Podcast
Calling In Sick
Hosted by Just Media · EN
Welcome to the Calling in Sick, hosted by Alex Wildeson and produced by Just Media. On this podcast, Alex shares her unfiltered personal journey battling several autoimmune and chronic conditions including Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) Vasculitis, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) / Lupus, Endometriosis, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). She also provides practical “how-to” guides, explores hot topics, and welcomes other warriors, medical professionals, advocates and creators on the show to shed light on the latest healing modalities, promising treatments, and myth bust popular misconceptions and trendy health hacks. Tune in for some laughs, tears, and growth… but stay for the camaraderie and community. You can engage with Alex and the community through social media @callinginsickpod. We promise, you don’t need a doctor’s note for this one!
38episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Cutting Edge of Chronic Pain Treatment (& What's Overhyped) | Q&A with Alec Bradbury (FNP)
2w ago00:22:31Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick x Ask Alex, Alec Bradbury, FNP is back for round two — and we're getting into what's actually on the cutting edge of chronic pain. New research, new healing modalities, what we're both genuinely excited about, and where to pump the brakes before you hand over your money. If you've ever been told your pain is "of unknown origin," or you've been burned chasing a miracle cure, this one is for you. We're diving into: 🧠 Nociplastic pain — the THIRD pain type (only formally named in 2017!) and why it finally validates conditions like fibromyalgia, IBS, and chronic low back pain 📊 Function over the pain scale — why "rate it 0-10" fails you, what to document instead (especially if you're seeking disability), and the BPI 🔬 What's a real breakthrough — the PRT trial (66% pain-free or nearly so after 4 weeks, with results holding at 5 years) + EAET for trauma 💊 What's new in meds + tech — suzetrigine (the non-addictive Nav1.8 blocker), closed-loop spinal cord stimulators, and AI "digital twins" 🍄 The hopeful frontier — ketamine, psilocybin & MDMA therapy, PRP, and why Alex calls ketamine a turning point in her CRPS 🚩 Buyer beware — the stem cell clinic stats that'll scare you, and the rule: if anyone sells you a silver bullet, RUN xx, Alex 💬 Comment: what's a chronic pain treatment you're curious about — or one that actually worked for you? 🎧 New here? Go back to Monday's full episode with Alec for the foundation on how pain is taught (and mistaught). Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! What's changing in how pain is talked about + documented Nociplastic pain — the third pain type, finally named Function over the pain scale (and why it matters for disability) The humanness of pain + implicit bias on what pain "should" feel like Believing your patients — lived experience vs. taking it at face value Genuine breakthroughs: the PRT trial + 5-year follow-up EAET for trauma — and how trauma changes pain physiology New meds + tech: suzetrigine, spinal cord stimulators, AI digital twins The hopeful frontier: ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA + Alex's CRPS story PRP, PEMF, infrared — "woo woo" going mainstream Buyer beware: stem cells, false claims + the silver bullet rule 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/ Find Alec: https://www.instagram.com/alecbradburyfnp/ Alex's Picks of the Week: Since we're talking pain, here are my two favorite pain management tools 💊 ✨ CBD Living Topical CBD — THC-free, nano-sized CBD for better absorption + a menthol cooling effect. The ONLY topical that's ever given me real relief (note: not pregnancy-safe) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-54591626 ✨ Salonpas Lidocaine Patches — pregnancy-safe, ~$10/pack, lasts about a month. Always in my purse, hospital go-bag, and chemo bag — https://amzn.to/4wfu3X5 #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #PainManagement #NociplasticPain #NeuroplasticPain #PainReprocessingTherapy #KetamineTherapy #Fibromyalgia #CRPS #PainResearch #MindBodyConnection #ChronicPainAwareness #PatientAdvocacy #AlecBradbury #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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How to Actually Get Heard by Your Doctor About Chronic Pain (ft. Alec Bradbury, FNP)
