After years of searching for answers and enduring pain, veteran Joel Aguilar was finally diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. In this episode, he shares his long road to diagnosis, the challenges of navigating the health care system, and how he found life-changing treatment. Joel also discusses how fitness has become a crucial part of managing his condition and offers valuable advice for veterans seeking care through the VA system.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, self-advocacy, and taking control of your health.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:06: Joel shares how his symptoms began in his early 20s while serving in the Navy

01:21: Joel describes his long and frustrating diagnostic journey, including years of misdiagnoses, pain management attempts, and self-paid treatments

04:13: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, reacts to Joel’s story, emphasizing how important it is to receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment

05:18: Joel recalls the moment he was diagnosed within minutes by a rheumatologist and the immediate impact of starting treatment

06:15: Joel explains his initial hesitation to start injections and how he ultimately weighed the risks and benefits of treatment

06:58: Joel discusses the crucial role fitness plays in his psoriatic arthritis management, describing his rigorous workout routines

08:17: Zoe notes how counterintuitive exercise might seem for arthritis but explains why movement is essential for managing symptoms

10:02: Joel highlights how staying physically active has transformed his life and enabled him to do things he never thought possible

11:16: Joel shares how he discovered he was eligible for full VA health care benefits and how that drastically improved his access to care

12:46: Joel details the VA’s Community Care program, which allows veterans to access private health care providers if VA facilities are too far or have long wait times

13:53: Zoe encourages listeners to explore their VA benefits, noting how perceptions of long wait times might not reflect the current state of VA health care services

15:01: Joel advises other veterans and chronic illness patients not to give up in their search for a diagnosis and proper care

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

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