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Invisible illness, chronic fatigue, and autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis are often misunderstood, especially for high-achieving women who are used to pushing through and performing, no matter how they feel. In this episode, I sit down with palliative care nurse consultant and MS patient Pam Conquest to talk about what it’s really like to live with an illness that others can’t see.

We explore Pam’s journey from early symptoms to diagnosis, and the emotional reality that comes with it, including grief, identity shifts, and learning to live within new limits. This conversation is honest, compassionate, and deeply practical for anyone navigating fatigue, chronic illness, or supporting someone who is.

Key Takeaways

Invisible illness can be incredibly isolating, especially when you “look fine” on the outside
Many women dismiss or minimize early symptoms and delay seeking care
Chronic illness often comes with grief, even if nothing “visible” has changed
High-achieving women tend to override their limits, which can worsen fatigue
You cannot “push through” your way out of chronic fatigue
Tools like Spoon Theory and the PEARLS framework can help you communicate and manage your energy more effectively
Self-compassion is not optional, it is essential for living well with chronic illness

Pam Conquest is a palliative care nurse consultant who helps individuals with chronic and life-limiting illnesses to better manage symptoms, including fatigue. Her work is uniquely shaped by both clinical expertise and lived experience.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014, Pam has navigated years of relapses, treatments, and the ongoing reality of fatigue.

As a mother to one child on Earth and one in Heaven, she understands how invisible grief can quietly and deeply affect energy, and recognizes grief and loss as a common thread in people with chronic and life limiting illnesses.

Blending professional insight with personal experience, Pam offers a compassionate and powerful perspective on how chronic illness and grief intersect, and how individuals can better understand and manage their energy.

Follow her on Instagram.

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Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca.

The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.