Calling In Sick

This 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

In 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

This 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

In this Calling in Sick x Ask Alex, I am answering all your mental-health related questions about navigating life and illness. I cover: ❤️‍🩹 How to keep going when heartbreak and chronic illness hit at the same time 🧠 How to interrupt negative thought spirals when your brain turns against you 💊 Managing depression and anxiety with chronic illness (with and without medication) 🍎 Lifestyle habits that can impact mental health more than we realize 🛏️ What to do on high pain days when movement and motivation feel impossible 💬 How to stop feeling like a burden to the people you love If you’re living with chronic illness and struggling with depression, anxiety, burnout, or just trying to keep your head above water… this episode is a reminder that you are not alone in the mental or physical side of this journey! As always, Substack subscribers get bonus Q&A content and deeper dives, link below! xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What’s something that helps you get through difficult mental health days? ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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’re talking mental health this week, and these two picks have helped me deal with panic attacks, stress, and anxiety!! ✨Vagus Nerve Pen — https://amzn.to/4rh1BAY ✨Safe Stress Oil — https://go.shopmy.us/p-46327179 #MentalHealth #DepressionRecovery #Comedy #StandUpComedy #MentalHealthAwareness #ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #MentalHealthPodcast #HealingJourney #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson #garygulman #thegreatdepresh #depression #anxiety #panicattacks #MentalHealth #mentalhealthjourney #grouptherapy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, I got to sit down with comedian and author Gary Gulman to talk about depression, creativity, recovery, and the surprising things that actually help people get through dark seasons of life. In this episode, we dive into: ⭐ What depression actually feels like 🎭 What performing stand-up was like during depressive episodes 🏥 The truth about psychiatric hospitalization and why it shouldn’t be stigmatized 🧠 Why success and achievement don’t lead to happiness 😂 Why comedy and community can be surprisingly powerful medicine Gary also shares some of the practices that helped him recover, from small daily habits to redefining what success actually means. If you’ve ever struggled with depression, anxiety, burnout, or simply felt alone in your mental health journey, this conversation is a reminder that healing is possible and you are absolutely NOT alone. xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What’s something that has helped you through a difficult mental health season? TIMESTAMP: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick + Kurt Vonnegut on creativity and art 00:01:44 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Vagus Nerve Tool + Saje Essential Oil) Interview with Gary Gulman: 00:03:55 Recovery from severe depression and anxiety 00:07:21 How human connection is like an antidepressant 00:10:02 Gary’s path from accounting to stand-up comedy 00:15:36 Gary’s first experience asking for help 00:21:39 The reality of psychiatric hospitals and overcoming fear 00:32:41 Reflecting on recovery and learning to set boundaries 00:48:49 Gary’s “100 Things That Helped” list Conclusion: 00:55:50 One Brain Cell Show: Beyond the Lighted Stage (YouTube) & The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling (Everywhere) 01:00:14 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! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/garygulman/ • Website (see him on tour NOW!) - https://garygulman.com/ Watch his Stand-Up Special (The Great Depresh): https://amzn.to/40kF8rX Watch his HBO Special (Group Therapy): https://amzn.to/4aVE18e Buy his book:  https://amzn.to/46JyNtQ ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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 mental health this week, and these two picks have helped me deal with panic attacks, stress, and anxiety!! ✨Vagus Nerve Pen — https://amzn.to/4rh1BAY ✨Safe Stress Oil — https://go.shopmy.us/p-46327179 #MentalHealth #DepressionRecovery #Comedy #StandUpComedy #MentalHealthAwareness #ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #MentalHealthPodcast #HealingJourney #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson #garygulman #thegreatdepresh #depression #anxiety #panicattacks #MentalHealth #mentalhealthjourney #grouptherapy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Calling in Sick x Ask Alex, Dr. Preston Roche is BACK!!! This time, we’re decoding the language patients and providers use that leave us scratching our heads, or feeling misunderstood.  