Calling In Sick

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m pulling back the curtain on something I’ve never really talked about in depth: trauma therapy. Not wellness aesthetic therapy. Not “journal and manifest” therapy. Real, gritty, life-interrupting trauma therapy. In this episode, I’m sharing: 🧠 What trauma therapy actually is — and why I started ⚠️ Why I was afraid when life started to feel… good 💊 How my mindset has changed on medical trauma & how it affects my daily life 🛑 If I think trauma therapy is financially, physically and emotionally worth it From childhood illness to hospital PTSD, I’ve carried more “little t” trauma, or what I thought was “little t” trauma, than I realized… and trauma therapy has helped me stop minimizing it. This isn’t a step-by-step guide or a promise of a fix. It’s just me, sharing what I’ve learned so far. So whether you’re considering therapy, afraid to open that door, or deep in your own healing arc — this episode is for you. Sending my love, as always! xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What’s one thing therapy helped you realize… even if you weren’t ready to hear it? TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:00:30 Life catch-up + why I’m finally ready to talk about this00:01:43 What is trauma therapy, why I started it 00:03:25 How I found my trauma therapist & my tips for you! 00:04:43 Lesson 1: My BIGGEST surprise with little T versus big T trauma! 00:08:04 Lesson 2: Fear things getting good?! Here’s my number one tip!!! 00:09:28 Lesson 3: How to NOT spiral in “what if’s”! 00:15:24 Is trauma therapy worth it?? Thoughts on the financial, emotional and physical impact 00:17:44 How my trauma therapy protocol is protecting me from physical flare ups!!! 00:18:35 Alex’s Picks of the Week (LOL I forgot to do them at the top — Tilt Beauty & Perelel) 00:19:50 One Brain Cell TV Show Pick of the Week00:21:24 LOVE YOU GUYS! ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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: ✨Tilt Beauty — https://go.shopmy.us/p-21846268 — use “ALEXANDRA15” for 15% off at checkout! ✨Perelel Symbiotic Greens Powder — https://go.shopmy.us/p-21878658— use “ALEXANDRA” for 15% off at checkout! #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillness #autoimmunedisease #chronicpain #chronicfatigue #spoonielife #healthjourney #callinginsick #spooniesupport #chronicillnessawareness #medicaljourney #disabilityawareness #survivalmode #identityshift #traumatherapy #ptsd #medicaltrauma #mentalhealth #spoonie #alexwildeson #traumahealing #invisibleillness #selfadvocacy #mindbodyconnection #medicalgaslighting #cptsd #healingjourney #therapytools Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by  ⁨@miraclman31⁩  -- podcaster, speaker, and survivor of one of the rarest neurological conditions on earth: Locked-In Syndrome from Acute Toxic Progressive Leukoencephalopathy (ATPL). Jake’s story is raw, gripping, and—somehow—hilarious .We’re digging into: 🧠 What the mind does when you’re fully aware but can’t move 💥 The absurdity of pain, and the power of humor in surviving it ☁️ What near-death teaches you about presence, faith, and the fragility of life 🪫 Why full recovery might be the wrong goal—and what really matters in healing Whether you’ve lived through something unbelievable or you just feel unseen in your pain, this episode is your reminder: the human spirit is feral in the best way. And you? You’re more resilient than you think. xx, Alex Comment: What’s a moment where you felt completely alone in your pain — and what got you through it? TIMESTAMPS:  00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!  00:03:10 Introduction to Jake Haendel & Locked-In Syndrome 00:29:45 Jake’s self talk while he was locked-in for 10 months 00:46:15 A tiny movement in Jake’s wrist that lead to recovery  00:50:25 Jake’s mental health & struggle with addiction  00:59:15 Near death experiences & religion  01:12:10 One Brain Cell Show: The Wire, documentaries & standup  01:18:08 Thank you for listening! Connect with Jake & Discover his App! • Jake on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miraclman31/?hl=en • AHOI, a platform to discover accessible places & navigate the world with ease -- https://ahoimate.