Crohn's, Endometriosis & Tumor — Kelly's Decade-Long Fight for Answers | Invisible Strength Podcast

She was dismissed for 10 years before being diagnosed with Crohn's and endometriosis. Here's how Kelly Jones, ‪@Kelly.Patricia‬, learned to trust her body again. In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Karin Wagner and Chris Burton, ‪@baddestchaplain‬, talk with chronic illness advocate Kelly Jones about her decade-long fight for a diagnosis, recovering from spine surgery, and building a life that works with a chronic body instead of against it. Kelly began experiencing symptoms at 13 — stomach pain and severe periods that doctors repeatedly brushed off as IBS, normal cramps, or anxiety. It took roughly ten years and an exploratory surgery before she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and endometriosis, which had spread across her abdominal organs. More recently, she underwent major surgery to remove a spinal cord tumor. This conversation goes deep on the things that actually help: trusting your gut instinct even after doctors strip your confidence, learning to pace yourself instead of falling into the "good day trap," leaning on a real support system without feeling like a burden, communicating honestly about your health, and finding meaning through faith and therapy. Kelly also shares why she took up sourdough baking as a way to teach her body — and her mind — how to slow down. If you live with an invisible illness, love someone who does, or have ever been made to feel like your pain isn't real, this episode will help you feel seen. 🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday. 🌐 Free quizzes, workbooks & resources: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com 📲 Follow Kelly: its.kellyjones Chapters (approximate) 00:00 Welcome 00:33 Life before symptoms 02:48 Early symptoms at 13 04:16 The 10-year road to diagnosis 07:24 Losing trust in yourself 10:31 Finding a new normal 12:07 The good-day gray area 15:04 Support systems 16:13 Feeling like a burden 18:13 Communicating about your health 20:57 Compassion through illness 22:44 How faith helped 30:05 Therapy and "it happens for you" 35:30 Working out & new hobbies 37:08 Spine surgery & sourdough 40:12 Your body is not the enemy 41:37 What invisible strength means 44:03 Closing & resources ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.