We cover things like: 🩺 What doctors really mean when they say a patient is “non-compliant” 📋 Why leaving the hospital “AMA” (against medical advice) isn’t always what it sounds like 🧠 The complicated moment when symptoms get labeled “just anxiety” 🔎 The tension around “I Googled it…” in medical conversations If you’ve ever walked out of an appointment feeling confused, dismissed, or like you and your doctor were speaking two completely different languages… this one is for you. xx,  Alex 💬 Comment: What’s a phrase a doctor has said that left you totally confused? Watch Preston’s first time Calling in Sick here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPFvDkhNSN8&t=16s Watch Preston’s second time Calling in Sick here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNIPpoEReeE ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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. Preston Rosche • Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/itspresro/ • TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@.presro?lang=en • YouTube/Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzbYn6_Fd7AMsYskrgjAo4wb-UHwJ5Dpy ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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 this week is all about “getting real”… I figured I’d share the REALEST places to buy your non-toxic products (toilet paper, makeup, dish soap, skincare, supplements and more)… ✨Grove Co. — https://go.shopmy.us/p-43983273 — use code ALEXANDRA for 25% off at checkout! ✨Detox Market — https://go.shopmy.us/p-27630200 — use code ALEXANDRA15 for 15% off at checkout! #ChronicIllness #MedicalGaslighting #PatientAdvocacy #DoctorMistakes #MedicalErrors #HealthcareTransparency #ChronicPain #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #SpoonieLife #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson #prestonrosche #presro #medicalmalpractice #medicalgaslighting #medmal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By popular demand, Dr. Preston Roche is Calling in Sick again. Last time we unpacked the psychiatry of pain… but this time, we went somewhere even more uncomfortable: What really happens when healthcare gets it wrong. We talk openly about medical mistakes, disclosure, ego in medicine, and the quiet tension between patients and providers when something feels “off.” In this episode, we dive into: 🫣 What doctors are actually trained to do when they make a mistake 🧀 The “Swiss cheese model” and how errors slip through multiple safety layers ⚖️ Whether admitting fault increases lawsuits (the research may surprise you) 🧍‍♀️ Why patients sometimes lie, downplay symptoms, or “perform” illness 💸 How insurance pressures both providers and patients into strategic storytelling 🤝 How to rebuild trust after something goes wrong Healthcare is human, and humans make mistakes. This episode pulls back the curtain so you can navigate your own care with more clarity, new language and perspective so you can feel more secure getting the care you need in today’s medical system. xx, Alex 💬 Comment: Have you ever caught a medical mistake (or felt like something was off)? What happened? Watch Preston’s first time Calling in Sick here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPFvDkhNSN8&t=16s TIMESTAMP: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:02:12 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Grove Co. & Detox Market) When Medical Mistakes Happen: 00:04:45 How medical errors are classified 00:13:10 Are doctors trained to admit errors? 00:22:45 What medical errors patients are actually told, and what they aren’t 00:32:30 Can providers rebuilding trust after making a medical mistake? 00:41:00 Why patients and providers sometimes lie to each other 00:49:03 How to protect yourself and create strong patient–provider relationships Conclusion: 00:37:05 One Brain Cell Show: Night of Seven Kingdoms (HBO) & Solar Opposites (Netflix) 00:54:35 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. Preston Roche • Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/itspresro/ • TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@.presro?lang=en • YouTube/Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzbYn6_Fd7AMsYskrgjAo4wb-UHwJ5Dpy ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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 this week is all about “getting real”… I figured I’d share the REALEST places to buy your non-toxic products (toilet paper, makeup, dish soap, skincare, supplements and more)… ✨Grove Co. — https://go.shopmy.us/p-43983273 — use code ALEXANDRA for 25% off at checkout! ✨Detox Market — https://go.shopmy.us/p-27630200 — use code ALEXANDRA15 for 15% off at checkout! #ChronicIllness #MedicalGaslighting #PatientAdvocacy #DoctorMistakes #MedicalErrors #HealthcareTransparency #ChronicPain #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #SpoonieLife #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson #prestonroche #presro #medicalmalpractice #medicalgaslighting #medmal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Calling in Sick x Ask Alex, Coop and I are answering your real-life questions about navigating starting a family, while managing my chronic illnesses. We cover: 💸 How we are paying for IVF while managing chronic illness medical bills 💊 The reality of tapering off medications safely before pregnancy 🧬 Navigating TTC with autoimmune disease ❤️‍🩹 What it actually feels like emotionally to try for a baby with a complex health history If you’re navigating IVF, TTC, pregnancy planning, or just trying to hold hope while living in an unpredictable body… this one is for you. As always, Substack subscribers get bonus Q&A content and deeper dives, link below! xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What’s your biggest travel non-negotiable when you’re flaring? ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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 talking about all things baby this week… these are two things we already own that I *think* will come in handy with baby!!! ✨Hatch (alarm clock) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-32414449 — ALEXWILD gives you 55% off at checkout! ✨Lola (blanket) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-37229531 — ALEXWILD gives you 55% off at checkout! And Saint Cooper was SO excited to throw in his picks too… ✨AG1 (greens mix) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-40888857 — pro tip, mix with Pineapple and coconut water!! ✨ Uni (lotion) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-43912973 — ALEXANDRA15 for 15% off at checkout! #TryingToConceive #IVFJourney #ChronicIllnessPregnancy #AutoimmuneDisease #HighRiskPregnancy #EmbryoTransfer #FertilityJourney #MotherhoodWithChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #ChronicPain #IVFSupport #CaregivingSpouse #MedicalGaslighting #HealthJourney #ChronicIllnessCommunity #DisabilityAwareness #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, Coop and I are sitting down for one of the most vulnerable conversations we’ve had yet. We’re talking about the reality of trying to have a baby while living with chronic illness: the planning, the fear, the logistics, the IVF part, and the emotional nuance that doesn’t always make it to Instagram. In this episode, we dive into: • Why we chose IVF instead of trying to conceive naturally • How we are processing this chapter differently (while not being mad at each other) • The caregiving dynamic and how a baby could shift it • Our fears around health, tapering medications, and timing We also revisit our embryo update and give more context to how we’re thinking about implantation, preparation, and what this season of life really looks like behind the scenes. So if you’ve ever wondered about becoming a parent while juggling chronic illness… put your headphones on and turn up the volume.  🎧 And don’t forget!!! Our weekly Ask Alex episode drops Wednesday at 9 AM CST, where we answer your submitted questions (including IVF costs, tapering meds, and filming during flares). xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What’s the biggest fear or question you have about parenthood and chronic illness? TIMESTAMP: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:01:37 Life Updates & Yapping 00:09:14 Alex’s (& Coop’s) Picks of the Week (Hatch, Lola, AG1 and Uni) Chronic Illness & Trying to Become Parents: 00:16:22 Why we are doing IVF & what our experience has been like so far 00:23:24 Why we will only name ONE embryo & how we picked July as the implantation date 00:26:24 How being a caregiver & husband has given Cooper a different emotional experiencing around trying-to-conceive (TTC) 00:33:01 What sharing my chronic illness fertility journey online has been like  00:37:55 The fears and worries we are carrying around having a baby with a chronic illness  00:43:18 Why we’ve decided it’s time to go to Couples Therapy!! 00:44:44 How Cooper and I are diving up the logistics of planing for parenthood & the one thing that made us have a FIGHT 00:54:02 What’s next for our TTC journey Conclusion: 00:57:05 One Brain Cell Show: The Burbs (Peacock) 00:59:20 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 talking about all things baby this week… these are two things we already own that I *think* will come in handy with baby!!! ✨Hatch (alarm clock) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-32414449 — ALEXWILD gives you 55% off at checkout! ✨Lola (blanket) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-37229531 — ALEXWILD gives you 55% off at checkout! And Saint Cooper was SO excited, so here are some of his most recent faves!!! ✨AG1 (greens mix) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-40888857 — pro tip, mix with Pineapple and coconut water!! ✨ Uni (lotion) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-43912973 — ALEXANDRA15 for 15% off at checkout! #TryingToConceive #IVFJourney #ChronicIllnessPregnancy #AutoimmuneDisease #HighRiskPregnancy #EmbryoTransfer #FertilityJourney #MotherhoodWithChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #ChronicPain #IVFSupport #CaregivingSpouse #MedicalGaslighting #HealthJourney #ChronicIllnessCommunity #DisabilityAwareness #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Calling in Sick x Ask Alex, I’m answering your real-life questions about navigating international travel with chronic illness… after just getting back from a very impromptu trip to London myself! We cover: ✈️ The best food I had while abroad 🥜 How to travel safely with food allergies (grocery store hacks, translation cards, and what I always pack) 🧦 If I think compression stockings actually worth it? 🛫 How often I walk on long-haul flights + what I wear when I know I won’t So if you’ve ever wondered, “do I have to be ‘better’ to travel?” Make sure you tune in to this week’s episode!! This week, our Substack subscribers also get a bonus Q&A and an allergy friendly print-out you’ll want to pack with you ALWAYS!! xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What’s your biggest travel non-negotiable when you’re flaring? ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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/ Product Shout-Outs!!! This week I shared some of my must-haves for traveling, especially for long-haul flights. Shop them below! ✨Elastique (compression-wear) — https://tidd.ly/3KsvVcM — Use code “ALEX15” for 15% off at checkout (and be sure to use your HSA // FSA) ✨Comrad (medical grade compression socks) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-41669795 — Use code “ALEXANDRA20” for 20% off at checkout I also mention some of the wellness tools I relied on before traveling… shop them here! ✨HigherDose (PEMF Mat) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-42483902 -- Use "ALEXANDRA" for 15% off at checkout (and be sure to use your HSA // FSA) ✨HigherDose (Infrared Sauna Bag) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-33644795 -- Use "ALEXANDRA" for 15% off at checkout (and be sure to use your HSA // FSA) ✨The 5 Supplements I ALWAYS travel with — https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/3899228 ✨Sleep Crown (the ULTIMATE pillow) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-43127906 ✨Sweet Bee (magnesium butter) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-43127842 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices