
Hope and Help For Fatigue & Chronic Illness
Welcome to the Hope and Help for Fatigue and Chronic Illness Podcast. It's our mission to help people that have some really complicated illnesses. People that have post viral syndrome like long COVID and ME/CFS or chronic fatigue. Those that have had toxic exposures like gulf war illness, mold exposures, pesticides and heavy metals.
These illnesses can present very similarly, they can actually look the same to your clinician.
You may have fatigue, post exertional malaise, foggy brain and many other symptoms that seem to be common across many illnesses. Underneath all of these illnesses, the causes of the symptoms are very similar. We know first hand how hard it is to get access to meaningful information and care when you find yourself or a loved one here. It is our hope to give you, bit by bit, the knowledge and ideas that we have seen make a positive impact on individuals just like you. And that you will take all those threads and begin to weave back together a healthier person.
Brought to you by the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine where we have over 200 years of combined clinical experience in Neuro-Inflammatory disease.
Latest episodes

Jan 23, 2024 • 38min
EP06: Therapeutic Relationships: How Personalized Medicine Works
Host Haylie Pomroy joins Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner Irina Rozenfeld to delve into the heart of personalized medicine. They explore the importance of therapeutic relationships, the ins and outs of patient-centered care, and the significant impact for clinicians to provide personalized attention. The most skilled physicians and medical practitioners emphasize the importance of recognizing each patient's unique conditions and preferences as well as properly educating them to achieve holistic and effective healthcare. If you're tired of generic diagnoses and want a more personalized medication process, listen to this episode and get in touch with us. Key Points: 00:00 Introduction 03:44 Holding out hope for a patient to get better 05:53 Show the patient empathy, not sympathy 06:34 Therapeutic relationships must be prioritized 10:01 What is personalized medicine? 15:48 Closing the knowledge deficit in a diagnosis 19:25 Chronic illness diagnosis should not be dismissive 20:25 Personalized medicine in action 23:31 Why a 360-view of the patient’s condition is essential 27:26 Patients, prepare your medical list before consultation 30:03 Make your consultation a personal relationship 32:10 The internet is not a substitute for a clinician’s mind 35:13 How family closes the knowledge deficit Irina Rozenfeld is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner with a focus on patient-practitioner relationships and patient education. She has a Bachelor's of Science degree from Nova Southeastern University, a Master's of Science in Nursing Studies from Florida International University, and a Doctoral degree from the University of North Florida. Irina's research interests include neuroinflammation, biotoxin exposure, and the implementation of integrative medicine modalities. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for tuning in to the Hope and Help For Chronic Fatigue and Illness Podcast. Sign up today for our newsletter. 👉 https://nova.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=419072c88a85f355f15ab1257&id=5e03a4de7d Enjoy our show? Please leave us a 5-star review on the following platforms so we can bring hope and help to others 👉 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-and-help-for-fatigue-chronic-illness/id1724900423 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/154isuc02GnkPEPlWfdXMT This podcast is brought to you by the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. Learn more about us here. Website: https://www.nova.edu/nim/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InstituteForNeuroImmuneMedicine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NSU_INIM/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NSU_INIM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nsu_inim Your support goes a long way toward the advancement of clinical research. Donate here. 👉 https://www.nova.edu/nim/donations.html