2w ago01:11:04Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick, I'm sitting down with Alec Bradbury, FNP — the provider you've probably seen on socials making chronic pain feel a whole lot less terrifying, isolating, and lonely. He's a nurse practitioner doing street medicine for the unhoused in Orange County, he teaches the next generation of providers about chronic pain, AND he runs a 1:1 coaching program. Basically, a badass. We get into what providers are actually taught about pain in school… and the rude awakening Alec had when he started practicing and hit the bottom of the "toolbox" over and over again. If you've ever been told your scans look "fine" while you're in very real pain, this one is FOR YOU. We're diving into: 🧠 How pain is really taught in school — and why that framework fails chronic pain patients 🔬 "Real and biological" — central + peripheral sensitization, and why neuroplastic pain is NOT "all in your head" 🩻 The MRI myth — why disc degeneration shows up in people with zero pain (96% of 80-year-olds!), and why we're "treating imaging, not patients" 🤝 Mind AND body, not mind OR body — the biopsychosocial approach, PRT, and the trauma of being dismissed 🗣️ How to actually be heard at appointments — bring a buddy, lead with curiosity, and make them document the rationale And of course… reach out to us with any questions!!! xx, Alex 💬 Comment: what's a time you felt dismissed at an appointment — and what did you do? 🎧 New to PRT? Go back to our December 2024 episode with Vanessa Blackstone for the full download on pain reprocessing therapy. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:02:10 Alex's Picks of the Week 00:03:40 Meet Alec Bradbury, FNP — street medicine, teaching + coaching 00:07:15 Rapid fire: fact or fiction about chronic pain 00:11:00 How chronic pain is taught in school (and why it falls short) 00:15:00 Why new pain research isn't reaching the clinic yet 00:18:15 The moments Alec started questioning the toolbox 00:22:30 Rabbit holes: John Sarno, mind-body medicine, PRT 00:27:30 Mind AND body — and the trauma of "it's all in your head" 00:34:00 What actually changes in the nervous system (sensitization) 00:38:30 The MRI myth — degeneration in pain-free people 00:44:30 Treating imaging vs. treating patients + meeting people where they are 00:50:30 Why Alec started posting online (his 1-year anniversary!) 00:55:00 Communication that works: feel understood first 00:58:30 Your patient toolkit: bring someone, top 3 concerns, curiosity, documentation 01:03:00 Duvet day pick: anime, Frieren + Studio Ghibli 01:05:30 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/ Find Alec: https://www.instagram.com/alecbradburyfnp/ Alex's Picks of the Week: Since we're talking pain, here are my two favorite pain management tools 💊 ✨ CBD Living Topical CBD — THC-free, nano-sized CBD for better absorption + a menthol cooling effect. The ONLY topical that's ever given me real relief (note: not pregnancy-safe, sadly) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-54591626 ✨ Salonpas Lidocaine Patches — pregnancy-safe, ~$10/pack, lasts about a month. Always in my purse, hospital go-bag, and chemo bag — https://amzn.to/4wfu3X5 #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #PainManagement #NeuroplasticPain #MindBodyConnection #PainReprocessingTherapy #ChronicPainAwareness #InvisibleIllness #MedicalGaslighting #PatientAdvocacy #BiopsychosocialPain #ChronicPainWarrior #AlecBradbury #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Pregnancy Myths Busted: Sushi, Sleeping & Sharing the News Early | Q&A with Dr. Shevell (MFM, OBGYN)
3w ago00:33:25Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick x Ask Alex, Dr. Tracy Shevell is back and we are busting every pregnancy myth I've heard online this year. Sushi. Sleep position. The "12 week rule." Glowing pregnancies. ALL of it!! We're diving into: 🤰 Why I announced my pregnancy at 5.5 weeks — and why Dr. Shevell says waiting 12 weeks can actually be detrimental 😤 Restrictive laws on women’s healthcare and the pregnancy implications 🍣 The sushi myth — what's actually safe to eat and what isn't, and why it's about the bacteria, not the fish 😴 The sleep position myth — when sleeping on your left side actually matters and when it doesn't 😤 Stress does NOT cause miscarriage — what actually does, and why this myth needs to die ✨ Why "glowing" is not a requirement — it is completely normal to feel awful and hate being pregnant Plus the bigger conversation about bodily autonomy, restrictive healthcare laws, and why trusting your own intuition matters more than ever… especially in the third trimester. xx, Alex 💬 Comment: what’s your number one tip for someone THINKING about starting their pregnancy journey!!! TIMESTAMP: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! Early Pregnancy and Support: 00:00:10 Sharing pregnancy announcements early (five weeks?!) 