Calling In Sick

In this week’s episode of Calling in Sick, I’m opening up about how being “a pleasure to have in class” growing up has morphed into a deep need to be a PERFECT patient!!! I share how I try get my therapist to laugh during appointments like I’m some stand-up comedian and why I love to hear “your so tough” like I’m a Navy Seal. The reality is that the clash of this constant need to people please mixed with my chronic illnesses has led me to….lie to my doctors. I come clean on the extents I’ve gone through to be perfect, how it’s backfired, and answer the subsequent, polarizing question: is it ever OK to lie to your doctor? Plus, I drop my TOP 3 TIPS for breaking free from “perfect patient” mode. If you’ve ever downplayed symptoms, performed for a laugh mid-appointment, or craved your provider’s approval… you’re not alone, and we can quit this very sick game together. So here’s to us, becoming not so perfect! xx, Alex 💬 Comment: Have you ever downplayed symptoms or lied to your doctor to seem like the ‘perfect patient’? Drop your confession below  TIMESTAMP: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:24:00 Clinical Study Update & The Surprise I pulled off this week!!! The Perfect Patient Trap & How to Escape it: 00:05:06 Qualities of a people-pleasing, perfect patient 00:06:03 Why I NEED to be the perfection patient 00:08:14 My recovery from people-pleasing 00:14:30 A story of how I lied to my doctor 00:16:55 3 tips to challenge your desire to be the perfect patient 00:19:20 Your permission to be imperfect Conclusion: 00:20:20 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Los Angeles Apparel, Soludos) 00:22:51 One Brain Cell Pick…for spooky season! (Haunted Hotel - Netflix) 00:25:18 Thanks for Calling in Sick with me! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow us on socials for more! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Alex’s Picks of the Week: In honor of reminiscing this week for Saint Cooper’s birthday, here are my nostalgic picks for you!! ✨Los Angeles Apparel - https://go.shopmy.us/p-25899517 ✨Soludos - go.shopmy.us/p-27019178 #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson #PerfectPatient #ChronicIllness #SpoonieSupport #SpoonieCommunity #ChronicLife #AutoimmuneDisease #InvisibleIllness #PeoplePleasing #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalGaslighting #HealthcareTips #DoctorVisits  #PatientEmpowerment #LyingToYourDoctor #MentalHealthMatters #ChronicPain #PatientStories #DoctorOfficeConfessions #RadicalAcceptance #AccountabilityMatters #TraumaHealing #TherapyHumor #PrednisoneLife #FlareUps #ChronicFatigue #IBD #InvisibleDisabilities #SpoonieSisters #HealthEquity #SelfAdvocacy #HonestPatient #PeoplePleaserRecovery  #HealthBoundaries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is “gut health” just another buzzy wellness trend, OR is it a real component of chronic illness that we may be able to change?? In this episode of Calling in Sick, I sit down with Dr. Stephanie Culler, microbiome PhD, cancer researcher, and co-founder/CEO of Persephone Biosciences, to cut through the hype and bring you the real Gut Microbiome 101. In this episode, we cover: 🌱 What the microbiome actually is (and how it develops from birth to adulthood) 💊 Why antibiotics aren’t always the enemy and how to recover after using them 🤓 The truth about “leaky gut,” gut dysbiosis, and what the gut–brain connection is 🦠 How microbiome diversity affects immunity, mood, inflammation, and even response to medications 💕 Which supplements are worth your money, and the 4 low-lift habits that actually improve gut health If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on with your, why gut talk is so buzzy, or if you can do something to help improve your gut… this is the episode you can’t miss. xx, Alex ** You can read more about Dr. Culler's groundbreaking, largest of it's kind, infant microbiome study, "My Baby Biome" here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-08274-7 💬 Comment: Fermented foods, fiber, or supplements: what’s your go-to for gut support? Share your routine in the comments! TIMESTAMP: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:03:45 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Persephone Biosciences Symbiotic, Hilma Fiber Supplement) 00:04:53 Introducing Dr. Stephanie Culler Gut Health 101: 00:07:21 What is the microbiome + why does it really matter? 00:12:28 Gut impact of antibiotics and how to make good bacteria thrive 00:20:46 Leaky Gut explained 00:28:33 Can you even improve an unhealthy microbiome? 00:42:46 4 lifestyle changes you can implement now to improve your gut Conclusion: 00:49:12 My takeaways from my own gut testing 00:51:31 Overview of a clinical study (where does funding come from and does it sway research?!) 00:57:40 Thank you to Dr. Stephanie Culler! 00:57:58 Episode wrap-up and how to stay in touch with Calling in Sick! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow us on socials for more! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Alex’s Picks of the Week: These 2 supplements help me make sure that I am taking care of my gut health! ✨Persephone Biosciences Symbiotic: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26313246 ✨Hilma Fiber Supplement:  https://rebrand.ly/6tq0q7k —— Use code “ALEXANDRA20” for 20% off at checkout!! #GutHealth #GutMicrobiome #Microbiome101 #GutHealthMythBusting #ChronicIllnessCommunity #ChronicIllnessSupport #AutoimmuneHealth #RootCauseHealing #GutHealing #LeakyGutMyth #DigestiveHealth #GutBrainConnection #ImmuneHealth #HormoneHealth #HolisticHealing #GutReset #HealthyHabits #WellnessJourney #MindBodyConnection #MicrobiomeResearch #HealthAndWellness #SelfCareTips #MicrobiomeFacts #GutHealthTips #InflammationRelief #ChronicIllnessLife #AutoimmuneWarrior #HealthyGutHealthyLife #DigestiveWellness #SpoonieSupport #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, Cooper joins me to chat all things prednisone… because prednisone isn’t just hard on the person taking it, it’s a full-on rollercoaster for the people around them too!! After more than a decade of riding out meltdowns, bickers, and plenty of learning curves, we are pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to survive prednisone together. Coop shares his POV on what prednisone is really like... from my not-so-cute mood swings, overstimulation meltdowns, and guilt spirals to our top 4 tips that have kept our relationship steady throughout it all. Tune in to hear: ⭐ Cooper’s number one rule for when I’m on prednisone (hint hint… anticipation is key!!) 💊 How we came up with “Victoria” and why personifying prednisone has changed everything ✨ Why being vulnerable and having open communication is critical ⚠️ My biggest lesson about being prednisone and taking accountability If you or someone you love is on prednisone, this episode is your field guide to supporting them, without losing your sanity (or your relationship). Save it, share it, and breathe easier knowing you’re not alone in this. xx, Alex & Coops 💬 Comment: What’s the funniest fight you’ve got into while on prednisone?! TIMESTAMPS: Intro: 00:00:11 Welcome back to Calling in Sick and welcome to Saint Cooper! 00:1:35 Story time… this week’s Prednisone rage 00:04:15 Life catch up A Loved One’s Guide to Prednisone: 00:5:14 Why I say yes to Prednisone 00:10:22 Our experience on Prednisone  00:13:11: Tip 1 - Give Prednisone a name 00:19:10 Tip 2 - Practice regulation…amidst the roid rage 00:27:13 Tip 3 - Communicate openly 00:29:32 Tip 4 - Anticipate, anticipate, anticipate! 00:33:05 Recapping Cooper’s Tips Conclusion: 00:34:44 Alex’s Picks of the Week (The Absorption Company, Ion Layer) 00:39:00 One Brain Cell Movie… KPop Demon Hunters (duh!!!!!) 00:41:15 Thank you for listening! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow us on socials for more! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Alex’s Picks of the Week: Since prednisone makes sleeping, eating and hydrating tricky, I’m sharing my newest supplement obsessions!! These picks have found the *best* routes for absorption, so you’ll get the biggest bang for your buck. Enjoy!!! ✨The Absorption Company — https://go.shopmy.us/p-25813864 —> Their sleep supplement is *amazing* and actually works!! Scientific patent that allows us to absorb 5x the amount of the product (higher bioavailability is GREAT!) ✨Ion Layer — https://ionlayer.com/AWILDESON —> Get all the benefits of an IV vitamin infusion, at home… without any pokes and a quarter of the price!! —> EXCLUSIVE 3 DAY SALE (9/22-9/24)… get $150 off Ion Layer Patches (NAD+, B1, Vitamin C and Glutathione) with code AWILDESON150 #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson  #Prednisone #PrednisoneSideEffects #SteroidTreatment #SteroidSideEffects #PrednisoneMoodSwings #PrednisoneProblems #ChronicIllnessCommunity #ChronicIllnessLife #ChronicIllnessSupport #InvisibleIllness #CaregiverLife #CaregiverSupport #PartnerSupport #LoveThroughIllness  #ChronicLife #ChronicIllnessWarrior #AutoimmuneLife #SpoonieLife #MentalHealthAwareness #MoodSwings #AnxietySupport #CopingWithChronicIllness #SurvivalGuide #SelfCareTips #MindBodyConnection #PrednisoneTaper #SupportSystem #LifeOnPrednisone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m showing up mad. After almost two years of flaring, I’m starting to wonder if this maybe isn’t just a flare anymore… maybe it’s my new normal. And with that comes the worry that my current medical protocol is failing. THAT is a brutal, frustrating, gut-punch of a realization. Although I am usually a pretty positive gal, I know that anger has its place in any chronic illness journey. Anger is valid, it’s messy, and it can even be productive. So this week I’m sharing the reality of my flare, the “Sophie’s choice” of next steps my doctors and I are weighing, and why this timeline impact is breaking my heart. We’re diving into: 🔥 What it feels like to be stuck in flare limbo: blip vs. starting over from square one 👩‍⚕️ The impossible decisions between steroids, testing, and “AMA” moments 💔 Why shifting motherhood timelines hurts so much… and why I hope is pushing me forward 🌱 My solulu for sitting with anger, finding joy in small glimmers, and controlling what I can If you’ve ever been mad at your body, mad at the system, or mad at the endless waiting, this episode is your permission slip to say it out loud, feel it fully, and then keep going. xx, Alex Comment: What’s one way you’ve learned to sit with your frustration during flares? Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick!  00:07:47 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Boka, Camp Snap Camera) 00:11:25 What a flare up looks like for me 00:15:20 The impossible decisions between steroids, testing, and “AMA” moments 00:25:18 My solution for sitting with anger, finding joy in small glimmers, and controlling what I can 00:27:55 One Brain Cell Show: Love Thy Nader  00:31:10 Thank you for listening! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow us on socials for more! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Alex’s Picks of the Week: How to get pearly white teeth for any camera-ready moment!!! ✨Snap Camera - go.shopmy.us/p-25209103 ($70; shopmy) ✨Boka Toothpaste - https://amzn.to/3K1j7JW ($12; amazon) #ChronicIllness #FlareLife #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #SpoonieLife #AngerIsValid #MotherhoodJourney #HealthJourney #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson #MedicalGaslighting #SpoonieSupport #MentalHealth #HealingJourney #RadicalAcceptance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DESCRIPTION: This week on Calling in Sick, we’re celebrating a big milestone — ONE YEAR of the podcast! I share why I started this show, what I’ve learned, and how this community has changed me in ways I didn’t expect. We’re diving into: ⭐ Why I launched Calling in Sick and how this community has healed parts of me I didn’t know needed it ⚡ What I’ve learned about identity, ambition, and practicing what I preach 💡 The limiting beliefs I’ve broken up with and the new mantras that carry me through 🌹 My roses & thorns from year one and what I’m excited for in year two Whether you’ve been here since day one or just found the pod, this episode is my love letter to you. Thank you for being part of this community, for sharing your stories, and for calling in with me on the good and tough days. Onwards! xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What’s one thing this podcast has helped you feel or realize in the last year? TIMESTAMPS: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:00:50 Alex’s Weekly Update (an ER trip & my TV debut with Born Different) 00:05:02 Alex’s Picks of the Week (top 4 favorites of the year) Calling in Sick: Year 1 Review 00:09:19 Why I started Calling in Sick 00:13:48 The biggest lessons I’ve learned through the podcast 00:23:08 What I wish I could tell myself one year ago today 00:26:15 What’s ahead for Calling in Sick in year two Conclusion: 00:27:58 One Brain Cell TV: The Netflix hack you NEED & my favorite shows across 5 different streaming platforms 00:32:59 Thanks so much for listening!!! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow us on socials for more! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Alex’s Picks of the Week: Every week, I share a few of my favorite items that make life a little bit better or happier… from sweat sets to wellness tech to clean beauty picks and supplements. But if I *had* to boil it down to just 4 picks... I’d tell you to try THESE 4 things out! ✨ DIVI hair serum & dry shampoo; https://go.shopmy.us/p-21829164 —> ALEXANDRA15 for 15% off ✨ Tilt lip treatment; https://go.shopmy.us/p-24773396 —> ALEXANDRA15 for 15% off ✨ Perelel Green Powder; https://go.shopmy.us/p-24773343 —> ALEXANDRA for 15% off ✨ HigherDose PEMF Mat; https://go.shopmy.us/p-21829252 —> ALEXANDRA for 15% off  #CallingInSickPodcast #ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #MedicalGaslighting #HealthJourney #PodcastAnniversary #OneYearIn #CommunityHealing #PatientAdvocacy #SickButThriving #MentalHealth #LifeWithChronicIllness #SpoonieSupport #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Labor Day!!! We’re just one week away from the one-year anniversary of Calling in Sick (!!), and to celebrate, I’m re-releasing one of our favorite solo episodes from this past year: How Chronic Illness Changes Our Definition of Ambition and Drive. This conversation was a turning point for me — realizing that losing my “high-functioning, hustle-at-all-costs” self didn’t mean I’d lost my ambition. It just meant ambition needed a new definition. In this episode, I open up about: 💭 What it’s like to lose your “old self” to chronic illness 💊 The quiet shame of feeling dulled by meds and fatigue 🔥 How illness reroutes ambition from speed → survival 🌱 Why softness, slowness, and intention can be THE real success If you’ve ever had to ask yourself, “Who am I without the hustle?” — this episode is for you. You my dear, are not behind. You’re becoming. 💛 Stay tuned next week for our one-year anniversary episode — but for now, I hope this re-release reminds you that ambition doesn’t disappear with illness. It just shifts into something softer, deeper, and just as worthy. xx, Alex 💛 💬 Comment: Do you feel like your ambition or drive has changed since getting sick? How have you redefined success? TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick 00:00:35 Life Update: Becoming a Procrastinator!! 00:02:58 Alex’s Picks of the Week: Hilma Supplements + DoBites 00:06:11 The Old Version of Me: Urgency, Output, Identity 00:08:25 Grief & the Unbecoming of the Old Alex 00:11:00 Discovering the New Me -- Freedom After Grief 00:17:30 Chronic Illness Management vs. Urgency 00:20:20 One Brain Cell Segment: Love on the Spectrum 00:23:59 THANK YOU!!!! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Alex’s Picks of the Week: ✨ Hilma Supplements – gentle, clean symptom support https://rebrand.ly/6tq0q7k Use code ALEXANDRA20 for 20% off!! ✨ DoBites – functional, top-8 allergen-free snack bites for energy & focus https://amzn.to/3G6bQGt #podcast #podcastclips #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #SelfWorth #SuccessMindset #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #SickGirlLife #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #ChronicWarrior #FlareUpTips #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #selfworth #selflove #success #hustleculture #ambition #drive #success #urgency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m opening up about my journey to motherhood while living with chronic illness — the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hope that keeps me going. From IVF to pregnancy loss to unexpected health setbacks, I’m sharing what it’s really like to dream of becoming a mom when your body doesn’t always cooperate. We’re diving into: 🌱 The ups and downs of my motherhood timeline — IVF, surgery complications, and pregnancy loss reshaping my path 🤱 The worries I carry into motherhood — energy, flare-ups, and balancing chronic illness with raising a baby ✨ The joy and hope that fuel me — why I’m still so excited to become a mom and how I hold space for the future  If you’ve ever felt your health challenges complicate your motherhood journey, this episode is a reminder you’re not alone — and that even when the path shifts, hope and joy can stay at the center. xx, Alex 💬 Comment: For those still on the path to parenthood, what’s one mantra or mindset that helps you keep going? Timestamps:  00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:03:35 We’re moving?!  00:05:00 Journey to motherhood with a chronic illness 00:08:43 Alex’s Picks of the Week – Dosey and the Lola Blanket  00:09:56 My story with motherhood and chronic illness 00:12:42 Shifting timeline to motherhood – IVF, pregnancy loss and surgery complications 00:20:02 Why I’m so excited to be a mom  00:25:25 What I’m worried about with motherhood 00:31:08 Holding space for hope in pregnancy/motherhood  00:32:37 One Brain Cell Show – Only Murders in the Building  00:33:36 Thank you for listening!  ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow us on socials for more! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ ---------------------------------------------------------------- Alex’s Picks of the Week: Small treats that make me feel happier :) ✨Dosey Pill Organizer —  https://dosey.com/ALEXANDRA15 ——— Use code “ALEXANDRA15” for 15% off at checkout! ✨Lola Blanket — https://go.shopmy.us/p-23336664 ——— Use code “ALEXWILD50” for 50% off at checkout and a $50 gift card for future use!!!! ---------------------------------------------------------------- #ChronicIllness #MotherhoodJourney #PregnancyAfterLoss #IVFJourney #FertilityStruggles #PregnancyComplications #SurgeryRecovery #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllnessMama #HighRiskPregnancy #PregnancyHope #ChronicPain #InvisibleIllness #SpoonieLife #MiscarriageAwareness #MotherhoodAndChronicIllness #HealthJourney #MentalHealth #TryingToConceive #SpoonieSupport #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the art of saying NO in your healthcare journey! Learn how to recognize red flags in providers and the importance of finding the right fit. Gain insights on when to decline unnecessary procedures and tests, empowering you to take control of your schedule. Explore the decision-making process around medications, including side effects and lifestyle impacts. This enlightening discussion encourages you to ask better questions and prioritize your well-being, giving you the confidence to advocate for your health.

This week on Calling in Sick, it’s just you and me — and one of the most polarizing meds in chronic illness: Prednisone. Over 70% of us with chronic illness are prescribed it at some point, and whether you call it a miracle drug or a necessary evil… you’ve probably got a story. We’re diving into: ⭐ The good, the bad, and the psychotic breaks of Prednisone ⚠️ Why I think not all doctors should be able to prescribe it 💪 How I’ve learned to love (and talk to) my body through steroid weight gain ⚡ Why you have to “use the energy or lose the energy” in the first 72 hours 🤣 My most embarrassing pred rage story — and the alter ego Coop named 🧠 Tips for safer tapers to avoid brutal withdrawals If you’ve ever been on Prednisone, I promise you’ll feel seen, validated, and maybe even laugh a little. xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What’s your best Prednisone tip for a newbie? TIMESTAMPS: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome Back to Calling In Sick!  00:02:57 Introduction to the Prednisone Survival Guide 00:05:05 Alex’s Weekly Life & Health Updates 00:08:05 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Paint by Numbers & Face Roller) 00:08:50 Prednisone and Chronic Illness Prednisone Survival Guide: 00:12:18 Tip #1: Create an Alter Ego 00:18:18 Tip #2: Harness the Chaotic Energy 00:23:38 Tip #3: Your Body Will Change 00:29:38 Tip #4: Tapering Prednisone 00:34:44 Tip #5: Finding the Right Doctor Conclusion: 00:36:00 One Brain Cell Show of the Week: Somebody Feed Phil (Netflix) 00:37:30 - Thank You for Listening! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow us on socials for more! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Alex’s Picks of the Week: ✨Paint by Numbers on Etsy — https://go.shopmy.us/p-17737668 ✨Face Ice Roller @ Detox Market — https://go.shopmy.us/p-22478442 —— Use code ALEXWILDDETOX15 for 15% off at checkout! #Prednisone #SteroidSideEffects #PrednisoneWeightGain #SteroidRage #PrednisoneSurvivalGuide #ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #MedicalGaslighting #ChronicPain #HealthJourney #Inflammation #SteroidWithdrawal #PrednisoneTaper #MentalHealth #SteroidAnxiety #SpoonieSupport #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Erin Nance, a board-certified orthopedic hand/wrist surgeon and founder of FeelBetr, dives deep into the challenges of chronic illness, particularly how women's symptoms are often dismissed as mere anxiety. She highlights the lag in chronic illness diagnosis timelines and shares advocacy strategies for patients feeling unheard. Dr. Nance emphasizes the importance of online communities for support and communication while addressing broader health crises around infertility. Practical phrases to use in doctor appointments are also discussed to help combat dismissal.