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!
49episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
AIP Diet Explained: What It Is, How It Works + Where to Start (w/ Mickey Trescott)
Apr 2001:13:00Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick, I’m sitting down with Mickey Trescott (@mickeytrescott), one of the original voices behind the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), to talk about what AIP actually is, who it’s for, and how to approach food when you’re living with chronic illness without spiraling into overwhelm. Mickey shares the story of her own autoimmune diagnosis journey, how changing the way she ate became one of the first tools that actually helped her feel better, and how that experience eventually led her to help build what became the AIP community. We also get into the evolution of AIP itself, why it’s not meant to be a forever diet, how to think about elimination and reintroductions in a realistic way, and the foods and habits that can make eating feel more supportive instead of more stressful. We’re diving into: ⭐ What AIP actually is: Mickey breaks down the origins of the Autoimmune Protocol, how it’s changed over time, and why she sees it as a tool, not a punishment 🥣 Where to start without getting overwhelmed: We talk symptom tracking, confidence assessments, elimination phases, and how to actually prep for AIP in a way that works in real life 🔥 Anti-inflammatory foods, myths & gray areas: From coffee and eggs to oats, nightshades, alcohol, gluten-free snacks and tiramisu, Mickey rapid-fires through what may or may not work for autoimmune bodies 🥬 How to eat for real life with chronic illness: Mickey shares her “3-meal safety net” framework for low, medium and high-capacity days, plus what to do when you’re flaring and have zero energy to cook If food has ever felt confusing, restrictive, or emotionally loaded in the context of chronic illness, this episode is such a grounding reminder that you do not need to do everything perfectly. You just need information, a little structure, and a way of eating that supports your body. xx, Alex 💬 Comment: Mickey talked about learning your personal food triggers instead of chasing one perfect diet. Have you ever had a food or eating habit make a bigger difference in your symptoms than you expected? Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome Back to Calling in Sick 00:02:02 Alex’s Picks of the Week: Kroma & Brodo Bone Broth 00:03:55 Mickey Trescott on AIP: What the Autoimmune Protocol Really Is 00:05:09 Mickey Trescott’s Autoimmune Diagnosis Story 00:11:05 From Chronic Illness to Cooking, Nutrition & AIP 00:13:20 Mickey’s First Food & Nutrition “Aha” Moment 00:15:38 Starting AIP and Writing the First Autoimmune Protocol Cookbook 00:20:00 Where to Start with AIP: Elimination, Tracking & Prep 00:26:30 Rapid Fire: Are These Foods Actually Anti-Inflammatory? 00:35:20 Nutrient Density: What Makes Food Support Autoimmune Health? 00:38:26 Mickey Trescott’s Top 3 Most Nutrient-Dense Foods 00:40:58 How Long Should You Stay on AIP? 00:43:28 Symptom Tracking Apps, Wearables & Food Logs 00:44:42 How to Reintroduce Foods After AIP Elimination 00:47:03 The Biggest Misconception About AIP 00:51:33 The 3-Meal Safety Net for Flare Days & Low-Energy Cooking 01:00:35 What to Eat During a Flare When You Have No Energy 01:05:15 One Brain Cell Show: Palm Royale & Love Story 01:05:48 Where to Find Mickey Trescott + Her New AIP Book 01:07:00 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? Connect with our guest, Mickey Trescott! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mickeytrescott • Pre-order The New Autoimmune Protocol - https://theautoimmuneprotocol.com/preorder/ ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Alex’s Picks of the Week: This week’s picks are two bone broths I genuinely love. One is perfect for on the go, one is my at-home favorite, and both have become staples in my routine!! ✨Kroma — https://go.shopmy.us/p-51567197 ALEXANDRA20 for 20% off!! ✨Brodo — https://amzn.to/4dWnLFZ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The Conversation Chronic Illness Patients Are Terrified to Have With Family (ft. Shamekka Marty)
Apr 1500:22:51Tap to summarizeIn this Calling in Sick x Ask Alex, I’m joined by Shamekka Marty to discuss the deeply personal and often invisible impact of living with chronic illnesses… how the diagnosis and disease ripples through every aspect of life and relationships. From the way your children see you to the difficult conversations you have with your employer regarding your health. We cover: 💜 Parenting with chronic illness: how to educate your children without passing on trauma or fear 🤝 The "Village" Effect: how the diagnosis hits the patient and the entire support system 👨👧 Chronic Illness Guilt: navigating complex family dynamics and the heavy emotional toll on parents of sick children 🛑 Stop the Flake: how to communicate with friends when your body and mind aren't in sync 🏢 Chronic Illness in the Workplace: the urgent need for empathy training and why you shouldn't be afraid to ask for accommodations Living with a chronic illness means balancing the roles of parent, professional, and patient all at once. Whether you're struggling with "the guilt of being sick" or trying to build a workplace that understands your value, this conversation offers the validation and tools you need to lead a "big life" while managing a disease xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What was the hardest "village" conversation you’ve had to have regarding your health? ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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? Connect with our guest, Shamekka Marty! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prettysicklupuschick/ • Book her for an event - https://www.shamekkamarty.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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 talk about some unthinkable medical traumas this week. And TBH, the only thing I’ve found that “helps” is sometimes a GOOD cozy set. Here are some of my FAVES! ✨Mayfair — https://go.shopmy.us/p-21675540 ALEXANDRA15 for 15% off!! ✨Organic Basics — https://go.shopmy.us/p-52216380 ALEXANDRA10 for 10% off! AND! Ever since Coop and I jumped into our TTC era, I’ve been looking to add new tools to my toolbox for managing chronic illness symptoms and chronic pain. After researching what platforms were out there for this, I decided to partner with Healthnix, the only platform that is built BY chronic pain patients, FOR chronic pain patients! If you’d like to join me for the next 12-weeks in dialing in my nutrition in the name of pain relief… be sure to use the below link AND use my $100-off discount code!! ✨Healthnix — https://healthnix.io/ ✨CODE: ALEX100 for $100 off the annual membership (typically $299)… FSA / HSA eligibile #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson #LupusAwareness #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #LupusWarrior #PatientAdvocacy #KidneyTransplant #OrganDonation #MedicalGaslighting #MaternalHealth #HealthcareDisparities #MekkaMarty #shamekkamarty #PrettySickLupusChick #CallingInSickPod #SpoonieCommunity #InvisibleIllness #HealthEquity #EmpoweredPatient #MedicalRecordAudit #ChronicPainWarriors #LupusSupport #SpoonieSupport #racialbias Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Medical Gaslighting, Racial Bias & a Kidney Transplant: Shamekka Marty's Unfiltered Chronic Illness Story
Apr 1301:23:54Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick, we are honored to sit down with one of the most resilient and powerful voices in the chronic illness community: Shamekka Marty, better known as Mika or the “Pretty Sick Lupus Chick”. Mika’s journey is a masterclass in turning medical trauma into advocacy, having navigated a life shaped by caregiving, a life-saving kidney transplant, medical trauma and the complexities of being a Black woman navigating the Western medical system with an invisible illness. We’re diving into: ⭐ Advocacy as a Purpose: How Mika transitioned from her role as a caregiver throughout her childhood to becoming a nationally recognized advocate who uses her story to drive legislative and systemic change ⚠️ Navigating the Unthinkable: Mika opens up about the mental torture of losing her mom at a young age, undergoing seven miscarriages, her surgery complications, and how she held onto hope through it all 🏥 The Reality of Transplantation: An inside look at the organ exchange swap program, the grueling post-transplant medication regimen, and the importance of building a "village" to support your recovery 💊 Taking Power Back: Practical strategies for auditing your health records, overcoming medical gaslighting, and the "smackdown" approach to ensuring your pain is believed and your care is prioritized If you have ever felt small in a doctor’s office or overwhelmed by a daunting diagnosis, this episode is a reminder that you are the "end user" of your medical practice and you have power to demand better. xx, Alex 💬 Comment: Mika mentioned that she "focuses on what she can do, not what she can't". What is one thing you’ve accomplished this week, big or small, that made you feel powerful in your own body? TIMESTAMP Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:01:56 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Mayfair, Organic Basics, Healthnix) Shamekka’s Story: 00:04:59 Intro to Shamekka (Mika) Marty 00:09:20 Caregiving for her mother and grandmother 00:11:15 Mika’s diagnosis journey 00:14:04 Mika’s journey with pregnancy, miscarriage and medical trauma 00:18:40 How Mika turned sorrow into advocacy Mika’s Kidney Transplant Journey: 00:30:55 Navigating a kidney transplant 00:41:33 Mika’s transplant surgery, post-transplant recovery and medication regiment 00:44:52 How Mika’s family & friends supported her journey Advocacy & Navigating the Medical System: 00:47:03 Navigating the current medical system & medical gaslighting 00:53:49 A dive into racial bias and maternal health disparities 01:00:21 Mika’s top three tips for chronic illness patients (health records, asking for help and finding community) Conclusion: 01:12:24 Connect with Mika! 01:14:24 One Brain Cell Show: Law & Order SVU and Scrubs 01:16:54 Thank you!!!! ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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? Connect with our guest, Shamekka Marty! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prettysicklupuschick/ • Book her for an event - https://www.shamekkamarty.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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 talk about some unthinkable medical traumas this week. And TBH, the only thing I’ve found that “helps” is sometimes a GOOD cozy set. Here are some of my FAVES! ✨Mayfair — https://go.shopmy.us/p-21675540 ALEXANDRA15 for 15% off!! ✨Organic Basics — https://go.shopmy.us/p-52216380 ALEXANDRA10 for 10% off! AND! Ever since Coop and I jumped into our TTC era, I’ve been looking to add new tools to my toolbox for managing chronic illness symptoms and chronic pain. After researching what platforms were out there for this, I decided to partner with Healthnix, the only platform that is built BY chronic pain patients, FOR chronic pain patients! If you’d like to join me for the next 12-weeks in dialing in my nutrition in the name of pain relief… be sure to use the below link AND use my $100-off discount code!! ✨Healthnix — https://healthnix.io/ ✨CODE: ALEX100 for $100 off the annual membership (typically $299)… FSA / HSA eligibile #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson #LupusAwareness #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #LupusWarrior #PatientAdvocacy #KidneyTransplant #OrganDonation #MedicalGaslighting #MaternalHealth #HealthcareDisparities #MikaMarty #shamekkamarty #PrettySickLupusChick #CallingInSickPod #SpoonieCommunity #InvisibleIllness #HealthEquity #EmpoweredPatient #MedicalRecordAudit #ChronicPainWarriors #LupusSupport #SpoonieSupport #racialbias Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The Truth About Sushi, CBD, and Hair Dye During Pregnancy; Q&A with Dr. Natalie Crawford
Apr 800:18:02Tap to summarizeIn this Calling in Sick x Ask Alex, Dr. Natalie Crawford and I are diving into a rapid-fire round of fertility "hot takes" and essential pregnancy "no-gos". We cut through the noise of social media trends to bring you the data-backed truth about what really matters when you're trying to conceive or expecting. We cover: 💊 The Wild West of Prenatals 🧬 Folic Acid vs. Methylated Folate 🍵 The truth about those Instagram-famous fertility trends 🍱 Rapid fire on your BIGGEST questions… pregnancy safe or no?! 🤝 Why 50% of infertility cases involve men 🥗 Why anti-inflammatory diets are a "modifiable factor" for success Navigating the journey to parenthood, especially with a chronic illness, means filtering out misinformation and focusing on what truly sets the stage for success. Whether you're curious about CBD, IVF strategies, or the nutrients missing from your daily vitamin, this episode provides the clarity you need. xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What is one pregnancy or fertility "rule" that has always confused you? ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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? Connect with our guest: Dr. Natalie Crawford • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd/ • Website - https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/ • Her Fertility Clinic, Fora Fertility - https://www.forafertility.com/ And order her book, the Fertility Formula, here!! https://amzn.to/4skCMoh ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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 talking about all things fertility, I’m sharing my top picks for replacing your morning and evening beverages… ✨Proper Wild Gummies — https://upf.ai/wjr1keah ✨De Soi — https://go.shopmy.us/p-11007282 #FertilityAndChronicIllness #TryingToConceive #ChronicIllnessAndPregnancy #SpooniePregnancy #FertilityJourney #AutoimmuneAndFertility #ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #FertilityDoctor #ReproductiveHealth #EndometriosisAwareness #IVFJourney #EggFreezing #PregnancyWithChronicIllness #PostpartumHealth #WomensHealth #MedicalAdvocacy #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson #NatalieCrawford Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Trying to Conceive With Chronic Illness (ft. Dr. Natalie Crawford)
Apr 601:38:23Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick, I'm sitting down with Dr. Natalie Crawford, fertility specialist, reproductive endocrinologist, and someone who gets it on a whole different level because she's been on her own chronic illness fertility journey too. We're diving into: 🍼 The fear of getting pregnant with chronic illness 💊 Medications, flares & fertility 🔬 Mythbusting fertility misconceptions for women with chronic illness 📋 How to actually start TTC: the tests to ask for, the doctors to see, and how to advocate when you're dismissed 🤰 What TTC really looks like whether you’re trying the old fashioned way, or with the help of a fertility clinic 🧬 Your rabbit hole TTC and pregnancy questions, answered! So if you've dreamed of starting a family, but have been nervous about that because of your chronic illness, I promise you that this episode will give you real information, real support, and a doctor who actually sees you. xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What's one question about fertility and chronic illness you've been too scared to ask? TIMESTAMP: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:03:00 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Proper Wild, De Soi) Fertility and Chronic Illness with Dr. Crawford: 00:05:04 Intro to the complex world of fertility with a chronic illness 00:14:44 Fear, loss of trust in your body, and the "stolen" joy of pregnancy 00:20:12 How and why the chronic illness fertility journey looks different 00:26:08 Essential things to do for fertility if you have a chronic illness 00:34:00 Debunking myths around chronic illness, fertility and pregnancy 00:46:58 Deep dive into the IVF process: Suppression and Stimulation 01:04:44 Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) procedure and preparation (and myths) 01:21:59 Living in the "gray" of autoimmunity and medical decisions Conclusion: 01:27:45 One Brain Cell Show: Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte (Netflix) 01:29:06 Connect with Dr. Crawford & her new book: The Fertility Formula 01:30:31 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? Connect with our guest: Dr. Natalie Crawford • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd/ • Website - https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/ • Her Fertility Clinic, Fora Fertility - https://www.forafertility.com/ And order her book, the Fertility Formula, here!! https://amzn.to/4skCMoh ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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 talking about all things fertility, I’m sharing my top picks for replacing your morning and evening beverages… ✨Proper Wild Gummies — https://upf.ai/wjr1keah ✨De Soi — https://go.shopmy.us/p-11007282 #FertilityAndChronicIllness #TryingToConceive #ChronicIllnessAndPregnancy #SpooniePregnancy #FertilityJourney #AutoimmuneAndFertility #ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #FertilityDoctor #ReproductiveHealth #EndometriosisAwareness #IVFJourney #EggFreezing #PregnancyWithChronicIllness #PostpartumHealth #WomensHealth #MedicalAdvocacy #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson #NatalieCrawford Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Brands Ignore the Chronic Illness Community; Q&A with Ashton McGrady
Apr 100:40:04Tap to summarizeIn this week’s episode of Calling in Sick x Ask Alex, accessibility consultant Ashton and I are diving deep into the world of inclusive beauty and why the industry needs a major shake-up. We cover: 💄The reality of "performative" marketing 🛠️ Accessible at-home beauty hacks 🤝 Finding community online 🧴 Rapid-fire assessments on the most viral beauty trends True inclusion means having disabled voices in the room where decisions are made, not just as an afterthought. Whether you're a creator looking to make your content more accessible or someone looking for beauty products that actually work for your needs, this episode is packed with insights on navigating an able-bodied world. xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What’s one brand that does accessibility RIGHT?! ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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? Connect with our Guest, Ashton McGrady! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/radiantlygolden/ • Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3mJfoDWsvKYDILyrXquHJ0?si=069b8d9c35ed4165 • Her Consulting, Wishing Well Co. - https://www.wishingwellco.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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’re talking accessible beauty, so I obviously am giving the shout-out to the QUEENS of the industry!!! ✨Tilt Beauty — https://go.shopmy.us/p-49609360 AWILD15 for 15% off at checkout ✨Rare Beauty — https://go.shopmy.us/p-29262843 #AccessibleBeauty #DisabledBeauty #ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #EDSAwareness #POTS #ChronicPain #DisabilityAwareness #BeautyForAll #InclusiveBeauty #AshtonMcGrady #WishingWellCollective #AccessibilityMatters #LowSpoonDays #SkinCare #BeautyTips #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson #RareBeauty #TiltBeauty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Accessible Beauty: The Billion-Dollar Market Beauty Brands Ignore (ft. Ashton McGrady)
Mar 3001:14:33Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick, we're talking about something that affects 1 in 6 people... but somehow, the beauty industry still hasn't gotten the memo. I'm sitting down with Ashton McGrady, disabled beauty creator, accessibility consultant, and co-founder of Wishing Well Collective, to talk about why the beauty industry keeps ignoring disabled consumers, what it actually looks like to design for accessibility (hint: it's not a campaign), and how brands are leaving trillions on the table. We're diving into: ✨ What "accessible beauty" actually means, and why your fave brand may get it wrong 🚩 The difference between performative inclusion and real accessibility 💄 Ashton's low-spoon beauty routine and how to simplify self-care on hard days 🔥 Hot takes on every beauty trend (semi-permanent makeup, skin cycling, LED masks, tinted SPF, and more!) Plus, we're