proactive steps to manage his illness and manage his life. From the rubble of chronic illness, Brendon is not only bettering his life but the lives of others. THE LINKS: www.transplantambassadors.ca www.kidney.ca www.beadonor.ca www.endpkd.ca www.blood.ca Please support THE PICKLE JAR PODCAST through donations at:https://www.gofundme.com/f/thepicklejarpodcast If you would like to share your journey on THE PICKLE JAR please go to www.chronicallyfitcanada.com for more information. DISCLAIMER: The information from THE PICKLE JAR represents the experiences of the host Jill Battle and the individual experiences of each guest. No information is intended to provide or replace the medical advice of a medical professional. The host or guests are not liable for any negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation, to any person following the information from the podcast.

If the title of this episode got your attention and sparked a little fire in your soul, that is exactly what it was supposed to do. And that is exactly why Tim Henneberry of FOG OFF CLOTHING Company has adopted this as his brand log. To get your attention, and start conversations about mental health. If you feel lost trying to navigate your way through the fog of mental illness that is associated with chronic illness...you need to listen to Tim's powerful story. As a child, Tim was diagnosed with ADHD but learned not to define himself by stigmas. Instead, he used these traits as his SUPER POWER to fuel is mission in life. Tim learned to work hard and have strong morals and values growing up in a FISHERMAN family in Nova Scotia Canada. Tim loved the therapy effect of music and it guided him to a music career in Nashville and a song in the TOP 50 Country charts. Along the way, he operated a successful restaurant and his passion turned into clothing company FOG OFF. The mission of FOG OFF CLOTHING is to start conversations about mental health and help empower people on their journey so that when the fog and storm of mental health comes in we can call on our ANCHORS and FISHERMEN FRIENDS to guide us through the storms. "NO ONE SHOULD TRAEL DOWN A FOGGY PATH ALONE." We all need tools to guide us on our journeys and Tim will offer you practical real, advice from his heart to help you take the next step forward. You are not alone on your journey with chronic illness and you are not alone as you climb the mountains of mental health and fight through the storms of life. This episode will be your guiding light in the fog of chronic illness to help you navigate to calmer waters. Tim's story will inspire you to find your way out of the fog. Tim is a real-life super hero! www.fogoffclothing.com @fogoffclothing Please support THE PICKLE JAR PODCAST through donations at:https://www.gofundme.com/f/thepicklejarpodcast If you would like to share your journey on THE PICKLE JAR please go to www.chronicallyfitcanada.com for more information. DISCLAIMER: The information from THE PICKLE JAR represents the experiences of the host Jill Battle and the individual experiences of each guest. No information is intended to provide or replace the medical advice of a medical professional. The host or guests are not liable for any negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation, to any person following the information from the podcast.

A very special episode in THE PICKLE JAR as Mauve joins us on the year anniversary of when she was admitted to hospital after losing her speech during a Zoom call. Unaware at the time that the changes that had been taking place with her body - extreme fatigue, darkening skin, low blood pressure and salt cravings were a cry for help from her failing body. A few days later at the age 30, Mauve was diagnosed with Addison's Disease. After a lot of harsh lessons from day one with a medical system that was not equipped to manage her new diagnosis, Mauve took matters into her own hands and started learning everything she could about her illness. Everything from websites to podcasts, to Instagram she became passionate about learning how to live with Addison's disease and rebuild her life. In the last 365 days, she has conquered surgery, travel, switched endocrinologists, and found a health care team willing to work with her medication to optimize her quality of life and she feels she has returned to 85% of who she is. An inspiring journey fuelled by education, medication and gratitude. Please support THE PICKLE JAR PODCAST through donations at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/thepicklejarpodcast If you would like to share your journey on THE PICKLE JAR please go to www.chronicallyfitcanada.com for more information. DISCLAIMER: The information from THE PICKLE JAR represents the experiences of the host Jill Battle and the individual experiences of each guest. No information is intended to provide or replace the medical advice of a medical professional. The host or guests are not liable for any negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation, to any person following the information from the podcast.

Diagnosis with a rare illness can be a lonely journey. We are fortunate to have access to resources like the internet to connect us and educate us. I share with you my TOP 4 resources I have used over the last 13 years since I was diagnosed with PRIMARY ADDISON'S DISEASE in 2011. These resources have helped guide me on my journey, given me a sense of empowerment over my illness, improved my quality of life and ultimately minimized my incidences of adrenal crisis. Please leave comments on any resources you have found helpful on your journey for others. Please check out these passionate organizations and support them. Watch this episode and others on YouTube CHRONICALLY FIT CANADA TEAM ADDISON - 15 countries Find many on Facebook including TEAM ADDISON CANADA www.chronicallyfitcanada.com Canadian Addison Society www.addisonsociety.ca National Adrenal Disease Foundation www.nadf.us Addison's Self Help Group - UK and Ireland www.addisonsdisease.uk.org Please support THE PICKLE JAR PODCAST through donations at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/thepicklejarpodcast If you would like to share your journey on THE PICKLE JAR please go to www.chronicallyfitcanada.com for more information. DISCLAIMER: The information from THE PICKLE JAR represents the experiences of the host Jill Battle and the individual experiences of each guest. No information is intended to provide or replace the medical advice of a medical professional. The host or guests are not liable for any negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation, to any person following the information from the podcast.

Let's have a SALTY chat together about THE PICKLE JAR PODCAST. A little history on how the podcast started and the concept behind the name THE PICKLE JAR. THE PICKLE JAR has over 30,000 downloads and is listened to in over 65 countries...AMAZING. Thank you for being on this journey with me. Awareness saves lives. If you can please contribute to THE PICKLE JAR PODCAST https://www.gofundme.com/f/thepicklejarpodcast

Mental health ups and downs are REAL with chronic illness and very REAL with low cortisol. I wanted to share my story of Jill and the orange chair. My orange retro chair that was a few weeks ago simply a piece of furniture in my house that I liked the retro look too...now represents my self-worth, my strength and beyond anything I expected. Happiness is a practice. And even with the ups and downs of chronic illness, we can find our happiness. FIND YOUR POWER - MANIFEST by Anoushka F. Churchill DAILY AFFIRMATIONS - New Burlington "LONELINESS CAN NOT SURVIVE IN THE PICKLE JAR" Sign up for Jill's newsletter:www.chronicallyfitcanada.com If you would like to share your journey on THE PICKLE JAR please go to www.chronicallyfitcanada.com for more information. DISCLAIMER: The information from THE PICKLE JAR represents the experiences of the host Jill Battle and the individual experiences of each guest.  No information is intended to provide or replace the medical advice of a medical professional.  The host or guests are not liable for any negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation, to any person following the information from the podcast.

Managing my life with ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY goes beyond the medication. With everything I can not control about my health, there are countless things I can control. And for me, these TOP 3 tips to BATTLE chronic illness have changed my life. It has been a slow process with lots of ups and downs. But with every down, I learned how to take that next step forward. Help me EMPOWER others living with chronic illness and leave a comment below about the steps you have taken forward. PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION "LONELINESS CAN NOT SURVIVE IN THE PICKLE JAR" Sign up for Jill's newsletter:www.chronicallyfitcanada.com If you would like to share your journey on THE PICKLE JAR please go to www.chronicallyfitcanada.com for more information. DISCLAIMER: The information from THE PICKLE JAR represents the experiences of the host Jill Battle and the individual experiences of each guest.  No information is intended to provide or replace the medical advice of a medical professional.  The host or guests are not liable for any negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation, to any person following the information from the podcast.