What happens when you face pain? Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard or my website https://www.annetteleonard.com

I recently spent a month in near-total isolation. When these illnesses flare up and take time like this, it's difficult to roll with the physical and emotional toll.

From dropping the communication balls, to missing landmarks in people's lives, and not participating in friends/family's lives and wondering if I'll be forgotten, it plays with my mind and emotions. I think these are also worthiness-wounds, wondering if people will think I'm worth the work of all this. Then there's the internal stuff: I don't know if I can manage this pain. What if this is my new normal? and the way the pain feeds the fear, feeds the pain, feeds the fear...

Therapy helps and so does having a contemplative practice. When I lean into the pain instead of fearing it, I can tolerate more than I previously thought.

This is how I muddle through.

This time instead of being all alone with my fear and pain, I sent a voice memo flag to a few of my closest friends asking for some text support. Doing this is hard for me: reaching out instead of withdrawing. It helped me immeasurably to have words of love and affirmation be there to greet e when I surfaced.

You're worth that.

What are your habits?

What serves you in flares and times when your illnesses overwhelm?

**I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist

This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness.

Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

The ER with chronic conditions. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard or my website https://www.annetteleonard.com

I was recently absent from the podcast for several weeks. I was prescribed a new medication that had the side effect of headaches. As a person with daily migraines, that's something I flag.

Enduring pain at unmanageable levels, I've been in isolation for a month because of the headaches that med kicked off. Ten days in, my doctor told me to go to the ER to check things out.

The ER serves many functions for many people but it is never a place that handles chronic illness or chronic pain well. What happened when I got there (aside from all the lights, noise and waiting) was a terrible game of telephone. Things were inaccurately reported, diminished, and downplayed.

I'm not sure what other way I couldn't have ruled out the things my doctor was afraid of without a trip to the ER, but I wish there was another way.

For the times you, too, have had to receive treatment that wasn't so satisfying at the ER, I'm sorry.

**I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist

This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness.

Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

Chronic illness may have surprising impacts on your experience of menopause. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard or my website https://www.annetteleonard.com

I am not a doctor and you should not take medical advice from me.

If you are a woman and live past a certain age -- you will encounter menopause. There are now some great studies and research about the effects of menopause. It is difficult to find providers who are educated in menopause. Because I've had a hysterectomy, figuring out whether I'm menopausal has to be led by my symptoms because I don't have a period to help inform me.

Bones are constantly rebuilding themselves. If you are on prednisone, your bones are made less dense. If you have been taking prednisone for a long time, talk about bone density with your doctor. Similarly, muscle loss is a concern.

I want to have as good a quality of life as I can. For me, that means quality nutrition. What am I eating?

Bones, muscles, and quality nutrition are a few of the considerations I have about menopause. There are many others.

There are many great experts like Dr. Mary Claire Haver and others out there who are menopause experts.

What are your concerns/questions about menopause?

Have you experienced menopause? What's it been like?

Are you taking HRT? Why/why not?

**I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist

This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness.

Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

I’m Annette Leonard you can find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard or my website https://www.annetteleonard.com

Have you ever had a doctor be overwhelmed by your complex stew of medical conditions? I recently sought out a specialist to talk about menopause. She read my file before the appointment (which was great) but walked into the appointment looking scared and explaining that she wasn't qualified to manage my case.

I'm sure it's surprising to encounter patients like me who have such involved medical histories. However, should I not be able to access information about menopause because I have so many rare disorders? I take the time to put the doctor at ease - which isn't my job but is what is necessary to get the information. It feels like really advanced advocacy.

In this appointment I started by asking what do estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone do in the body. After asking some questions specific to my medical history I asked what, more broadly, she'd seen in patients with autoimmune disease who go through menopause.

With patience and persistence, there are ways to talk the doctor down from their fears of consulting with you if your medical issues are too complex.

Have you had this experience?

What did you do?

What questions do you have about complex illness and menopause?

What experience do you have with complex illness and menopause?

Do you have advice about complex illness and menopause?

**I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist

This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness.

Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

I’m Annette Leonard you can find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard or my website https://www.annetteleonard.com

My wife has been doing some fall cleaning chores. Because I am unable to physically join her, I have a hard time managing. Sometimes I try to join her (usually to my detriment) or I numb out to escape my uncomfortable feelings about not being able to help her. I brought this experience to my therapist.

Today I spent hours on the phone being a professional patient, yesterday I spent close to 4 hours on the phone being a professional patient. She highlighted that I AM doing things for my household. She suggested that I need to change my filter. It isn't that I'm not CONTRIBUTING, but that I'm not counting the things I am contributing.

What is your filter? How are you showing up and not giving yourself full credit? How are you discounting your contributions?

I'd be glad for you to brag on yourself and tell me how you show up.

**I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist

Also, join me on Instagram for my Chronic Wellness Conversations. My next IG Live will be 10/24 at 1:00 pm PST.

This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness.

Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

The DANGERS of IVIg. I’m Annette Leonard you can find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard or my website https://www.annetteleonard.com

Last week I talked about IVIg. This week I'm here to talk about the dangers of IVIg. Please note, the *vast* majority of people tolerate IVIg with minimal complications.

However, for a small fraction of us there are few of us who will experience serious complications like these detailed in this episode.

These reactions can sometimes be avoided or mitigated by receiving Ig subcutaneously rather than intravenously.

Have you taken IVIg? Are you curious about IVIg? Have you had complications with IVIg? Leave a comment or ask a question.

**I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist

Also, join me on Instagram for my Chronic Wellness Conversations. My next IG Live will be 9/26 at 1:00 pm PST.

This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness.

Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

Here are the truths about IVIG. I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard

IVIG What is it? A blood product that's sold as a pharmaceutical product. IGg is a major component in our immune system. Intravenous immunoglobulin is used to treat a wide range of illnesses and conditions to bolster the immune system.

Who is it for?

For those of us with autoimmune diseases it is thought to overwhelm our immune systems and therefore, shut down our over-active immune systems.

How is it administered?

Are premeds required?

How long does a dose last?

How many donors are required for a dose of IVIG?

What does IVIG therapy cost?

Have you tried IVIG? For what condition? Has it worked? Did you have side effects? Leave a comment or ask a question.

**I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist

This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness.

Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

What are the dangers of mixed connective tissue disease? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard

What are the main MCTDs?

What can happen if you have a MCTD?

These diseases can impact our wellbeing and threaten our lives in several ways. They are not curable, but they are sometimes manageable.

Because they are rare diseases, their treatment is under researched.

Do you have a MCTD? Do you wonder if you have a MCTD? What do you do to manage your MCTD? What do you do to increase your comfort with your MCTD?

**I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist

This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness.

Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

Mixed connective tissue diseases. I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard

These are rare diseases. There are three primary manifestations: lupus SLE, scleroderma, and polymyositis. We have connective tissues all over our body so when they break down the results can be disastrous.

While there are ways to test for these diseases -- they are often difficult/undiagnosed because they are so rare, doctors often overlook them or fail to screen for them. All mixed connective tissue diseases are autoimmune in nature.

Currently there are no known genetic links to MCTDs however, if you have a close relative with one, you are more likely to have one. Do you have a MCTD?

Here are some of the early symptoms to watch out for and report to your doctors if you are experiencing.

What questions do you have about MCTD?

**I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist

This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness.

Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

Considering mail order pharmacy? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard

When I was researching this question, I found the 6-8 mail order pharmacies that I thought best fit my needs and developed a list of questions to call and ask each pharmacy. I put the answers in a spreadsheet to see things visually to be able to rate and rank the options. Prior to choosing a mail order pharmacy, think about what your deal breakers are: timeliness? shipping speed?

My questions were:

Do you auto-renew and send medications every 28 or 84 days?

When a script is out of refills, do you contact my doctor for a new prescription? In enough time for my prescription not to lapse?

What about Schedule II meds like Fentanyl and Norco that need a new prescription every time, do you fill those? How would you help me ensure there isn't a lapse between prescriptions?

How long does it take for you to get me my meds? (best- and worst-case scenario)

What’s the upside of using your service?

What’s the downside of using your service?

How do I transfer all my current prescriptions to you? How do you make that easy for me?

When can I reach you?

How do you contact me if there are problems or questions?

Do you fill prescriptions in 30/60/90 increments?

Anything else it would be helpful to know?

These are the pharmacies I included in my research: Amazon, Select RX, BlinkHealth, and Wegman's.

In the end, I didn't chose to use mail order. I found only one company who would send Schedule II meds, several told me that they were having availability issues with some of my medications, very few were reachable over the weekend and shipping took 7-10 days.

What about you? Are you doing this? Right now I only investigated options that take insurance, but it might be worth doing an examination of the mail order companies that don't. Has this worked out for you? What company are you using? Why do/don't you use mail order pharmacy?

I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard

About a year ago my pharmacy closed. I was ill-equipped for how disruptive this change was going to be. From none of my prescriptions transferring over automatically, to the new pharmacy hours, to how poor their communication is, there are a myriad of ongoing hassles that have been so frustrating in ways that I don't think many of my peers can relate to or understand.

I get one prescription by mail. It's made me wonder whether I should get all my perceptions by mail? I spent several months researching. I didn't have any knowledge about mail order pharmacy. For those of us on anything more than 2 meds a day, I think mail order is worth considering. Especially for those who have difficulty filling their pill box, it's worth knowing that there are ways for those to be auto-filled, pre-packaged, pre-dosed, pill packs.

There are a lot of variables to consider from price and availability to shipping times and other considerations. I'll talk about my exploration in my next video.

**I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist

This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness.

Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.