Chronic Illness & Identity: Who Are You After a Life-Changing Diagnosis?

Chronic Illness & Identity: Who Are You After a Life-Changing Diagnosis?

Author: G-PACT non profit September 9, 2026 Duration: 45:17

Living with chronic illness can change everything; including how you see yourself, your future, and your place in the world.

In this conversation, Sam and Deanna dive into the realities of living with chronic illness and rare disease, exploring how diagnosis can reshape identity, mental health, relationships, and everyday life. They talk about the ongoing process of understanding an illness, adapting to a life you didn't necessarily choose, and finding strength in the uncertainty.

They also discuss the importance of community, patient advocacy, resilience, and sharing your story; and how connecting with others who truly understand can make chronic illness feel a little less isolating.

If you're living with chronic illness or rare disease, we hope this conversation reminds you that your experience matters, and that there is power in finding people who understand.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to help connect more patients, caregivers, and advocates with the chronic illness community.

Want to connect with Deanna?

Instagram

Deanna Steinle | LinkedIn

Resilience is Beautiful Facebook Page



Hosted by two people navigating life with gastroparesis, Surviving out of Spite is a raw and real conversation from the G-PACT non-profit. This isn't a clinical lecture; it's the sound of two friends unpacking the daily reality of a chronic condition, finding humor in the absurd moments and solidarity in the shared struggles. You'll hear candid personal stories that range from frustrating to triumphant, alongside practical tips forged from lived experience. The dialogue covers everything from managing health and relationships to simply preserving your identity beyond a diagnosis. Tuning into this podcast feels like pulling up a chair to a kitchen table conversation where no topic is off-limits and laughter is considered essential medicine. It builds a community through audio, reminding anyone facing a similar journey that they are understood. Each episode explores the complex patient experience with honesty, aiming to inform, connect, and affirm that navigating life with gastroparesis is a story of resilience, often fueled by a bit of defiant spirit.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Surviving out of Spite
Podcast Episodes
Living with Gastroparesis & Building a Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:22
One year ago, Surviving Out of Spite launched to share stories, insights, and real-life experiences living with gastroparesis. In this special episode, Sam reflects on the journey of building the podcast, the lessons lea…
Gastroparesis, Gut Health & Everything in between [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:50
Gut health is complicated, especially when you’re living with gastroparesis. In this episode, Sam sits down with Liz Roman to unpack the complex systems involved in digestive health and how they impact people with chroni…
What a Panic Attack Feels Like | Anxiety & Chronic Illness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:11
What does a panic attack actually feel like, especially when you're already living with gastroparesis and chronic illness?In this raw and unplanned episode of Surviving Out of Spite, Sam shares a deeply vulnerable moment…
Chronic Illness Might Be Your Superpower [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:36
Living with a chronic illness is often framed as a limitation—but what if it could also be a strength?In this episode, Lilly Stairs joins us to share the concept of your “secret sauce”: the powerful combination of your n…
Resilient Body, Fragile System: Living a Full Life on TPN [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:33
What does it look like to grow up managing central lines and still build a life full of strength, independence, and purpose?In this inspiring episode, Vincent shares his journey of growing up with complex chronic illness…
What Doctors Miss: HCM, Women’s Health, and Patient Voices [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:30
What does it mean to be diagnosed with a serious heart condition at a young age, and then have to fight to be believed?In this powerful conversation, Hannah shares her journey as a heart patient diagnosed with HCM and th…
Gut-Immune Connection Explained [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:55
#ChronicIllness #GutHealth #DigestiveHealth #gastroparesis In this week’s episode, Sam sits down with Dahlia and James Marin, co-founders of Married to Health, where they unpack the gut-immune connection and why food is…