00:02:06 Miscarriage statistics and reducing shame 00:04:02 Living in Texas and fears regarding first-trimester complications 00:06:51 The impact of restrictive laws on women's healthcare 00:10:32 Myth busting pregnancy myths: sushi, listeria, hot tubs and more 00:21:15 Pregnancy myths Dr. Shevell wishes to eliminate Conclusion: 00:22:27 Balancing loving and hating pregnancy 00:26:26 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 we’re chatting about high risk pregnancy… here’s two of my favorite pregnancy-safe supplement brands! ✨Needed. protein powder — https://amzn.to/4oIffh8 ✨Ritual pre-natal vitamins: https://go.shopmy.us/p-64830281 ( 50% off until 6/30!! ) #PregnancyMyths #PregnancyTips #HighRiskPregnancy #MaternalFetalMedicine #MiscarriageAwareness #PregnancyAnnouncement #ChronicIllnessPregnancy #PregnancyJourney #MomToBe #FirstTrimester #BodilyAutonomy #PregnancyFacts #DrTracyShevell #ChronicIllness #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Everything You Need to Know About High-Risk Pregnancy (ft. Dr. Tracy Shevell, MFM OBYGN)
3w ago01:12:00Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick, I'm sitting down (AGAIN!) with Dr. Tracy Shevell, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist (aka high-risk pregnancy OBGYN), to demystify everything about what a high-risk pregnancy actually means and is. So whether you have a chronic illness, you're newly pregnant, or you're just trying to understand if you need to see an MFM… this episode is your full 411. We're diving into: 🩺 What is an MFM? — the OB/GYN subspecialty most people have never heard of, and why it matters ⏰ When to actually see an MFM — and why pre-conception appointments are a great idea 🚩 What "high-risk" actually means — maternal conditions, fetal conditions, and everything in between 💊 The medication myth that needs to die — why stopping your meds during pregnancy is often more dangerous than staying on them 📝 The phrase that changes everything — what to say when you feel dismissed at an appointment And of course… reach out to us with any questions!!! xx, Alex 💬 Comment: what’s your biggest question around high-risk pregnancy? TIMESTAMP: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! Understanding MFM and High-Risk Pregnancies: 00:00:41 What is an MFM (Maternal Fetal Medicine) doctor? 00:06:51 Who needs to see a high-risk OB-GYN? 00:13:50 What to expect at first MFM appointments 00:20:16 The TRUTH about stopping meds and pregnancy 00:27:03 Conditions that are contraindications to pregnancy 00:37:11 Managing stress, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy 00:38:36 Building a "village" and practical registry ideas 00:44:06 Preparing for MFM appointments and asking the right questions Conclusion: 00:49:03 Understanding hospital admissions and late-pregnancy monitoring 00:55:18 Final advice for "chronic illness girlies" considering pregnancy 01:05:01 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 we’re chatting about high risk pregnancy… here’s two of my favorite pregnancy-safe supplement brands! ✨Needed. protein powder — https://amzn.to/4oIffh8 ✨Ritual pre-natal vitamins: https://go.shopmy.us/p-64830281 ( 50% off until 6/30!! ) #PregnancyMyths #PregnancyTips #HighRiskPregnancy #MaternalFetalMedicine #MiscarriageAwareness #PregnancyAnnouncement #ChronicIllnessPregnancy #PregnancyJourney #MomToBe #FirstTrimester #BodilyAutonomy #PregnancyFacts #DrTracyShevell #ChronicIllness #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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We're having a BOY!!! + our first trimester recap
Jun 1500:40:29Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick, we’re sharing everything about our gender reveal and closing out my first, first trimester!! We're diving into: 💙 WHY we found out early 👀 How we accidentally used the Sneak Peek at-home test for our gender reveal party (WHOOPS!) 🤢 First trimester wrap up and what's finally starting to ease up 💊 Chronic illness update (the good, the bad and the thing making me frown) and why that’s making me start nesting at 12 weeks!! So excited to share this moment with y’all!!!! xx, Alex 💬 Comment: Were you right on your guess if Baby Wild is a boy or a girl?! TIMESTAMPS: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! The Gender Reveal: 00:01:28 The quick TLDR; about this episode 00:05:36 Why we chose to find out the results privately BEFORE the gender reveal party (and why you should too!!) 00:09:16 Everything about our gender reveal party (+ how to make yours accessible and inexpensive!!) 00:17:15 Are old wives tales… right?!?! 00:24:43 First trimester symptom updates: nausea, fatigue, and "baby brain” 00:27:56 Impact of pregnancy on chronic illness symptoms + am I getting my port removed?! 00:31:27 How my risk tolerance has changed… and why that’s making me nest EARLY Conclusion: 00:33:30 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: These are a few of the products I mentioned in this week’s episode!! ✨SneakPeek At-Home Gender Test — https://amzn.to/4e8Td3p —> This is the EXACT one I ordered!!! ✨Susie Cakes custom cakes & cupcakes — https://susiecakes.com/national-menu/ —> GF options available upon request!!!! #GenderReveal #ItsABoy #ChronicIllnessPregnancy #LupusPregnancy #FirstTrimester #PregnancyAnnouncement #BabyBoy #ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmunePregnancy #Lupus #IVIG #PregnancyUpdate #BabyBrain #HighRiskPregnancy #MotherhoodJourney #ChronicIllnessMom #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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How to exercise with an achy body || Ask Alex with Dr. Reyes
Jun 1000:13:10Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick x Ask Alex, Dr. Taylor Reyes is back for the deeper dive, and we are getting into one of the HARDEST things for us sick chicks in the chronic illness community. Movement. This is not a "just do yoga" episode. This is a real, practical, judgment-free guide to moving your body when your body doesn't always cooperate. We're diving into: 🛠️ The PT toolbox (manual therapy, cupping, dry needling, scraping, and more) 🍫 How to use movement snacks to get daily exercise 🛋️ Exercises that meet you where you are 🔋 Energy conservation & why exercise doesn't have to look like athleisure and sweat 🏠 Habit stacking to get movement in during your daily activities If you've ever felt like exercise was designed for someone with a completely different body than yours, then this episode is your permission slip to start anyway. 🤍 xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What's your favorite low-effort movement snack? Drop it below so we can steal it! 👇 TIMESTAMP: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Ask Alex! 00:00:03 Introduction of Dr. Taylor Reyes and the focus on accessible movement Tools and Philosophy of Physical Therapy: 00:00:21 Different types of physical therapy tools: cupping, manual therapy, and dry needling 00:02:21 Holistic approach to chronic illness management Strategies for Accessible Movement: 00:03:32 Turning activities of daily living (ADLs) into exercise 00:04:00 Introduction to "Movement Snacks" 00:06:50 Overcoming mental blocks and fear of post-exercise malaise Conclusion: 00:08:18 Final thoughts and wrap-up 00:09:10 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: If this episode resonated, you probably should look at the Alex’s picks for this week… ✨MomCozy Pregnancy Pillow — https://amzn.to/49GLKpM ✨Corkcicle Sierra Leakproof Waterbottle — https://go.shopmy.us/p-51565745 #PelvicFloorPT #PelvicFloor #PelvicFloorPhysicalTherapy #ChronicIllness #Endometriosis #EDS #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #PregnancyPT #PostpartumRecovery #DiastasisRecti #PrenatalFitness #PelvicHealth #WomensHealth #SpoonieLife #ChronicPain #PostpartumFitness #DrTaylorReyes #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The Most Underutilized Tool in Women's Health? Pelvic Floor PT (ft. Dr. Taylor Reyes)
Jun 801:21:03Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick, I'm sitting down with Dr. Taylor Reyes, a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor health. Something I WISH I knew about after my endometriosis surgeries, and am relieved I know about before giving birth!!! Whether you have chronic illness, you're pregnant, postpartum, or just a human with a pelvis, this conversation is for you. We're diving into: 🦴 What the pelvic floor actually IS 💊 How pelvic floor PT supports chronic illness (endometriosis EDS, connective tissue disorders and more) 🤰 Prenatal PT (what to do before you give birth to reduce tearing, improve labor positioning, and actually prepare your body) 💪 Postpartum recovery (diastasis recti, abdominal pressure management, and why your soft tissues deserves actual rehab post birth) Plus the fact or fiction rapid fire you’ve been waiting for… like are kegels actually the answer for everyone, should you rest completely during a flare, and what does birth trauma look like even when there's no visible tearing? xx, Alex 💬 Comment: Have you ever seen a pelvic floor PT — and if not, what's stopped you? TIMESTAMPS Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:00:58 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Mom Cozy Pregnancy Pillow, Corkcicle No-Leak Water Bottle) Guide to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: 00:02:30 Meet the wonderful Dr. Taylor Reyes!! 