Jodie Eiler

My health journey has been a long and complicated one, shaped by years of fatigue, pain, and unanswered questions. After years of countless appointments and being told it was only "anxiety," I finally began to uncover the truth behind my symptoms, including autoimmune activity, dysautonomia (POTS, NCS, and IST), sleep disorders, Hashimoto’s disease, and suspected hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Even with names for what I am facing, each diagnosis has brought new challenges, and managing multiple overlapping conditions has become a constant balance between survival and self-advocacy.

Living with chronic illness affects every part of my life physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. The pain, fatigue, and brain fog can be very difficult, while the emotional toll of being dismissed or misunderstood is just as heavy. In a healthcare system that often feels broken and inaccessible, being chronically ill means confronting barriers that most people never have to imagine.

I advocate because I know how isolating and exhausting this journey can be, especially in a system that too often fails to see us. My goal is to raise awareness about the realities of living with multiple chronic and invisible illnesses, to push for better education and empathy among healthcare providers, and to help build a more compassionate and accessible system for those who are too often overlooked. I want others to know that their struggles are valid, that they are not alone, and that their voices have power. While chronic illness has taken much from me, it has also given me a deep sense of purpose and a determination to use my experience to create change for others.