In part two of talking with their caregivers, Candice and Rachael and their partners discuss the complexities of navigating relationships while living with chronic illnesses, particularly systemic mastocytosis. They share personal experiences, the importance of communication, and the role of caregivers in providing support. The conversation highlights the challenges faced and the ways they find joy and strength in relationships despite health struggles. This conversation explores the complexities of living with chronic illness and the emotional burdens faced by caregivers. They share personal experiences of adapting to severe flare-ups, the misconceptions surrounding chronic illness, and the accommodations they make in daily life. The discussion highlights the emotional needs of both Candice and Rachael and their caregivers, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding in maintaining healthy relationships. They share personal stories about navigating social situations, the importance of community support, and the complexities of managing symptoms and triggers.

In this episode, Candice and Rachael invite their partners/caregivers to discuss the hurdles, pitfalls, stressors, and joys of being a partner and caregiver to a chronically ill person living with Systemic Mastocytosis. You'll hear what it has been like for our partners to be on the diagnostic journey with us, and what it's like to start dating someone knowing they have a mast cell disease and the accommodations that have to be made.

In this episode we mention some fragrance free products that have worked for us. Here is a link to Rachael's affiliated Amazon list https://www.amazon.com/shop/hedonish We're working on making a new one for future episodes.

In this episode, Candice and Rachael further discuss their experiences living with SM, their coping mechanisms, things they've learned along the way, and share how they approach advocacy for themselves and others.

If you have any questions or suggestions for the hosts, email us at podhost@mastcastpod.com. Please follow us on Instagram @mastcastpod.