Calling In Sick

This week on Calling in Sick, I sit down with Danielle Lazarowitz, founder of Chronius Care, a virtual healthcare service designed for chronic illness warriors by a chronic illness warrior. Danielle shares her powerful journey, from the struggles of searching for a diagnosis and managing debilitating symptoms to dealing with lackluster care. These experiences ultimately inspired her to reimagine healthcare for spoonies everywhere. We unpack why the current healthcare system often fails chronic illness patients and how Chronius Care is changing the game. The virtual platform gives each patient access to a primary care physician, patient coordinator, patient advocate and mental-health specialists. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit into the box that is the current medical system, this episode is for you. As always, sending love!xx,AlexTimestamps:00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick!00:01:22 Alex’s Catch-Up00:04:49 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Magic Minds & Mini-Gravity Blanket)00:07:27 Why Chronius Care is on Calling in Sick00:09:42 Welcome to Chronius Care!00:10:22 Danielle’s Health Story — Symptoms, Diagnosis and Current Care Regimen00:30:01 Danielle’s Thoughts on Chronic Illness’ impact to Grief, Identity and Mental Health00:34:03 Finding Providers: Primary Care, Specialists and Mayo Clinic00:36:25 The Creation of “Chronius Care”00:47:04 What Does Chronius Care Offer?00:53:19 What Does Being a Chronius Care Patient Look Like, and Do I Need a Formal Diagnosis?01:05:51 Chronius Care’s Helping Patient’s Navigate the ER & Hospitalizations01:10:31 Chronius Care’s Care Advocate Program01:13:10 The Future of Chronius Care01:21:13 Get In Touch01:23:09 Thank you for listening! ----------------------------------------------------------------Stay connected and follow social:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpodFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/Episode Resources:Chronius Care: https://www.chronicillnesspcp.com/Contact Chronius Care: hello@chroniushealth.com Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/usAlex’s Picks of the Week:Magic Minds: https://www.magicmind.com/CALLINGINSICK20Weighted Lap Blanket: https://go.shopmy.us/p-11988412 #chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnessidentity #chronicillnessmanagement #chroniuscare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, my husband Cooper joins me for a candid Q&A session where we tackle your top questions about dating and relationships while living with chronic illness. Whether you're navigating the dating world, maintaining a relationship, or balancing the caregiver role, this episode is packed with oversharing, practical advice, and plenty of laughs. We give our two cents on caregivers playing “the middleman”, if embracing the caregiver role is necessary, and how to handle caregiver burnout and building resentment. From green and red flags in dating to dealing with misunderstandings about chronic illness, this episode has something for everyone — caregiver or chronically sick baddie in love. We hope this episode leaves you feeling empowered and confident to navigate dating and relationships, no matter where you’re at in your journey. As always, sending love!xx,AlexTimestamps: 00:00:00 - Welcome back to Calling in Sick!00:02:00 - Alex’s Catch-Up00:06:03 - Alex’s Picks of the Week (Magic Minds & Nuuds)00:10:22 - Q&A with Cooper and Alex 00:11:22 - Cooper being a Middleman00:15:05 - Reality of Dating Someone With a Chronic Illness00:18:58 - Should You Embrace the Caregiver Role00:22:10 - Taking Care of Someone on the Hard Days00:26:10 - Caregivers Burnout and Building Resentment00:34:07 - Green and Red Flags of Dating and Chronic Illness00:40:11 - Chronic Illness Life Impact & Seasons of Life00:42:22 - Handling Misunderstandings of Chronic Illness00:45:49 - How to Meet New People While Chronically Sick00:50:36- 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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/Learn More about The Hidden Disability Sunflower Project: https://hdsunflower.com/Alex’s Picks of the Week:• Magic Minds — https://www.magicmind.com/CALLINGINSICK20• Nuuds PJs — https://go.shopmy.us/p-11674705#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnessidentity #datingandchronicillness #chronicillnessandrelationships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, join me for Part 2 of my two-part series with Vanessa Blackstone, MSW, ACSW, and Executive Director of the Pain Psychology Center. In Part 1, we explored Vanessa’s personal journey with chronic pain and introduced Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)—a method that helps retrain the brain to interpret and respond to pain signals differently. Now, in Part 2, we’re diving deeper into the science behind PRT, discussing its potential benefits for those with structural damage and chronic illness, and addressing common misconceptions around PRT. If you’ve ever been skeptical about pain management approaches, you’re not alone—I feel the same. But my hope is that after listening to this series, we’ll both walk away with new tools to address our pain, renewed optimism for what’s possible and a path to living a better life. With a new year on the horizon, why not embrace hope that chronic pain can improve?! As always, I’m sending love!xx,AlexTimestamps: 00:00:00 - Welcome back to Calling in Sick!00:00:20 - Alex’s Catch-Up00:02:10 - Alex’s Picks of the Week (Hilma Digestive Enzyme & Buoy Rescue Salt)00:3:35 - Personality Types, Trauma & Chronic Pain00:7:51 - How Trauma Transforms into Chronic Pain00:10:04 - What is Pain Reprocessing Therapy Actually Like?00:12:12 - I’m Scared to Try PRT, now what? And What is Outcome Independence?00:18:53 - What are the Modalities of PRT and Intro to Somatic Tracking00:23:07 - Do you NEED a PRT Therapist?00:31:10 - Successful with PRT00:41:07 - Why Getting it Right Does NOT Matter!!00:50:25 - PRT and Traditional Western Pain Management00:52:47 - Vagus Nerve, Psychedelic Therapy and Pain Reprocessing Therapy00:56:21- 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----------------------------------------------------------------• Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/• Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/• Shop Vanessa Blackstone’s Book, “The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook”: https://a.co/d/1TQMuZqAlex’s Picks of the Week:• Hilma Gluten & Dairy Digestive Enzyme — https://go.shopmy.us/p-11614366• Buoy Rescue Salts — https://www.justaddbuoy.com/ALEXANDRA54836#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnessidentity #chronicpain #painmanagement #painreprocessingtherapy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by Vanessa Blackstone, MSW, ACSW, Executive Director of the Pain Psychology Center, for Part 1 of a two-part series. Together, we delve into Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), a groundbreaking approach that helps retrain the brain to interpret and respond to pain signals in a new way. Vanessa shares her personal journey with chronic pain and how she found her way to PRT. We discuss the science behind PRT and debunk common myths—like whether PRT can help someone who has structural damage or chronic inflammation. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear understanding of if you are a good candidate for PRT, and what success looks like in terms of your experience with chronic pain. Sending love, strength, and encouragement to everyone navigating this journey alongside me.xx,AlexTimestamps: 00:00:00 - Welcome back to Calling in Sick!00:03:42 - Why We Are Talking about Chronic Pain & Disclaimer + Alex’s Pain Story00:07:28 - Alex’s Picks of the Week (Magic Minds & Facial Reflexology / Lymphatic Drainage)00:12:22 - Intro to Vanessa Blackstone00:12:45 - Explanation of Pain Reprocessing Therapy00:14:42 -Welcome, Vanessa Blackstone - her story, her journey with chronic pain and finding PRT00:23:15 - Why Type A-People Are More Likely to Have Chronic Pain?00:31:54 - Why Do Our Nervous Systems Prefer Living in Chaos?!00:34:22 - Guardian Angels and Hope00:36:08 - Scientifically Speaking, This is Pain and Pain Reprocessing Therapy 00:37:38 - Who Is a Good Candidate for PRT & Is It My Fault?00:41:08 - Will PRT Help If You Have Structural Damage?00:45:10 - What Does Success Look Like with PRT?00:47:06- 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----------------------------------------------------------------• Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/• Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/• Shop Vanessa Blackstone’s Book, “The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook”: https://a.co/d/1TQMuZqAlex’s Picks of the Week:• Magic Minds — https://www.magicmind.com/CALLINGINSICK20• The Chief Skin Officer (Facial Reflexology )— https://www.chiefskinofficer.com/#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnessidentity #chronicpain #painmanagement #painreprocessingtherapy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I can’t believe it… we’re nearing the end of 2024! So this week, we’re Calling in Sick to ditch the pressure of traditional New Year’s resolutions and create a plan that actually works — chronic illness style. The end of the year can feel like a mixed bag of emotions: gratitude, grief, hope, and even exhaustion. And guess what? That’s totally okay. In this episode, I’m sharing how to reflect, reset, and set meaningful goals — without the toxic positivity or all-or-nothing mindset.I’m breaking down my Annual Audit & New Year Action Plan, a guided process for looking back with compassion and moving forward with purpose. We’ll chat about redefining success, embracing small wins, and designing routines that work on both high- and low-energy days. It’s all about setting intentions that honor your reality while still creating space for growth.Grab a notebook, get cozy, and let’s build out next year in a way that feels good — one small step at a time. Sending so much love, light, and strength as we step into this new year together!xx,AlexPS: Join the group-chat on Instagram to participate in the 21-day challenge here!https://www.instagram.com/j/AbaZDVK6W9TE9fyg/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:04:08 - Alex Health Updates 00:09:20 - New 21 Day Challenge00:11:42 - Alex’s Picks of the Week00:13:45 - Facing the New Year & End of Year Highlight Reels with a Chronic Illness00:21:15 - Setting Goals: Cooper and My Year End Audit00:27:12 - What I Learned in 202400:33:08 - Building a New Year Intentions Action Plan, Chronic Illness Edition00:39:00 - Why Reflecting on Your Last Year is Important00:41:35 - Biggest Episode Takeaways00:43:25- 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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson -- https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/Shop this Episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1104872Alex’s Picks of the Week:1. Vermont Nut Free Chocolate -- https://go.shopmy.us/p-112629492. Modern Picnic -- https://go.shopmy.us/p-11262877#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnessidentity #chronicpain #newyearsresolutions #newyears #holidays #endofyear #intentionsetting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re Calling in Sick for the very first episode dedicated to PAIN—one of the most universal yet misunderstood experiences in the chronic illness community. Chronic pain is complex, persistent, and deeply personal, which is why I’m kicking off a special series exploring this topic.In this week’s episode, I open up about my personal journey with pain, from childhood episodes to managing chronic pain as an adult. I break down the different types of pain, explain why it’s so challenging to diagnose and treat, and highlight the often-overlooked impact chronic pain has on mental health.I also share practical tips for describing pain more effectively to healthcare providers and walk you through 5 essential pain-management toolboxes that have helped me along the way.Finally, I’m launching a 21-Day Challenge designed to help us all build new tools for managing pain together. Join me on Instagram (@alexandrawildeson) for this journey toward better understanding, compassion, and self-care.Sending love, hugs, and thanks for Calling in Sick with me!xx, AlexTimestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!00:02:15 Alex’s Health Update00:06:12 Alex’s Thoughts on BlueCrossBlueShield Surgical Anesthesia Policy (now redacted)00:10:01 Alex’s New Year Audit and Goal Making Ritual00:11:33 Alex’s Wellness Picks of the Week00:14:10 What even is Chronic Pain and Why is it SO hard to treat and understand?00:21:10 How to Describe YOUR Pain00:23:24 What are the different types of pain?00:25:20 Chronic Pain’s impact on Mental Health00:28:08 Tips for Managing Pain - Holistic Management00:30:18 Tips for Managing Pain - At-Home Management00:31:41 Tips for Managing Pain - Psychological / Psychosomatic00:33:44 Tips for Managing Pain - Western Pain Management00:38:18 Tips for Managing Pain - Guided Therapy00:40:32 What to Expect in Future Pain Episodes00:42:15 Alex’s 21-Day Chronic Pain Challenge00:45:28 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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by Just Media House — https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/Shop this Episode — https://shopmy.us/collections/746944#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnessidentity #chronicpain #painmanagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, I sit down with Alex Gray (@alexogray), UK-based TV presenter, actress, and founder, to reflect on her journey with chronic illness. We unpack the toll of hustle culture on health, the disorienting feeling of being a stranger in your own body, and the challenges of navigating life without a clear diagnosis. We explore how chronic illness reshapes relationships - the weight of masking our reality, facing disbelief and misunderstanding, and learning to pick our battles while still finding compassion for ourselves and others. Our conversation also touches on how chronic illness transforms identity and mental health, from the exhaustion of constant perseverance to discovering strength in slowing down and living authentically. One Monday, double the Alex, triple the laughter — join for an honest conversation about life and relationships while being chronically ill. Sending everyone love and hugs - and thanks for Calling in Sick with me!xx, AlexTimestamps:00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:02:55 Alex’s Health/Life Update00:13:05 Alex’s Wellness Picks of the Week00:16:50 Introduction to Alex Gray (@alexogray), UK-based TV presenter, actress, and founder00:25:30 Alex’s first symptoms00:32:15 Alex’s journey to diagnosis00:51:00 Alex’s feelings around her chronic illness diagnosis01:02:45 Friendship & chronic illness01:06:15 Family & chronic illness01:15:00 Masking your chronic illness01:24:04 Roses & Thorns of chronic illness01:38:40 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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnessidentity #celiacdisease #alexogray #alexgray Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Calling in Sick, I go into depth on how to navigate the holiday season with a chronic illness. It is *so* easy to over do it, when everyone around you is baking Pinterest worthy desserts and listing all the things they’re thankful for… like their health. We have to think through the logistics of traveling (if you haven’t, go watch episode 11 for more tips), socializing, and saving our spoons. We have to figure out how to effectively communicate boundaries with everything from our emotions to food sensitivities or allergies (keep that pecan pie AWAY!). Beyond that, this time of year is full of emotions, good and bad. We reflect on the year as a whole, how this season would be different if our health was better and comparing ourselves to peers and family that just don’t struggle the same way. From my thoughts on why this joyful season can be challenging as a sick chick to my how-to’s on navigating gatherings and spoon usage, I talk about it ALL in this holiday survival guide. Sending everyone my love, hugs and a spare spoon this holiday season - thanks for Calling in Sick with me this Thanksgiving! xx, AlexTimestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:02:25 Alex’s Health Update00:13:45 Alex’s 21 Days to Less Anxiety Challenge 00:15:15 Alex’s Wellness Picks of the Week00:18:22 Navigating the holiday season with a Chronic Illness00:20:50 Combatting the energy toll of the holidays00:25:30 Holiday-specific travel tips00:27:55 Reflection during the holiday season00:36:20 Internalized perception during the holiday season00:46:30 Proactive communication with others00:53:50 My #1 tip for thriving this holiday season00:56:00 Recouping after the holidays01:00:05 Thank you for listening! ----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to the sponsors for this episode: For a limited time, use the code “CallingInSick” for 25% off your first session on Malla.co. Malla is here to help you thrive!----------------------------------------------------------------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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #traveltips #holidayseason Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Calling in Sick, I share my how-to guide on navigating travel with a chronic illness. Travel is supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable break from “real life,” but when you’re dealing with a chronic illness, it can be incredibly overwhelming. From anxiety about how “able” you are, to internalized pressure on having the “perfect” get away, and realizing the impact of brain fog on planning… you are not alone in these worries! Not to forget the mental gymnastics of battling guilt for being stressed! If you want your next trip to go a bit smoother, look no further! Tune in to this week’s episode to hear what you need to pack in your suitcase versus your carry on and my top 5 most important things to travel with. You’ll leave this episode feeling more prepared and less anxious for your next trip. And as always, thanks for joining me for another Monday of Calling in Sick! xx, AlexTimestamps: (OLD)Introduction00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick00:03:40 Alex’s health update00:07:40 Alex’s mental health update00:11:20 Alex’s recent wins00:14:00 Alex’s Wellness PicksThe Chronic Illness Identity Shift00:17:50 Post-diagnosis prioritization00:25:25 The challenges of the chronic illness identity shift00:34:10 My tips for handling the identity shift00:51:20 My NUMBER ONE TIP for handling the identity shiftOutro00:53:30 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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #flareup #traveling #chronicillness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Calling in Sick, I’m joined by comedian and content creator, Joe Glasgow (@joeglasgowshow). We talk about his plunge into the chronic illness life and how leaning into creativity and comedy has shaped how he has processed and navigated the sick life. Tune in to hear about our symptom “upgrades,” how we navigate being “two faced” and an enlightening discussion on what brings all these different disease profiles together into one community. Joe said it best during the episode, the world may not be curated for the chronically ill… but the chronic ill social media space is, and so is this episode. So get ready for your face to hurt from smiling and laughing so hard during this episode… and as always, thanks for joining me for another Monday of Calling in Sick! xx, AlexTimestamps:00:00:00 Welcome back to another episode of Calling In Sick! 00:05:57 Alex’s Wellness Picks of the Week00:08:08 This episode of Calling In Sick is sponsored by Malla00:10:15 Introduction to Joe Glasgow (@joeglasgowshow)00:12:00 Joe’s BC/AC (before Covid/after Covid)00:17:45 Alex & Joe’s current headspace00:25:40 Disease upgrades/downgrades00:31:25 Living in the gray space00:36:15 Social anxiety00:39:07 Chronic illness content creation00:48:45 Creating children’s books00:53:00 How creativity builds a full life for those with chronic illness00:57:18 Thank you for listening! ----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to the sponsors for this episode: For a limited time, use the code “CallingInSick” for 25% off your first session on Malla.co. Malla is here to help you thrive! ----------------------------------------------------------------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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #flareup #darkhumor ---------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices