In this episode, we break down the science and lived experience behind surgery recovery with chronic illness. From immune suppression and autoimmune responses to stress, inflammation, and emotional support, healing doesn’t look the same when your body is already working overtime.

We talk about:

• Why surgery is trauma to the body…even when it’s considered “minor”

• How chronic illness, autoimmune disease, and fatigue impact healing timelines

• The role of inflammation, immune dysfunction, and nervous system stress

• Why some people take longer to recover…and why that’s not a failure

• The emotional toll of comparing your healing to others

• How caregivers and support systems directly affect recovery outcomes

• What it means to trust your body’s timeline instead of rushing it

This conversation blends medical insight with real-life experience to validate what so many people feel after surgery: recovery with chronic illness is different. Slower. More layered. More complex. But still real healing.

If your body hasn’t “bounced back” the way people expected…this episode is for you.

Recovery isn’t a race. Your timeline is valid. And needing more time doesn’t mean your body is failing, it means it’s working harder than most people can see.

When Things Feel Heavy/A Place to Land: http://Laurenoreilly.org/register

Sponsor: Cozy Earth has our hearts. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are ultra-soft luxury comfort. Get 41 percent off with code IGG at CozyEarth.com, plus free shipping over 50 dollars, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

If you want even more behind-the-scenes moments, early announcements, or fun extras, join our email list here:

https://balanced-brook-47113.myflodesk.com/ivegotgutspodcast

Follow us on social media to stay up to date:

https://www.facebook.com/ivegotgutspodcast https://www.instagram.com/ivegotgutspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@IveGotGutsPodcast

Listen to the podcast worldwide:

iHeart Radio https://iheart.com/podcast/238278766/

Apple Podcasts https://tr.ee/SO0cSiSBvP

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/31w8bdwasutxCGCMhhYYh5

Amazon Music https://music.amazon.it/podcasts/cd898f42-ddbf-4411-ad15-3a5c1a44d4f5/ive-got-guts

RSS https://rss.com/podcasts/ivegotguts

Deezer https://deezer.com/show/1001406291

Pandora https://www.pandora.com/podcast/ive-got-guts/PC:1001094893