Jenna Kedy: A story of resilience

Jenna is a young adult with a complicated medical history compounded by the absence of a consistent family doctor. Without a dedicated health care professional to follow her case closely, Jenna has had to navigate a complex medical system on her own. Her journey has been marked by numerous medical challenges and exacerbated by mental health struggles. The path to being heard has been a significant part of her story. 

Jenna’s journey with chronic illness began at birth, although the signs were not immediately recognized. As a child, she often experienced symptoms that her mother instinctively knew were more than just typical childhood ailments. Despite her mom’s frequent concerns voiced to Jenna’s pediatrician, the symptoms were dismissed as nothing more than normal growing pains or mere clumsiness. This lack of recognition led to years of mismanagement and frustration.

At age 11, Jenna developed a severe flu with rashes and fevers, which led to frequent ER visits. Despite being initially overlooked, Jenna was eventually referred to a rheumatologist and diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. This diagnosis allowed her to access necessary support and treatments, though it took years to find effective medication.

In addition to her rheumatoid arthritis, Jenna was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a life-altering and under-researched condition. Unlike arthritis, which has robust support from patient associations, fibromyalgia resources are minimal, especially for younger individuals.

Alongside physical health challenges, Jenna faced overwhelming mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and an eating disorder. Navigating the mental health system has been challenging for Jenna. She “feels privileged for the private mental health counselling” she receives through her university, and shares that it has been a lifesaver. She feels it’s not remotely comparable to care and treatment that is available through the public system.

The care I receive for my mental health challenges through my university has been a lifesaver and is not remotely comparable to the care and treatment that is available through the public system. — Jenna Kedy

Throughout Jenna’s journey as a child, she saw countless doctors and became very familiar with pediatric care; however, now that she is 19, she has transitioned to the adult health care system and found it to be a significant change. Her GP retired during this transition, and trying to secure a new family doctor has been challenging — currently she does not have a family doctor. Without a primary care provider, managing several chronic illnesses — including rheumatoid arthritis, lung failure, kidney failure, heart failure and mental health struggles, while also being prepared for urgent care if needed — is both overwhelming and frightening for Jenna. She fears that with her “long-complicated health journey, a minor issue can very quickly turn into a mountain at the speed of light” and with “current wait times and lack of holistic urgent care in ERs, [she] wouldn’t be treated timely and appropriately.” Due to a shortage of specialists in her area, she has limited access to a rheumatologist, having only 1 visit per year. This is insufficient for managing her autoimmune disease effectively.

Jenna continues to manage her health care needs as best she can and tries to make a difference by sharing her experiences through patient advocacy work. Jenna states that “accessing the system should not be so mentally exhausting.” If she could make a change in today’s health care landscape, she would like for primary health care to be more accessible and for people to be validated and not so easily dismissed with their health concerns.