00:11:53 The TLDR on physical therapy and pelvic floor physical therapy 00:20:15 When to Seek Pelvic Floor PT: Pain with Sex, Endometriosis, and More 00:27:38 Prenatal and Postpartum Care 00:53:21 Fact or Fiction: Common Pelvic Floor Myths Conclusion: 01:08:12 One Brain Cell Show: Zelda and Spark of the Everflame 01:14:04 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: If this episode resonated, you probably should look at the Alex’s picks for this week… ✨MomCozy Pregnancy Pillow — https://amzn.to/49GLKpM ✨Corkcicle Sierra Leakproof Waterbottle — https://go.shopmy.us/p-51565745 #PelvicFloorPT #PelvicFloor #PelvicFloorPhysicalTherapy #ChronicIllness #Endometriosis #EDS #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #PregnancyPT #PostpartumRecovery #DiastasisRecti #PrenatalFitness #PelvicHealth #WomensHealth #SpoonieLife #ChronicPain #PostpartumFitness #DrTaylorReyes #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Your Hormones Are Why Your ADHD Gets Worse Every Month | Ask Alex with Dr. Brighten
Jun 300:44:05Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick x Ask Alex, Dr. Jolene Brighten is back, and we are getting into something that I wish someone had explained to me years ago. If you have a neurodivergent brain and have ever felt like your symptoms get dramatically worse at certain points in your cycle… you are not imagining it. Your hormones are doing that. And there is ACTUALLY a lot you can do about it. We're diving into: 🧠 How your menstrual cycle affects your neurodivergent brain 📉 Why you feel like you crash out during your luteal phase 💔 How hormones effect PMDD ⏰ Why you may enter perimenopause earlier if you have ADHD 💊 What to actually do: hormone therapy, progesterone, testosterone, estrogen, thyroid health, etc. This one is a saver. Send it to every neurodivergent woman in your life. 🤍 xx, Alex 💬 Comment: Have you ever noticed how during specific points in your cycle, you symptoms get worse?! Tell us when 👇 TIMESTAMP: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Ask Alex! 00:00:05 Introduction of Dr. Jolene Brighten and her new book on ADHD and women Hormones, Cycles, and the Neurodivergent Brain: 00:01:12 What actually happens during the menstrual cycle? 00:04:41 How hormonal shifts uniquely impact neurodivergent women 00:07:34 The connection between ADHD, Autism, and PMDD 00:09:34 Understanding the GABA system and "mouth filters" 00:10:52 How the brain recalibrates and prunes during the cycle 00:12:04 Pain receptors and cycle-based sensitivities Endometriosis and it’s Co-Morbidities: 00:13:03 Co-morbidities: Endometriosis, autoimmune disease, and connective tissue disorders 00:16:35 How medications (ADHD, anxiety, depression) interact with cycles Cycles and Neurodivergence: 00:18:28 How our cycles impact ADHD 00:22:45 Utilizing hormone therapy for neurodivergent brains 00:24:38 When to start the conversation about hormone therapy 00:28:51 The role of testosterone in energy, "gumption," and impulsivity 00:31:05 Estrogen therapy and cognitive symptoms (Time blindness, memory) Conclusion: 00:36:09 Where to connect with Dr. Brighten 00:37:05 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: Apparently… pregnant woman sunburn MUCH faster than usual… so here are my top 2 pregnancy safe, non-toxic sun safety picks!!! ✨Tower28 SOS Spray (for when you burn) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-61563905 ✨OSEA Mineral Sunscreen — https://go.shopmy.us/p-61563949 #Endometriosis #EndoAwareness #EndoWarrior #ChronicIllness #ADHD #ADHDWomen #AutoimmuneDisease #POTS #PMDD #DrJoleneBrighten #BeyondThePill #PelvicPain #EndoSurgery #ExcisionSurgery #ChronicPain #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #WomensHealth #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Endometriosis Guide: How to get Diagnosed, Treatment Options & Co-morbidities, with Dr. Jolene Brighten
Jun 101:19:18Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick, I'm sitting down with THE Dr. Jolene Brighten, board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist, bestselling author of Beyond the Pill, Is This Normal and soon-to-be-released ADHD and Women, and someone who personally lives with endometriosis, adenomyosis, ADHD, and autism. And she is connecting every dot that conventional medicine keeps ignoring. We're diving into: 🩸 What endometriosis actually IS 🧠 The diagnosis conversation 🔬 What excision surgery vs. ablation actually means 💔 The comorbidity nobody is talking about (ADHD, autism, PMDD, POTS and autoimmunity) 🌿 What a real endo management plan looks like Plus a session of fact or fiction you DON’T want to miss!!! xx, Alex 💬 Comment: How long did it take you to get your endo diagnosis… and what finally got you there? TIMESTAMP: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:01:48 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Tower 28 SOS spray, OSEA mineral sunscreen) Deep Dive into Endometriosis with Dr. Jolene Brighten: 00:04:17 Dr. Jolene Brighten's personal health journey and background 00:11:12 What is endometriosis? 00:13:37 Misinformation in medical education and the role of Pharma 00:16:47 Surgical options: Excision vs. Ablation 00:23:04 The importance of imaging and proper diagnostics 00:30:32 Global experts and the cost of specialized care 00:35:03 Commonly missed symptoms and systemic effects 00:40:05 Steps to finding the right provider and advocating for yourself 00:47:43 Emerging research and treatments (HIFU, GLP-1s) 00:52:19 Fact or Fiction: Common myths in women's health Conclusion: 01:05:42 One Brain Cell Show: OUR TOP Reading Recommendations 01:12:18 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: Apparently… pregnant woman sunburn MUCH faster than usual… so here are my top 2 pregnancy safe, non-toxic sun safety picks!!! ✨Tower28 SOS Spray (for when you burn) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-61563905 ✨OSEA Mineral Sunscreen — https://go.shopmy.us/p-61563949 #Endometriosis #EndoAwareness #EndoWarrior #ChronicIllness #ADHD #ADHDWomen #AutoimmuneDisease #POTS #PMDD #DrJoleneBrighten #BeyondThePill #PelvicPain #EndoSurgery #ExcisionSurgery #ChronicPain #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #WomensHealth #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The Communication Framework That Saved Us During My First Trimester | Ask Alex
May 2700:14:35Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick's Ask Alex, I'm getting into something I've wanted to talk about for a while!! The communication strategies that have actually made a difference during my first trimester. Best part? Chronic illness taught us most of them. We all know Cooper is Saint Coop for a reason. But this week I'm breaking down exactly WHY he's so good at this, and the framework we've built together that I think every chronic illness couple — pregnant or not — needs to hear. We're diving into: 🤍 The 4 S's of partner support: solidarity, solutions, sympathy and shit-talking (yes, really) 🧠 Decision fatigue: why anticipating needs without being asked is the ultimate act of love 😂 Meet Victoria: how we handle mood swings without taking them personally 📚 How we research together 💪 What I do on MY end xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What's the hardest communication topic you've had to navigate with your partner during chronic illness or pregnancy? TIMESTAMP: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! How Chronic Illness Prepared Me and My Partner for Pregnancy: 00:01:55 The single question to ask your partner: "What kind of support do you need?" 00:03:09 Anticipating needs: executing without being asked 00:05:09 How we manage hormonal mood swings without taking them personally 00:06:33 Collaborative research: how we figured out my due date together 00:07:27 Bidirectional accountability: supporting the primary caregiver Conclusion: 00:08:21 We want to hear your hardest communication points!!! ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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: We get into nausea this week, here’s my top 2 picks for managing it!! ✨Sea Bands — https://sea-band.com?sca_ref=11335860.28aQZwoPI5g Use code ALEX10 for 10% off at checkout!! ✨Preggie Pops — https://amzn.to/3PFqZUk #ChronicIllnessPregnancy #FirstTrimester #AutoimmunePregnancy #PregnancyWithChronicIllness #ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #PregnancyNausea #MorningStickness #DuvetDay #HighRiskPregnancy #ChronicIllnessMom #FirstTrimesterSymptoms #PregnancyTips #SpooniePregnancy #TTCCommunity #MotherhoodJourney #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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