In this heartfelt episode, I share my mom’s experience as a full-time Caregiver for my dad, who has Stage 4 Alzheimer’s. After 50 years of marriage, their day-to-day life changed almost overnight—suddenly, Dad needed help with everything from walking to remembering his name. This journey opened my eyes to the power of Family Caregiving, the challenges of Pre-Grief, and how one dignity-focused question can change the entire care plan.

I’m Steph—a Nurse Leader and Patient Advocate at Lumani Health—and in this episode, I’m breaking down the Practical Tips that helped my mom navigate the emotional roller coaster while staying hopeful. From Tiny Rituals to building a Care Team (including neighbors, a Pharmacist, and local Respite Care), these insights could be a lifeline for anyone facing Alzheimer’s, Elder Care, or general caregiving stress.

Ready to take the first step? Subscribe for more real-world tips on Healthcare Navigation, Emotional Wellbeing, and how to stay empowered when caring for a loved one.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

01:03 Empowering Caregivers: My Mom’s Journey

03:44 Emotional Roller Coaster of Caregiving

05:59 Practical Tips for Caregiving

09:26 Building a Care Team

11:51 Conclusion and Community

Share your thoughts or personal experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep this community strong and remind each other that no caregiver has to walk this path alone.

Dive Deeper on Substack: I just published a companion article with the full scoop on my parent's journey. Read their beautiful love story, connection and Ways to Empower Caregivers. [Link here: https://www.lumaniunfiltered.com/p/when-love-dances-through-alzheimers]

VIP Circle Waitlist: I’m opening a limited number of spots for the upcoming VIP Circle—a member-only community for deeper healthcare strategies and live support. Slots usually fill up quickly, so if you want in, now’s the time to claim your spot. [Link here for more info: https://lumanihealth.com/vip-overview]

Medical gaslighting can feel like the ultimate betrayal—especially when you’re seeking help and end up questioning your own sanity. In this episode, I draw on my experience as a nurse leader and patient advocate to break down what medical gaslighting is, why it happens, and most importantly, how to stand up for yourself in the exam room. From Megan’s painful journey with undiagnosed endometriosis, to the red flags that might indicate you’re being dismissed, we’ll explore how biases and misunderstandings in the healthcare system can lead to misdiagnosis—and how you can flip the script.

If you’ve ever been told “It’s just stress” or left an appointment feeling unheard, this video is for you. Learn empowering phrases that can shift the balance of power, help you secure a second opinion, and ultimately lead to real answers. No one should have to navigate their health in the dark. You know your body best—let’s make sure the healthcare world knows it, too.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Medical Gaslighting
02:16 Understanding Medical Gaslighting
04:44 Real-Life Example: Megan’s Story
07:12 Identifying Signs of Medical Gaslighting
09:30 Empowering Phrases to Use with Doctors
12:15 Final Thoughts and Recap

I hope this episode reminds you that you’re never “too dramatic” for seeking the care you deserve. Let’s break the cycle of dismissal and help each other stand up for our health. Stay curious, and keep advocating for yourself—you’re worth it.

Ready for More?Subscribe Now with  @LumaniUnfiltered  Don’t miss future deep dives on medical gaslighting, women’s health, and real patient wins. (If you’re reading this, you might still catch my next big Q&A before it goes live!)Dive Deeper on Substack: I just published a companion article with the full scoop on Megan’s journey. Hear how she turned the corner on ‘you’re fine’ to finally finding answers. [Link here: https://www.lumaniunfiltered.com/p/not-in-your-head-megans-endometriosis]VIP Circle Waitlist: I’m opening a limited number of spots for the upcoming VIP Circle—a member-only community for deeper healthcare strategies and live support. Slots usually fill up quickly, so if you want in, now’s the time to claim your spot. [Link here for more info: https://lumanihealth.com/vip-overview]#medicalgaslighting #Endometriosis #DismissiveDoctors #nurselife #selflove #lumaniunfiltered #lumanihealth #megansstory

Insurance denied your child’s medication—now what? As a nurse case manager and mom, I was stunned by a $700 pharmacy bill for my daughter’s mental health meds. In this episode, I’m sharing five steps to fight a medication denial, from peer reviews and formal appeals to discount programs and patient assistance options.

Here’s the roadmap I used to transform that shocking “Not covered” moment into an affordable solution:

1. Get the exact reason in writing (never rely on phone calls alone).

2. Push for a peer-to-peer review—doctor vs. insurance doc can flip “No” to “Yes.”

3. File a formal appeal (it’s paperwork, but worth it).

4. Check patient assistance programs (sometimes cheaper than insurance).

5. Consider a healthcare advocate (because you don’t have to do this alone).

At Lumani Health & Unfiltered, we believe no family should have to choose between groceries and vital meds. That’s why 15% of our VIP memberships go directly to youth mental health—helping another child avoid the “Not covered” crisis.

Need hands-on help? Book a free 15-minute consult (link in the show notes). We’ll tackle your insurance denial or pharmacy bill problem and find a path forward—together.

Disclaimer: I’m a nurse, but not your treating provider—this is educational info based on my personal and professional experiences. For personalized medical advice, please consult a licensed professional.

Welcome to Lumani Unfiltered, where I uncover the real-life challenges of navigating our healthcare system—sometimes successfully, sometimes not so much! In this episode, I’m diving into my daughter’s dramatic wisdom tooth saga, complete with sudden pain, an unexpected $3,000 fee, and a serious dose of “mom guilt.” If you’ve ever dealt with confusing insurance policies or dreaded dentist appointments, you’re not alone. Get ready for plenty of eye-opening lessons, practical tips, and a little humor along the way.

Chapters & Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome
  Meet your host, Stephanie! I set the stage for today’s story and share why I believe in bringing real, unfiltered healthcare stories to light.

• 01:20 – The Wisdom Teeth Saga Begins
  How a harmless phone call from my daughter turned into a frantic quest for an emergency dental appointment. Think you know stress? Wait until you hear this.

• 02:23 – Insurance Nightmares and Mom Guilt
  Discover why even a “diamond-level PPO” plan can feel useless when misinformation and memory lapses collide. I also reveal the ultimate parent struggle: wanting your kids to be independent while stepping in to save the day (and their wallets).

• 04:35 – The $3,000 Surprise
  Just when we thought the worst was over, my daughter is slapped with a massive upfront cost. Learn how a single mix-up nearly jeopardized her surgery and spiked our stress levels.

• 10:16 – Lessons Learned and Tips
  After surviving the chaos, I break down the critical takeaways: how to confirm in-network coverage, request an itemized bill, negotiate costs, and empower your family to know their own insurance details.

• 12:08 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts
  I wrap up the episode with some real talk: it’s tough out there, but advocating for yourself is easier when you have the right tools. Tune in to hear my parting words of wisdom on turning healthcare challenges into meaningful life lessons.

If You Enjoyed This Episode

• Subscribe to stay updated on all things Lumani Unfiltered.

• Schedule a free health navigation session with me at https://lumanihealth.com/health-navigation, because sometimes a quick chat is all you need to navigate those scary bills.Keep an eye out for our upcoming VIP Circle at https://lumanihealth.com/vip-overview, where we’ll dive deeper with members-only Q&As and behind-the-scenes content.

Thanks for listening—and remember, it’s okay to question unexpected fees and stand your ground when it comes to your health. See you in the next episode!

Lumani Unfiltered Episode 3: In this candid Lumani Unfiltered episode, Stephanie dives into how therapy can feel like a full-on dating game—from anxiously scanning therapist directories to rechecking your budget. Drawing on personal stories, she tackles therapy stigma and celebrate emotional wellness, covering everything from navigating insurance hurdles to realizing that one-size-doesn’t-fit-all for mental health. Along the way, she will explore trust and vulnerability (shout-out to John Gottman), the pitfalls of being a people-pleaser, and that dreaded moment you know it’s time for a therapist breakup.

Tune in for Stephanie and Lumani Unfiltered's real talk spin on the cost of therapy, how to master the speed-dating analogy, and a quick Q&A for real-time growth. If you’re looking for the perfect match, we’ll point you toward resources like Psychology Today and TherapyDen, plus offer a free 15-minute check-in to chat about your mental health puzzle. Whether you’re a therapy pro or just dipping your toe in, this episode has the tips and insights you need to swipe right on your well-being.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

• Want a 15-Minute Check-In?
  Schedule a free health navigation session with me to talk about anything from insurance hang-ups to how to find a solid therapist in your area.

• Craving Unfiltered Conversations on Mental Health?
  Subscribe to my Lumani Unfiltered YouTube channel for honest Q&As, real-life health stories, and tips to manage the day-to-day chaos of being an adult with feelings.

• Ready for Deeper Support?
  The VIP Circle at Lumani is coming soon! Join the waitlist to get exclusive content, members-only events, and direct access to a supportive community.

• Need Therapist Leads?
  Check out Psychology Today or TherapyDen for easy filtering by specialization, location, and insurance. If you’re worried about cost, ask about sliding-scale fees or contact local nonprofits—options are out there!

In this episode, I’m sharing the real-life story of how I almost threw away an extra $2,000 each month by opting for COBRA without exploring better alternatives. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by healthcare jargon or panicked about losing coverage, this episode is for you.

I’ll walk you through:

• The late-night meltdown I had over a massive COBRA packet.

• How I discovered a plan from the same insurance company that saved me thousands.

• Why you shouldn’t be afraid of “coverage gaps” if you know about Qualified Life Events (QLEs).

• My top 5 tips to help you avoid the same trap I nearly fell into.

• Your key healthcare terms—decoded in plain English!

By the end, you’ll feel more confident navigating the system, knowing when and how to spot (and avoid) exorbitant costs. Don’t let fear or confusion force you into overpaying for health insurance. You have options—and I’m here to help you find them!

For the full video episode watch @ www.youtube.com/@LumaniUnfiltered

For more info check out https://lumanihealth.com

Welcome to our Lumani Unfiltered Podcast by Lumani Health where real stories, unfiltered tips to transform healthcare. Ever feel like healthcare is one big maze? Stephanie Lapre and guests are going to break down healthcare myths, mental wellness topics, and insurance chaos—no sugarcoating allowed. Jump in and let’s rewrite the rules together!