Kenny Returns to Major Pain With New Diagnoses and a New Outlook

Kenny Alhadeff first appeared on the Major Pain podcast 3 years ago, sharing his experiences living in recovery from drug addiction and alcoholism. This year Kenny will celebrate his 40th year of sobriety. Since first appearing on the show Kenny has experienced the most intense chronic pain of his life, been diagnosed with ADHD in his mid 70s and developed a rare condition called polymyalgia rheumatica. Today he returns to the podcast to update us on his health journey. Polymyalgia rheumatica is a chronic pain condition affecting approximately 50 out of every 100,000 Americans, generally over the age of 50. When Kenny first started to develop symptoms of aching all over, he thought it was due to aging. But when he developed severe swelling in his hands and could no longer hold a golf club, he began to suspect something more was at work. He was soon diagnosed with both polymyalgia rheumatica and rheumatoid arthritis. On this episode of Major Pain, Kenny talks us through his new diagnoses and the treatment plans he is utilizing. Along with sharing his updates, Kenny and podcast host Jesse discuss how Jesse's chronic illness has impacted their relationship. Kenny is the father to Andi, Jesse's fiancee. During the first 6 years of Jesse and Andi's relationship, Jesse's health was severely impacted by his then mystery illness. This led to a critical misunderstanding between Jesse and Kenny about the potential future of his relationship to Andi. Thankfully this misunderstanding was discovered and resolved, and this podcast recording provided a unique opportunity to share how chronic illness can impact a family circle.