playing Accessible or Not with some of your most-loved products... and the results might surprise you. xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What's one beauty product or brand that has made you feel truly seen? TIMESTAMPS Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:01:46 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Tilt, Rare Beauty) Accessible Beauty with Ashton: 00:03:30 Intro to Ashton and accessibility consulting 00:08:04 Ashton’s health background and diagnosis 00:17:40 How Ashton fell in love with the beauty industry 00:20:01 Starting a consulting business (Wishing Well Co.) 00:26:03 Defining accessible vs. inaccessible beauty products 00:34:40 The role of an accessibility consultant 00:40:24 What good accessible design looks like (Tilt, Guide Beauty, Rare Beauty) Conclusion: 01:00:51 One Brain Cell Show: Paradise and Dinosaur (Netflix) 01:05:47 Where to find Ashton 01:06:42 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? Connect with our Guest, Ashton McGrady! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/radiantlygolden/ • Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3mJfoDWsvKYDILyrXquHJ0?si=069b8d9c35ed4165 • Her Consulting, Wishing Well Co. - https://www.wishingwellco.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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’re talking accessible beauty, so I obviously am giving the shout-out to the QUEENS of the industry!!! ✨Tilt Beauty — https://go.shopmy.us/p-49609360 AWILD15 for 15% off at checkout ✨Rare Beauty — https://go.shopmy.us/p-29262843 #AccessibleBeauty #DisabledBeauty #ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #EDSAwareness #POTS #ChronicPain #DisabilityAwareness #BeautyForAll #InclusiveBeauty #AshtonMcGrady #WishingWellCollective #AccessibilityMatters #LowSpoonDays #SkinCare #BeautyTips #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson #RareBeauty #TiltBeauty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Inside a hospital stay with a chronic illness (my worst one yet)
Mar 2301:06:32Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick, buckle up… because a LOT happened. After insurance delayed my IVIG (again), a big ‘ol flare hit. I ended up hospitalized, and experienced what became the worst hospital stay I've EVER had. And I've had a lot of hospital stays. I'm walking you through the whole thing: the ER, the inpatient stay, the moment a doctor stood outside my room and said what he said (our biggest fear), the department head who told me he was going to cure me, and why I ultimately said YES to getting discharged, even though I probably should have stayed. We're getting into: ⭐ How an insurance denial on IVIG set the whole spiral in motion, and what I do when a flare hits ⚠️ The ER experience (surprisingly good at first) and exactly when and why it fell apart 💊 What medical gaslighting actually looks like in real time… and how I caught it happening to me 😤 Medical misogyny hiding in plain sight and why my husband's presence changed how I was treated 📋 What I wish I had done differently, and the concrete steps I'm taking now (including filing a report) If you've ever been dismissed, doubted, or talked over in a medical setting this one's for you. You're not crazy. You're not seeking you know what. You're sick, you’re in pain, and you deserve care without bias. xx, Alex 💙 💬 Comment: Have you ever been dismissed or gaslit by a medical team? What did you do? TIMESTAMP: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:03:36 Alex's Picks of the Week (Tower28 SOS Spray & Lip Treatment) The Hospital Stay from Hell: 00:06:05 Why I ended up in the hospital & the ER experience 00:11:03 Getting admitted and when everything changed 00:16:56 The moment that broke me (and what the doctor said in the hallway) 00:26:16 The department head visit promised he would CURE me!? 00:44:30 Why this is so harmful: the chronic illness literacy gap 00:46:00 The biggest 3 problems from this hospital stay 00:52:50 What I wish I had done differently + tips for your next stay Conclusion: 00:55:30 One Brain Cell Show: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives 00:58:00 THANK YOU for the 500 DMs of stories and support <3 00:59:33 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 were the two things that gave me any semblance of comfort during the hospital stay from hell… highly recommend adding both to your hospital bag! ✨ Tower28 SOS Spray — https://go.shopmy.us/p-38066811 ✨ Tower28 SOS LipSoftie Lip Treatment — https://go.shopmy.us/p-48434391 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thank you to our sponsors this week: Sequencing: Sequencing is the premier platform for genetic testing and analysis that includes the world's largest collection of DNA reports. For more details, visit https://www.Sequencing.com — and don’t forget to use code “CIS20” for 20% off at checkout! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #MedicalGaslighting #ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #HospitalStay #PatientAdvocacy #IVIG #Vasculitis #Lupus #CRPS #Endometriosis #PolyarteritisNodosa #MCTD #ChronicIllnessAwareness #SpoonieCommunity #HealthJourney #ChronicIllnessBlogger #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Talking About Chronic Illness Is Awkward; Q&A with Jenna Gestetner
