Calling In Sick

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.

Dive into the complexities of trauma therapy as a host reveals her personal journey. Discover the surprising differences between little-t and big-T trauma, and learn about the real reasons behind her therapy journey. Explore the fear of things getting too good and how a positive mindset can change lives. She also shares practical tips for embracing good things and addressing the mind-body connection. It's an eye-opening discussion on the emotional and financial aspects of healing.

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!

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