Jan 16, 2024 • 17min
EP05: Finding Hope And Help For Chronic Disease
Struggling with a complex disease can feel like navigating a maze with no exit in sight. It’s a journey of misdiagnosis, confusion, and an intense search for answers. This is the sad reality most patients like you or your loved ones are facing – and we know it well. Our Executive Director Nathalie Sloane has worked tirelessly to carve a path of help and hope for chronic fatigue and illness. In this episode, she and host Haylie Pomroy walk us through the vision and goals of the Institute, the groundbreaking research we do, and how you can support our plight for a stronger, healthier world. If you wish to be a part of progress in the realm of healthcare, stay tuned as we explore the diverse expertise of the Institute and what you can do to help. Key Points: 00:00 Introduction 04:37 Challenges faced by patients with chronic illness 05:34 The Institute’s state-of-the-art lab technology 08:26 Sources of funding: What keeps the Institute running? 14:25 How you can support the Institute 16:15 INIM’s contributions to cutting-edge research Nathalie Sloane has been the Executive Director of the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine since September 2017. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathalie-sloane-90456625 —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for tuning in to the Hope and Help For Fatigue and Chronic Illness Podcast. Sign up today for our newsletter. 👉 https://nova.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=419072c88a85f355f15ab1257&id=5e03a4de7d Enjoy our show? Please leave us a 5-star review on the following platforms so we can bring hope and help to others Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-and-help-for-fatigue-chronic-illness/id1724900423 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/154isuc02GnkPEPlWfdXMT This podcast is brought to you by the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. Learn more about us here. Website: https://www.nova.edu/nim/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InstituteForNeuroImmuneMedicine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NSU_INIM/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NSU_INIM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nsu_inim Your support goes a long way toward the advancement of clinical research. Donate here. 👉 https://www.nova.edu/nim/donations.html

Jan 9, 2024 • 26min
EP04: Funding Medical Research Through The Arts
Host Haylie Pomroy welcomes a truly inspirational guest, SANARTE Foundation Co-Founder and multi-digital artist Julia Berrios. Haylie and Julia explore the challenges and victories in dealing with chronic disease like fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) and the pioneering work being done at the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, where innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment are opening new doors for patients with complex illness. Listen to this episode for an insightful look into the journey of a patient who transformed her health struggles into visual art and how tailored medical care can bring back vitality to life. Key Points: 03:27 The onset of Julia's condition, marked by fatigue and life changes. 07:05 Exploration of Julia's immune system reactivity. 10:54 The benefits of a holistic approach in medicine. 12:05 The therapeutic role of art in Julia's healing journey. 15:41 The inspirational power of art. 18:29 Personalized nutrition and nutraceuticals in managing Julia's health condition. 23:43 Commitment to contributing to the cause through the SANARTE Foundation. Julia Berrios merges her Cuban-Honduran heritage with her Miami flair to create art that transcends boundaries. A former educator turned digital artist, she draws from her battles with Fibromyalgia and Lyme disease, channeling adversity into creativity. Her 'JU's Out of Body Experience' collection stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. Now, as a Glioblastoma survivor, Julia’s work with the SANARTE Foundation spotlights the healing power of art, making her a true advocate for wellness and inspiration. Socials of SANARTE Foundation: Website: https://sanartefoundation.org/bod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanartefoundation/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SanarteFoundation Twitter: https://twitter.com/SanarteArt —--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for tuning in to the Hope and Help For Chronic Fatigue and Illness Podcast. Sign up today for our newsletter. 👉 https://nova.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=419072c88a85f355f15ab1257&id=5e03a4de7d Join our podcast giveaway by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts! 👉 https://form.jotform.com/233415712658155 This podcast is brought to you by the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. Learn more about us here. Website: https://www.nova.edu/nim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NSU_INIM/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NSU_INIM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nsu_inim Your support goes a long way toward the advancement of clinical research. Donate here. 👉 https://www.nova.edu/nim/donations.html

Jan 9, 2024 • 27min
EP03: Epigenetics: Changing Your Health Destiny
Are you ready to take control of your health and destiny? Join host Haylie Pomroy, Assistant Director of the Integrative Medicine Program at the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, as she talks with guest Dr. Lubov Nathanson, Associate Professor at Nova Southeastern University's College of Osteopathic Medicine. They go into great detail about the amazing field of epigenetics and how it can change your health. Dr. Lubov Nathanson also sheds light on the interconnectedness of our bodily systems, the empathy and belief in patients at the heart of clinical research, and the fascinating notion that genetic expression can be reversed and altered. If you want to improve your health trajectory, this episode is for you. Key Points: 02:11 The difference between genomics and epigenetics 03:24 How epigenetic mutations happen 05:12 Turning certain genetic expressions on or off can cause or stop diseases 07:51 Current research in chronic diseases 09:20 How Gulf War Illness links to chronic fatigue syndrome 12:55 Impartiality and neutrality in research 15:30 Why health practitioners should believe patient symptoms 17:08 All systems in our bodies are interconnected 20:14 Collaboration is key in research 22:25 There’s no technical definition for “normal” in health 25:53 Science is the freedom to ponder for medical breakthroughs Dr. Lubov Nathanson, Ph.D., is an experienced scientist with expertise in genomics and proteomics research. She has a multidisciplinary background in bioinformatics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and systems biology. Her work involves analyzing gene expression data, studying metabolic pathways and gene ontology, building gene interaction networks, and investigating upstream and downstream gene interactions. In addition to her role as an Associate Professor, she is also an Adjunct Professor in the fields of nutrition and math, science, and technology. —-------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for tuning in to the Hope and Help For Fatigue and Chronic Illness Podcast. Sign up today for our newsletter. 👉 https://nova.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=419072c88a85f355f15ab1257&id=5e03a4de7d Join our podcast giveaway by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts! 👉 https://form.jotform.com/233415712658155 This podcast is brought to you by the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. Learn more about us here. Website: https://www.nova.edu/nim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NSU_INIM/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NSU_INIM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nsu_inim Your support goes a long way toward the advancement of clinical research. Donate here. 👉 https://www.nova.edu/nim/donations.html

Jan 9, 2024 • 33min
EP02: Demystifying Mast Cells: How To Get The Right Diagnosis
In this riveting episode, host Haylie Pomroy of the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine’s Integrative Medicine Program is joined by Dr. Theoharis C. Theoharides. Watch as Dr. Theoharides decodes the mysteries behind mast cells and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). He also shares actionable advice on how to receive proper diagnosis and treatment for your chronic illness: by taking charge in closing the patient-doctor communication gap. Clinical researchers are working to find answers and the right solutions for complex illnesses like MCAS. If you’re someone experiencing unexplainable symptoms and are having difficulty getting the right diagnosis, tune in to this episode and get in contact with us. Key Points: 01:34 Why pursue clinical research for chronic illness? 04:54 The patient’s diagnosis dilemma 06:56 How to be heard by your doctor: 2 practical tips 10:34 Mast cells: history and their effects on the body 13:40 Can mast cell activation syndrome be cured? 14:34 The four types of mast cell reactions 16:35 Getting a mast cell diagnosis: ask these questions! 19:16 Signs to watch out for mast cell syndrome 21:03 Patients, don’t minimize your experience 23:31 Communication ignites hope in your health 28:27 The future of neuro-inflammatory research and what it means for you Dr. Theoharis C. Theoharides joined Nova Southeastern University (NSU) on July 1, 2022 as Professor at the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, and Director of a new Center of Excellence on Neuroinflammation Research at the Clearwater campus. He has been Professor of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine and Director of Molecular Immunopharmacology & Drug Discovery, Tufts School of Medicine (1983-2022) and will remain as Adjunct Professor there. Dr. Theoharides’ website https://www.mastcellmaster.com/ —---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for tuning in to the Hope and Help For Fatigue & Chronic Illness Podcast. Sign up today for our newsletter. 👉 https://nova.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=419072c88a85f355f15ab1257&id=5e03a4de7d Join our podcast giveaway by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts! 👉 https://form.jotform.com/233415712658155 This podcast is brought to you by the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. Learn more about us here. Website: https://www.nova.edu/nim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NSU_INIM/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NSU_INIM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nsu_inim Your support goes a long way toward the advancement of clinical research. Donate here. 👉 https://www.nova.edu/nim/donations.html

