Successful WITH My Diagnoses: Katherine McCord

The Invisible Condition Podcast

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Summary:

Katherine McCord discusses the power of vulnerability and the impact of sharing your story. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for vulnerability in the workplace and the need for accommodations to be standard options. Katherine also highlights the challenges of dealing with nosy questions and unsolicited advice. She shares her personal experiences with invisible conditions and the frustration of body changes. Finally, she discusses the unique perspective of individuals with chronic conditions in navigating the medical system.
Katherine shares her experiences living with multiple chronic conditions, including Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and anaphylaxis. She emphasizes the importance of finding the right doctor and building a strong relationship with them. Katherine also discusses the challenges of living with MCAS and the unpredictable nature of triggers. The conversation concludes with a discussion on ending the stigma surrounding invisible conditions and embracing vulnerability and curiosity.

Katherine lives with:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Misophonia: A condition where certain sounds can trigger emotional or physiological responses.
• A Neurological Condition: a condition where her neurons don't function well, leading to drum solo heartbeats and seizure activities that are like mini-strokes or Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs).
• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): an anaphylactic response to various triggers.
• Bladder Disorder: limiting the size of the bladder
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): developed COPD after having COVID-19 twice.

Takeaways:

• Vulnerability can lead to personal growth, improved relationships, and psychological safety.
• Creating a safe space for vulnerability in the workplace can lead to better communication, understanding, and support.
• Respect boundaries and avoid asking nosy questions or giving unsolicited advice about someone's invisible condition.
• Living with invisible conditions can be challenging and may involve body changes and navigating the medical system.
• Accommodations for individuals with invisible conditions should be standard options to promote inclusivity and accessibility. Finding the right doctor is crucial for managing chronic conditions effectively.
• Living with MCAS can be challenging due to the unpredictable nature of triggers.
• Ending the stigma surrounding invisible conditions requires universal design, flexibility, and responding with curiosity instead of ego.
• Embracing vulnerability and sharing our stories can help break down barriers and create understanding.

Kathrine McCord - Bio

From being the little girl who played HR (even firing her own mother!) to the travelling People Operations entrepreneur and international speaker that she is now, Katherine has had quite a journey!

She has multiple physical and neuro diversities, rangi

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Chapters

1. Introduction and Gratitude (00:00:00)

2. Being Open and Vulnerable (00:03:03)

3. The Power of Vulnerability (00:08:03)

4. The Impact of Sharing Your Story (00:11:17)

5. Creating a Safe Space for Vulnerability (00:15:11)

6. The Importance of Vulnerability in the Workplace (00:20:21)

7. Dealing with Nosy Questions and Unsolicited Advice (00:25:31)

8. The Challenges of Invisible Conditions (00:28:20)

9. The Frustration of Body Changes (00:32:17)

10. Navigating the Medical System (00:37:26)

11. The Importance of Finding the Right Doctor (00:41:51)

12. Living with MCAS and Anaphylaxis (00:45:02)

13. The Challenges of MCAS and Triggers (00:48:21)

14. Ending the Stigma of Invisible Conditions (00:51:31)

15. Embracing Vulnerability and Curiosity (00:53:25)

16. Closing Remarks and Call to Action (00:54:23)