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Pain Bandaids: https://shopmy.us/collections/746944 #CallingInSickPodcast #JakeHaendel #LockedInSyndrome #ChronicIllnessWarrior #PainManagement #SurvivorStory #MedicalTrauma #InvisibleIllness #DarkHumorHeals #FeralResilience #SpoonieCommunity #RareDiseaseAwareness #ChronicPainLife #MentalHealthAndIllness #DisabilityAdvocate #YoureNotAlone #ResilienceStory #HealingJourney #SurvivingTheUnthinkable #LifeAfterIllness #PodcastClip #WellnessPodcast #StorytimePodcast #RawAndReal #EmotionalAF #HealthStory #UnbelievableSurvivor #PainAndHumor #HumanSpirit #ChronicIllnessPodcast #AlexWildeson #podcast #medicalgaslighting #chronicillness #callinginsick #anxietymisdiagnosis #selfadvocacy #healthjourney #doctorstories #spoonielife #autoimmunedisease #dismissedagain #womenshealth #patientadvocacy #selfadvocacymatters #justanxious #tiktokmedicine #medicalbias #healthmisinformation #callinginsickpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by the one and only Dr. Karan Rajan (@dr-karan-explores) — NHS surgeon, educator, and one of the most trusted voices cutting through health misinformation on TikTok. This episode is all about the emotional and medical consequences of constant dismissal and gaslighting — especially for women and people with chronic illness. When you’re told “it’s just anxiety” over and over again, it’s no wonder so many patients turn to the internet in search of answers. And unfortunately? The internet doesn’t always get it right. We’re digging into: 💭 Why “you’re just anxious” has become medicine’s favorite (and a dangerous) catch-all 🧠 How being dismissed by doctors leads patients toward TikTok, Instagram, and wellness rabbit holes 🔍 Why some unlicensed “experts” thrive online — and how to navigate health content without shame or pseudoscience 🗣️ Real advice for self-advocacy at medical appointments 💚 The one thing Dr. Karan wishes medicine had more of Whether you’ve walked out of a doctor’s office questioning your reality, or found yourself spiraling through symptoms, supplements, and side effects — this episode is your reminder: You’re not alone. You’re not dramatic. You’re not just anxious. xx, Alex This week, let us know... What’s a moment you knew something was wrong — but no one believed you? TIMESTAMPS:  00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!  00:02:40 Alex’s Picks of the Week 00:05:50 Introduction to Dr. Karan Rajan 00:21:15 How being dismissed by doctors leads patients toward TikTok, Instagram, and wellness rabbit holes 00:34:15 Why “you’re just anxious” has become medicine’s favorite (and a dangerous) catch-all 00:44:50 Why some unlicensed “experts” thrive online — and how to navigate health content without shame or pseudoscience 00:54:30 Viral medical misconceptions  01:12:30 One Brain Cell Shows: The Sandman 01:16:00 Thank you for listening!  ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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: ✨Lotus Wei — https://www.lotuswei.com/alexandrawildeson ✨Clevr Strawberry Matcha — https://clevrblends.com/AWILDESON — AWILDESON for 15% off all orders!!! ✨YumeRest Duvet — https://go.shopmy.us/p-21120056 #podcast #medicalgaslighting #chronicillness #callinginsick #anxietymisdiagnosis #selfadvocacy #healthjourney #doctorstories #alexwildeson #spoonielife #autoimmunedisease #dismissedagain #womenshealth #patientadvocacy #selfadvocacymatters #justanxious #tiktokmedicine #medicalbias #healthmisinformation #callinginsickpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Calling in Sick — and buckle up because this week? Saint Cooper is back!!! We're calling these the Chaos Episodes™, because that's exactly what it is: one part love story, one part medical update, and several parts unhinged. This week we’re diving into: 💖 How we have fun as a couple even when chronic illness is center stage 🐊 Animal therapy and my current backyard lizard obsession ☕️ My caffeine addiction & our beige flags for each other 📺 Headed to the big screen!!! 🐶 Our thoughts on pet insurance and if it’s scam or savior? 🧠 Trauma therapy, pain management updates, and prednisone It’s chaotic, it’s cozy, it’s just what you expect from Calling in Sick. So thanks for hanging with us again — don’t forget to DM us your couch recs and tell us where you stand on the pet insurance debate. xx, Alex & Coops 💬 Comment: What’s your take on pet insurance?! ** GIVEAWAY ON SOCIALS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HIDDEN DISABILITY SUNFLOWER PROJECT ** Giveaway includes HDS gear + airline gift card!  ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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: ✨Grove Co. — https://go.shopmy.us/p-20737557 — ALEXANDRA25 for 25% off all orders +$75!!! #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #selfadvocacy #medicalbias #vasculitis #mixedconnectivetissuedisease #ibd #irritableboweldisease #trauma #ptsd #mentalhealthmatters #findjoy #glimmers #guiltforjoy #endometriosis #lupus #MS #chronicfatiguesyndrome #eds  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Living with chronic illness can feel like a never-ending cycle, described as the Groundhog Day effect. Time gets distorted, making every day blend into the next, but there are ways to break this monotony. Discover the concept of 'micro novelties'—small changes that can infuse joy and variety into daily life. The host shares personal stories, self-care tips, and a brain hack to regain momentum, proving that you can reclaim time and happiness, even from bed!

