Kait Redefines Balance: Living with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome
- Kait Redefines Balance: Living with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome Tim Reitsma 39:13
What does it take to keep going when your health impacts everything, from work to hobbies to simply getting through the day? Kait shares her journey with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome, a rare condition that’s led to years of chronic pain, countless surgeries, and tough conversations with doctors who didn’t always listen.
We talk about how she found ways to adapt her life, the mental toll of giving up the things she loves, and the determination it took to advocate for herself and finally get a diagnosis. Kait’s story is honest and relatable—she shares how she’s learned to find meaning in small daily activities, show herself compassion, and push back against stigma by telling her story.
If you’ve ever struggled with something invisible or want to better understand what it’s like, this conversation will leave you with a lot to think about and maybe even inspire you to share your own story.
Listen because:
- Self-Advocacy is Essential: Clearly communicating how your condition impacts daily life helps doctors take you seriously.
- Finding Meaning Amid Challenges: Engaging in meaningful activities, even in new ways, sustains joy and mental well-being.
- Balance is Fluid: Perfect balance doesn’t exist—adjust priorities and energy as circumstances change.
- Self-Compassion Matters: Give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned. Flexibility is key.
- Adaptation is Power: Adapting activities or exploring new passions keeps your sense of identity alive.
- Living by Your Values: Aligning daily life with your values creates true fulfillment.
- Track Your Energy and Activities: Understanding what drains or restores your energy helps you plan your day and prioritize what truly matters.
About Kait:
Kait, an occupational therapist from Monterey, California, lives with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome (MMS) and Ulnar Impaction Syndrome, likely linked to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). These conditions have led to chronic pain and mobility challenges, requiring numerous surgeries, including femoral and tibial osteotomies, labral reconstruction, and upcoming procedures on her arms.
Despite these challenges, Kait continues to pursue her passions, including running, hiking, playing soccer and tennis, learning languages, writing poetry, and traveling. She is currently writing a memoir about her physical and emotional journey.
Kait’s career as an occupational therapist has taken on new meaning as she uses her expertise to navigate her own health challenges. Her experiences have fueled her desire to raise awareness, advocate for those living with rare conditions, and inspire others to persevere in the face of adversity.
Contact Links and Previous Podcast/Blogs:
Instagram: @alignedk8
Miles4Hips
Thanks for listening, I appreciate you!
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