Mar 1800:18:45Tap to summarizeIn this Calling in Sick x Ask Alex, Jenna Gestetner and I are answering your questions about navigating the real-life-isms of chronic illness. We cover: 👚 Our favorite adaptive and chronic illness–friendly fashion brands 💬 How to talk about the ebbs and flows of chronic illness without feeling like you’re trauma dumping 🧠 Why you don’t owe anyone your full health story (and how to share boundaries confidently) 🤍 The emotional side of deciding whether to start a family with chronic illness Living with chronic illness means constantly navigating conversations, decisions, and life milestones a little differently than other people. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how much to share about your health, how to advocate for yourself, or how to plan for the future, this episode is for you. As always, Substack subscribers get bonus Q&A content and deeper dives, link below! xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What’s one conversation about chronic illness that you still find difficult to have? ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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? Follow our guest, Jenna Gestetner! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennaxhealth/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jennaxhealth • YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jennaxhealth ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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’re talking about all things wellness and building habits that work for YOU and your lifestyle, here are two of my favorite wellness picks! ✨Elastique — https://tidd.ly/3KsvVcM — ALEX15 gets you 15% off at checkout… and be sure to sign up for the club for additional saving opportunities!!! ✨LARQ — https://go.shopmy.us/p-47583763 #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
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How to Build Wellness Habits When You're Chronically Sick
Mar 1601:31:31Tap to summarizeThis week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by content creator Jenna Gestetner (@jennaxhealth) to talk about what wellness actually looks like when your body is chronically sick and absolutely unpredictable. Jenna shares her journey living with MCAS, POTS, dysautonomia, and autoimmune conditions, from having random symptoms since childhood to finally getting answers after years of being labeled “sensitive.” And together, we talk about… ⭐ How to build wellness habits when consistency feels impossible 🛏️ Why rest is part of discipline, not the opposite of it 🧠 How to stop thinking wellness is about outcomes ⚖️ The difference between healthy accountability and toxic wellness pressure 🔥 Our rapid-fire yes/no takes on popular wellness trends Chronic illness can completely change your relationship with discipline, rest, productivity, and the pressure to “do wellness right.” So if you’ve ever felt like traditional wellness advice wasn’t built for a body like yours, this episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t have to look like it does on Instagram. xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What’s one wellness habit that has actually helped you on your WORST days?! TIMESTAMP: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:02:31 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Elastique, LARQ) My interview with Jenna Gestetner 00:04:47 Jenna’s background & growing up sick 00:14:14 Jenna’s MCAS diagnosis story 00:28:37 Why it’s important to be open to various healing modalities 00:33:25 Why listening to YOUR body is so important in building a wellness routine 00:39:00 Why discipline has to have a DIFFERENT definition if you’re chronically ill 00:45:19 How to trick your brain into thinking rest is a medical treatment 00:47:24 What brain retraining is and how it helps chronic illness (Primal Trust) 00:56:34 Finding your WHY changes your perspective on life with chronic illness 01:02:33 Rapid Fire Yes/No on Wellness Trends 01:19:57 The ONE wellness trend you should start TODAY! Conclusion: 01:21:36 One Brain Cell Show: Love Island UK (Peacock) 01:24:31 Thank you for listening, LOVE YOU!!! ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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? Follow our guest, Jenna Gestetner! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennaxhealth/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jennaxhealth • YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jennaxhealth ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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’re talking about all things wellness and building habits that work for YOU and your lifestyle, here are two of my favorite wellness picks! ✨Elastique — https://tidd.ly/3KsvVcM — ALEX15 gets you 15% off at checkout… and be sure to sign up for the club for additional saving opportunities!!! ✨LARQ — https://go.shopmy.us/p-47583763 #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
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