Jan 9, 2024 • 54min
EP01: Unraveling Gulf War Illness: Why Research Is Crucial
If you are interested in joining a Gulf War Illness (GWI) trial, please complete the Recruitment Registry Form. https://redcap.nova.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=Y9YF8JJWJRK8HEKL%20&_gl=1*1fipp18*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3MDc5MTgwMzIuRUFJYUlRb2JDaE1JeWNyUXVfcXFoQU1WU1pCYUJSM3AyQWRBRUFBWUFTQUFFZ0s1NWZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MTg2NjgwMDQ4Ni4xNzA3MTQwNzgx In this episode, Dr. Nancy Klimas and Retired Sergeant First Class Jimmy Arocho join host Haylie Pomroy to discuss Gulf War Syndrome's lasting impact on veterans. Dr. Klimas details the toxic exposures during the Gulf War, such as pesticides, sarin gas, and oil fires, leading to chronic illnesses in a third of the deployed US veterans. Jimmy Arocho shares his firsthand experiences and the awareness of these health hazards among ex-soldiers. His journey from a veteran to an advocate for Gulf War Syndrome sufferers highlights the difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. Jimmy Arocho also emphasizes the PACT Act's role in supporting affected veterans and the ongoing research and treatment efforts at the Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine. If you or a loved one is a veteran who served in 1990-1991 for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, we need your help in finding answers for this condition. Enjoy the episode? Don’t forget to leave a 5-star review. Dr. Nancy Klimas with 40 years of experience, is renowned for her work in multi-symptom disorders like ME/CFS, Gulf War illness, fibromyalgia, and Long COVID. She leads the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine and is a Professor at the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. Previously at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine for 30 years, she now contributes significantly to research and education in her field, focusing on innovative treatments and training the next generation of clinicians and scientists. LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-klimas-49255178 Jimmy Arocho is an experienced professional in strategic management of Information Technologies and Telecommunications, with a focus on Healthcare Information Management Applications. His career spans roles in project management, network administration, and customer service across various sectors including business, education, and government. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-arocho-9b63395 —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for tuning in to the Hope and Help For Fatigue and Chronic Illness Podcast. Sign up today for our newsletter. 👉 https://nova.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=419072c88a85f355f15ab1257&id=5e03a4de7d This podcast is brought to you by the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. Learn more about us here. Website: https://www.nova.edu/nim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NSU_INIM/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NSU_INIM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nsu_inim Your support goes a long way toward the advancement of clinical research. Donate here. 👉 https://www.nova.edu/nim/donations.html

Jan 9, 2024 • 4min
EP00: Welcome To The Hope and Help For Fatigue & Chronic Illness Podcast
Join Haylie Pomroy as she hosts the Hope and Help for Fatigue and Chronic Illness podcast, brought to you by Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. Our Institute is dedicated to research, clinical treatment, and education regarding complex chronic diseases, such as Gulf War Illness (GWI) and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). We understand the difficulties many face in finding answers for these often overlooked and misdiagnosed conditions. This podcast aims to offer insights and solutions spanning immunology, nutrition, acupuncture, virology, and more, addressing complex diagnoses and diseases. We also discuss topics like mitochondrial metabolism, genomics, the gut microbiome, and others crucial for understanding these conditions. Our goal is to provide hope and assistance. If you're struggling to find hope, know that we're here for you, and we're witnessing patients improve every day. The Institute is working tirelessly every day for the ongoing research and advancements in treatment options for people like you. So, grab a pen and paper as we interview a range of experts, patients, veterans, and individuals seeking solutions for chronic complex diseases. —------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for tuning in to the Hope and Help For Chronic Fatigue and Illness Podcast. Sign up today for our newsletter. 👉 https://nova.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=419072c88a85f355f15ab1257&id=5e03a4de7d Join our podcast giveaway by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts! 👉 https://form.jotform.com/233415712658155 This podcast is brought to you by the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. Learn more about us here. Website: https://www.nova.edu/nim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NSU_INIM/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NSU_INIM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nsu_inim Your support goes a long way toward the advancement of clinical research. Donate here. 👉 https://www.nova.edu/nim/donations.html