Last week, we talked about giving ourselves permission to have fun — but this week? We’re swinging the pendulum back the other way. Because I made zero adjustments and just had fun… which was great until it wasn’t. Truth is, one of the hardest people to set boundaries with is actually ourselves. In this episode, I talk through what it looks like to chase joy, crash hard, and try to recover without beating yourself up. Spoiler alert: I’m recording this after two straight days of IVIG, so I’m right in the thick of it. Here’s what we get into: 🚷 Why we need to set boundaries with ourselves to make life sustainable 🧳 The “oops I had fun and now I’m in spoon jail” cycle 🌿 Ottine road trips, mineral springs, and my new “Come With Me” content series 🪑 The adjustments I’m making in real time This one’s for the people who are 0 or 100, all or nothing, go-go-go until your joints give out. You’re not lazy. You’re not failing. You’re just human — and that’s more than enough. Thanks for Calling in Sick with me, again 💛 xx, Alex Comment: What’s one boundary you’re learning to set with yourself lately? Need to catch up on last week's episode? Here! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:00:30 Alex Life Updates! 00:03:00 Alex’s Picks of the Week! (discount code & links below) 00:04:28 The asterisk that should come after “Just Have Fun!” 00:06:00 How I allocate spoons (aka my energy!!) 00:11:30 Why I landed myself in sick chick jail this week (sorry for having a good time!!!) 00:15:43 Introducing My New Content Series, Come With Me!! 00:20:10 What Boundaries I’m Putting Up Against Myself 00:23:05 One Brain Cell TV: Your Friends & Neighbors (Apple) 00:28:06 LOVE YOU GUYS! ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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: ✨The Detox Market — https://go.shopmy.us/p-19681555 ———- ALEXWILDDETOX15 for 15% off at checkout! ✨Tower 28, SOS Line — https://go.shopmy.us/p-19830687 #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #selfadvocacy #medicalbias   #vasculitis #mixedconnectivetissuedisease #ibd #irritableboweldisease #trauma #ptsd #mentalhealthmatters #findjoy #glimmers #guiltforjoy  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the concept of joy guilt and why it often feels wrong to have fun while living with chronic illness. Discover how societal expectations shape our views on happiness and health. Delve into the idea that joy doesn't mean you're betraying your struggles; it's integral to healing. Learn to shed the pressure of 'performing misery' and embrace the notion that rest doesn't have to be earned. It’s time to reclaim joy, celebrate your sparkle, and allow yourself to enjoy life without guilt!

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by the one and only, Sasha Pieterse-Sheaffer — who you might know from her starting role in Pretty Little Liars or Inherent Vice. Today, Sasha spends her time as an actor, podcaster, founder, advocate, and fellow chronic illness warrior. We sat down and talked about her real life plot twist: getting diagnosed with PCOS and epilepsy, navigating autoimmune symptoms, and redefining herself while the world was watching. We also chat:🎥 What it was like getting sick in the public eye, without a formal diagnosis🗞 The internet’s reaction to body changes — and reclaiming the narrative👶 Motherhood, identity shifts, and the “new you” that chronic illness brings💬 The mantras, mindsets & moments that get her through the hard stuff Sasha shares her raw truth about rebuilding trust with her body, the hardest lessons she’s learned, and the surprising silver linings she’s found along the way. Whether you're in the thick of chasing a diagnosis or learning to live life on new terms, this episode is a gentle reminder: you are not alone, and healing doesn’t mean going back — it means going forward as someone new. Thanks for Calling in Sick with us 💛xx,Alex 💬 Comment prompt for socials:What’s one thing chronic illness has taught you about who you are? TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!  00:01:44 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Merit, SuperGoop) 00:03:01 Introduction to Sasha Pieterse-Sheaffer (PCOS & epilepsy) 00:10:20 What it was like getting sick in the public eye, without a formal diagnosis 00:34:43 Motherhood, identity shifts, and the “new you” that chronic illness brings 00:49:10 The mantras, mindsets & moments that get her through the hard stuff 01:12:12 Thank you for listening!  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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: ✨Merit, The Uniform Tinted SPF 45 — https://go.shopmy.us/p-19230899 ✨SuperGoop Glow Oil SPF 50 — https://go.shopmy.us/p-14387605 Guest Information: • Find her on IG - https://www.instagram.com/sashapieterse/?hl=en • Listen to her Podcast, Women in the Nude - https://www.youtube.com/sashapieterse • Shop her Beverage, Hippie Water - https://www.hippiewater.com/ • Checkout HotStart VC - https://www.hotstart.vc/ #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #SashaPieterse #CallingInSickPodcast #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneAwareness #PCOSAwareness #MotherhoodAndIllness #SpoonieSupport #IdentityShift #InvisibleIllness #ChronicIllnessWarrior #SpoonieLife #MentalHealthMatters #HealingJourney #ChronicFatigue #BodyChanges #MedicalGaslighting #WomensHealth #ReclaimYourBody ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, we’re getting grounded, energized, and totally fascinated by the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I’m joined by Dr. Jennifer Ashby — a TCM doctor at UCSF — to explore the intersection of Eastern and Western care for whole-person healing. We get into the foundational teachings of TCM, the biggest surprises patients experience when they first try it, and how it’s being used right now in hospital settings like UCSF (yes, really!!). We also talk: 📣 Why TCM is so much more than acupuncture & herbs 🧠 The reason why TCM doesn’t separate mind, body & spirit 🌊 Micro-changes that have macro impacts to our health 📦 Why what you think impacts how you feel Whether you’re new to holistic wellness or just tired of treating symptoms without addressing the why — this one’s full of grounding insight, accessible tools, and (as always) a little cozy chaos. Extra benefit... Dr. Ashby is one of the most relaxing humans I've had the pleasure of being around... she is Xanax in human form. Thanks for Calling In Sick with us 💛 xx,Alex 💬 Comment: Have you ever tried acupuncture, herbs, or any form of Eastern medicine? What was your experience? TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:02:44 Alex’s Picks of The Week (Four Sigmatic Golden Latte, Coracle Water Bottle) 00:04:04 Welcome Dr. Jennifer Ashby 00:07:10 Dr. Ashby’s approach: Eastern and Western care for whole-person healing 00:32:30 Accessible tools for learning about TCM 00:42:50 Understanding cause and effect in health 00:46:10 Dr. Ashby asks my top 2-3 things for a healthy day 00:49:30 The Epic 8: 8 habits for longevity and well-being 01:07:15 Mastering habit changes for better health 01:13:30 One Brain Cell TV: Joe Coy, White Lotus 01:16:10 LOVE YOU GUYS! ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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: ✨Four Sigmatic Golden Latte — https://amzn.to/4dM5LMg ✨Coracle Water Bottle — https://go.shopmy.us/p-18936532 Links from the Episode: • Lymphatic Class - https://www.dailyom.com/courses/science-based-lymphatic-drainage-rescue/ • Detox Class - https://www.dailyom.com/courses/drain-unhealthy-toxins-from-your-body/ • Dr. Ashby’s Epic 8 Class - https://www.drjenniferashby.com/epic-8-course-interest • Daily Om’s 3-Day Virtual Global Summit - https://live.dailyom.com/global-summit/ ✨Use code “3017” for 50% off all 3 days!! Guest Information: • Work with Dr. Ashby - https://www.drjenniferashby.com/ • Follow Dr. Ashby - https://www.instagram.com/drjenashby/?hl=en #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #zachspiritos #neurology #gastroenterology #immunology #selfadvocacy #medicalbias #clinicalstudy #clinicaltrial #vasculitis #mixedconnectivetissuedisease #ibd #irritableboweldisease #trauma #ptsd #mentalhealthmatters #traditionalchinesemedicine #easternmedicine #wholepersonhealth #accupuncture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Calling in Sick — this week you’re in for a little peak into my life. Saint Cooper, my husband and sporadic co-host, is back for round two of two brain cells and one microphone. He try to keep me emotionally grounded while I spiral through a whirlwind of updates. This episode is cozy chaos. We cover grief, gratitude, gut health, identity shifts, and TV trash — with a few laughs and “did we overshare?” moments sprinkled in. We talk about: 💉 What it’s actually like to participate in a clinical study ✈️ My first solo trip in years (and why it lowkey changed me) 🧠 A raw mental health check-in post-trial If you’ve ever been in a season of transition, medical mayhem, or re-entry into life after a hard thing... this one’s for you. Thanks for Calling In Sick with us 💛 xx, Alex (& Coop) 💬 Comment: Should we keep making chaos episodes like this? What should we name this subseries?! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! (featuring St. Cooper) 00:05:43 Reflecting on my time in Philly during the clinical study 00:11:40 My first solo trip in years – the experience and what it taught me (and why I decided to bring my service dog) 00:17:20 Diving into my clinical study experience 00:30:20 What comes next after completing the clinical study 00:34:45 A mental health check-in 00:42:27 Alex’s (and Coop’s) Picks of the Week 00:47:28 One Brain Cell TV: Talking Succession & SLOMW 00:54:25 LOVE YOU GUYS! ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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: ✨Orgain — https://go.shopmy.us/p-18572123 ✨Feel Good Foods — https://go.shopmy.us/p-18572074 #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #zachspiritos #neurology #gastroenterology #immunology #selfadvocacy #medicalbias #clinicalstudy #clinicaltrial #vasculitis #mixedconnectivetissuedisease #ibd #irritableboweldisease #trauma #ptsd #mentalhealthmatters  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices