How I Survived “Survival Mode:” Marriage, Faith & Near Death Experiences with Vasculitis Warrior Hayley “Hay” Farris

<p><i>Trigger warning: This episode includes a discussion of near-death experiences, medical trauma and decisions about quality of life versus prolonging of life.  If you are having a mental health crisis or are struggling with suicidal thoughts, in the US you may call “988” for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline which is staffed 24 hours a day.</i></p><p>In this episode, Hay shares her tumultuous experiences with autoimmune vasculitis. She and Cheryl urge fellow chronic illness warriors to resist trying to fit their experience into a tidy narrative and instead ride the waves of uncertainty.  While extremely challenging, Hay notes that “deep calls unto deep”, allowing shared humanity and connections based on what unites us all.</p><h2><strong>For Full Episode Details Including Transcript:</strong></h2><p>Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website at: <a href="https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/2023/01/17/how-i-survived-survival-mode-marriage-faith-near-death-experiences-with-autoimmune-vasculitis-warrior-hay/">https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/2023/01/17/how-i-survived-survival-mode-marriage-faith-near-death-experiences-with-autoimmune-vasculitis-warrior-hay/</a></p><h2>Episode at a Glance:</h2><ul><li><strong>Education and work</strong>: Hay earned her PharmD (Pharmacy Doctorate) in 2011, but began experiencing chronic illnesses shortly after. She has learned to understand that your value is not based on your productivity.</li><li><strong>Relationships:</strong> Symptoms like fall risk, limitations on leaving the house, and being in “survival mode” have been trying on her marriage, but her husband never gave up.</li><li><strong>Diagnosis saga:</strong> living with Behcet’s vasculitis, common variable immune deficiency, Microscopic colitis, and respiratory failure, along with a variety of complications</li><li><strong>Treatment journey:</strong> Hay explains how she uses total parenteral nutrition (TPN, aka “vein food”) due to her GI tract not absorbing and has had a lot of trial and error w