Calling In Sick

This 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

This 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

This 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

This 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

This week on Calling in Sick x Ask Alex, Ali Moresco and I are getting into everything happening in the Lyme disease world RIGHT NOW. It's Lyme Awareness Month, ticks are predicted to be worse than ever this year, and there is actually some hopeful news coming out of Washington for the first time in a long time. We're diving into: 🏛️ HHS takes on Lyme: what the new government roundtable, updated standards of care, and brand new tick-borne illness website actually mean for patients 💉 The Lyme vaccine in development: where it stands and what it signals about how seriously this disease is finally being taken 🔬 LymeX: the $25 million public-private partnership working to develop accurate standard lab testing (because the current one misses up to 78% of cases) 🧬 The pathobiome nobody talks about: how Lyme commonly shows up alongside POTS, MCAS, EDS, mold toxicity, and immune deficiencies, and what that means for treatment 💆 Integrating Western medicine with healing modalities that also work: lymphatic drainage, TCM, infrared saunas, red light therapy, and why dismissing these is failing patients Plus the hot take on medical providers online who are invalidating patient experiences… and why that attitude is doing serious damage to trust in this community. xx, Alex 💬 Comment: Did you know May is Lyme Awareness Month? Have you or someone you love been affected by Lyme disease? TIMESTAMPS: Everything Lyme & Ticks with Alli Moresco: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:02:21 HHS roundtable discussion and involvement of top researchers and doctors 00:03:33 Updated standards of care and new HHS Lyme website4 00:04:14 Lyme vaccine in development5 00:04:39 LymeX: A public-private partnership for improved lab testing6 00:05:44 New website resources and updated disease statistics7 00:06:43 Comorbidities of Lyme (POTS, MCAS, EDS, and mold toxicity)8 00:08:43 Theories on chronic illness susceptibility and weakened immune systems9 00:11:24 Integrating Western medicine with traditional and functional practices10 00:14:20 Frustrations with medical provider attitudes on social media11 00:18:56 Favorite healing modalities: manual lymphatic drainage and traditional Chinese medicine 00:22:59 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, Ali Moresco! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alitmoresco/ • Project Lyme - https://projectlyme.org/from-the-desk-of-ali-moresco/ • Moresco PR - https://www.amorescopr.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: This week we’re talking about Lyme disease, so here are my TOP PICKS for tick prevention and control!!! ✨Wonderside Flea & Tick Spray — https://amzn.to/43dIUoh ✨The Tick Mitt — https://amzn.to/4uOGgRF #LymeDisease #LymeAwareness #LymeAwarenessMonth #TickBornIllness #ChronicLyme #LymeWarrior #ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #MedicalGaslighting #LymeTesting #AliMoresco #ProjectLyme #TickSeason #LymePrevention #ChronicPain #PatientAdvocacy #InfectiousDisease #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Calling in Sick x Ask Alex, I’m joined by Cortney Gensemer, PhD - scientist, chronic illness patient and mom - to talk about the questions so many of us with chronic illness are quietly worried about. Motherhood. And obviously, as someone who is newly pregnant, I had a LOT of questions for Cort!! So this week, we're diving into: 🤰 What pregnancy actually looked like with hEDS, POTS & MCAS 🏥 Why MFM appointments are every chronic illness woman’s favorite appointment ever 👶 The genetic question everyone is afraid to ask: will my child have my chronic illness? 💼 How Cortney found a sustainable balance for work, health and motherhood 🩺 How chronic illness actually prepares you to be an incredible mother And we also answer YOUR questions! Including: 🤍 How to manage burnout as a parent with CFS 🤍 What a genetic mutation in COL5A1 or COL5A2 actually means for cEDS 🤍 How to ask for help when your body just can't keep up xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What's the one question about chronic illness and motherhood you've been afraid to ask? TIMESTAMPS Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick’s Ask Alex! Motherhood and Chronic Illness: 00:02:29 Courtney's motherhood & postpartum journey 00:08:00 Why chronic illness patients love their Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists 00:14:15 What sharing our pregnancies publicly was like 00:17:15 The concerns about passing down chronic illness conditions 00:23:42 How pregnancy has shifted our mindsets towards life with chronic illness 00:25:29 Chronic illness parenting hacks 00:31:12 What navigating a medical crisis for your child is like, while YOU are managing YOUR chronic illness 00:39:20 How Cortney has juggled her career, motherhood and chronic illness Audience Q&A: 00:43:25 Chronic Illness Burnout Tips 00:48:22 Pain medication and juggling the long-term risks 00:50:33 MFM and Preconception Planning 00:56:06 Genetics and EDS Conclusion: 01:00:11 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: Cortney Gensemer! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cortdoesscience/ • Substack - https://cortneygensemer.substack.com/ • Website - cortneygensemer.com 🔗 If you have a complex chronic illness, check out Chronicle Connect and patient participation opportunities at chroniclebio.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: Things that have been helping my chronic illness — and now my first trimester too!! ✨Salonpas Lidocaine Pain Patches — https://amzn.to/3P6rAON ✨Momcozy Pregnancy Pillow — https://amzn.to/4nEIlgZ #ChronicIllnessResearch #hEDS #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #POTS #MCAS #MastCellActivation #ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #PatientAdvocacy #CortDoesScience #ChronicleBio #ChronicIllnessCommunity #MedicalGaslighting #PatientScientist #Omics #ChronicPain #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GET YOUR TISSUES READY!!!! Because this week, on Calling in Sick, I’m sharing the biggest news yet… after 7 years of praying, delayed timelines, a miscarriage and so many set backs. We. Are. FINALLY. PREGNANT!!!!!! And today I'm getting into ALL of it: 🌍 How we found out in Amsterdam ❤️ What telling our families was like 🤰 How I’m feeling at 6 weeks 🤯 What my autoimmune symptoms have been like 🍼 Why we decided to share this news early For anyone in their own motherhood journey right now, whether you’re deep in TTC or just curious about what motherhood could like like for you… I see you, I love you, and I hope this episode gives you a little hope. 🤍 xx, Alex, Coop and Baby W 💬 Comment: Do you think we’re having a BOY or a GIRL?!?! TIMESTAMP: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:01:00 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Kroma 24K Chicken Bone Broth, Wow Butter) We’re Pregnant!: 00:02:44 How we found out (and why we were SHOCKED!!) 00:09:23 How we told our families 00:21:31 Why we shared the news so early 00:23:37 How my autoimmune diseases are doing, and thoughts on a chronic illness pregnancy 00:26:36 My thoughts on being pregnant with a chronic illness 00:30:57 What sex ed didn't teach us about pregnancy…. 00:34:10 Current symptoms and cravings Conclusion: 00:38:46 One Brain Cell Show: Running Point (Netflix) 00:40:37 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: I’m in my first trimester, which means I’m fighting pregnancy nausea. But!!! I think I’ve found a hack. PROTEIN! Here’s my on-the-go anti-nausea snacks I keep on my person, all the time: ✨Kroma Bone Broth — go.shopmy.us/p-56202425 ALEXANDRA20 for 20% off ✨WOW!Butter — https://amzn.to/4elhC6k #ChronicIllnessPregnancy #PregnancyAnnouncement #AutoimmunePregnancy #ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #PregnancyWithChronicIllness #ChronicPain #TTC #TTCCommunity #ChronicIllnessMom #Spoonie #MotherhoodJourney #Progesterone #HighRiskPregnancy #MFM #PregnancySymptoms #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've been following me on socials, you already know this, and if you don’t, then sit down for this new…. Saint Cooper and I are PREGNANT!! 🎉 We spent last week celebrating this surprise, and I took the week of from podcasting. So this week I'm re-releasing my two favorite episodes about my chronic illness and motherhood journey… and honestly, Alex in those episodes had absolutely NO idea what was coming for her this year. 😭 Next week, Saint Coops and I are dropping a full episode giving you the download on this pregnancy journey: how it happened (the old school way, yes really!!!), what finding out was like, how I'm feeling so far, our boy // girl predictions, and everything in between. We'll also be doing an Ask Alex episode answering ALL of your questions about this new chapter: send yours here: https://forms.gle/YYPREsLgYuEPhx4Y9 So much love!! 🤍 Saint Coop, Alex & our little lovie Revisit: This week on Calling in Sick, I’m opening up about my journey to motherhood while living with chronic illness — the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hope that keeps me going. From IVF to pregnancy loss to unexpected health setbacks, I’m sharing what it’s really like to dream of becoming a mom when your body doesn’t always cooperate. We’re diving into:🌱 The ups and downs of my motherhood timeline — IVF, surgery complications, and pregnancy loss reshaping my path 🤱 The worries I carry into motherhood — energy, flare-ups, and balancing chronic illness with raising a baby ✨ The joy and hope that fuel me — why I’m still so excited to become a mom and how I hold space for the future If you’ve ever felt your health challenges complicate your motherhood journey, this episode is a reminder you’re not alone — and that even when the path shifts, hope and joy can stay at the center. xx, Alex 💬 Comment: For those still on the path to parenthood, what’s one mantra or mindset that helps you keep going? Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:03:35 We’re moving?! 00:05:00 Journey to motherhood with a chronic illness 00:08:43 Alex’s Picks of the Week – Dosey and the Lola Blanket 00:09:56 My story with motherhood and chronic illness 00:12:42 Shifting timeline to motherhood – IVF, pregnancy loss and surgery complications 00:20:02 Why I’m so excited to be a mom 00:25:25 What I’m worried about with motherhood 00:31:08 Holding space for hope in pregnancy/motherhood 00:32:37 One Brain Cell Show – Only Murders in the Building 00:33:36 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: Small treats that make me feel happier :) ✨Dosey Pill Organizer — https://dosey.com/ALEXANDRA15 ——— Use code “ALEXANDRA15” for 15% off at checkout! ✨Lola Blanket — https://go.shopmy.us/p-23336664 ——— Use code “ALEXWILD50” for 50% off at checkout and a $50 gift card for future use!!!! ---------------------------------------------------------------- #ChronicIllness #MotherhoodJourney #PregnancyAfterLoss #IVFJourney #FertilityStruggles #PregnancyComplications #SurgeryRecovery #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllnessMama #HighRiskPregnancy #PregnancyHope #ChronicPain #InvisibleIllness #SpoonieLife #MiscarriageAwareness #MotherhoodAndChronicIllness #HealthJourney #MentalHealth #TryingToConceive #SpoonieSupport #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This 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

This 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

This 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

This 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