<![CDATA[The Autoimmune Mom Podcast]]>Just a regular Mom living an irregular life of Rheumatoid Arthritis. We will be talking all things Mom and autoimmune - the good, the bad, the unexpected and of course the ugly but I will not let this be a space to be miserable. The world has enough of that!! Mom life plus Autoimmune in a podcast.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Wed, 21 Oct 2026 17:22:08 GMTFri, 30 Jan 2026 19:57:44 GMT60Alexandra Atwell<p>Just a regular Mom living an irregular life of Rheumatoid Arthritis. We will be talking all things Mom and autoimmune - the good, the bad, the unexpected and of course the ugly but I will not let this be a space to be miserable. The world has enough of that!! Mom life plus Autoimmune in a podcast.</p>episodicAlexandra Atwellalexandra.r.atwell@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Psoriatic Arthritis, Motherhood & Finding Your Voice: Julie Croner's Patient Advocacy Journey]]>A diagnosis can derail your life, your career, and your confidence in your own body—but it doesn't have to define your future.

Julie Croner shares her journey from childhood joint problems and years of uncertainty to a life-changing psoriatic arthritis diagnosis in her 20s. Along the way, she faced avascular necrosis, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), melanoma, chronic pain, and a period of disability that left her struggling with her independence and identity.

Julie explains how tracking her symptoms like a data analyst helped her identify personal triggers, advocate for herself with doctors, and reclaim a sense of control over her health. With the help of her mom's legendary medical binder and an online community, she went from feeling alone to building a career centered on patient advocacy.

We also get honest about the challenges of living with autoimmune disease while navigating relationships, fertility concerns, pregnancy on biologics, breastfeeding, and raising four children. Julie shares the fears she faced about passing autoimmune disease to her kids, how she navigated her youngest daughter's life-threatening medical crisis, and why flares can sometimes arrive after the storm has passed.

This conversation is a reminder that bad days don't equal a bad life—and that a diagnosis doesn't erase your worth or your ability to build a meaningful future.

In this episode, you'll discover:
  • How Julie's childhood symptoms and knee surgeries eventually led to a psoriatic arthritis diagnosis
  • Why her mom's medical binder helped connect the dots
  • How an online autoimmune community changed her sense of isolation
  • What six months of tracking food, sleep, pain, activity, and other symptoms taught her
  • How she used data to have more productive conversations with her doctors
  • What it's like to navigate fertility, pregnancy, biologics, and motherhood with autoimmune disease
  • How Julie turned her lived experience into a career in patient advocacy

Julie works with Health Union and the Social Health Network, helping connect patient leaders, caregivers, and healthcare communities and amplify patient stories.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, struggling with chronic illness, considering pregnancy, or learning to advocate for yourself, this episode offers practical insights, honest conversations, and hope for the road ahead.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introducing Julie's autoimmune journey
00:52 – Childhood symptoms, knee surgeries, and psoriatic arthritis
01:44 – Severe illness, chronic pain, and losing independence
02:39 – The “mom binder” that helped connect the dots
05:32 – Avascular necrosis, CRPS, melanoma, and treatment challenges
06:57 – Finding community through SpoonyChat
07:55 – Six months of symptom tracking and identifying triggers
08:50 – Using personal data to advocate with doctors
09:46 – Turning lived experience into patient advocacy
11:30 – Health Union and the Social Health Network
16:56 – Dating, relationships, and fears about being lovable
23:00 – Pregnancy, biologics, and breastfeeding
27:24 – Managing autoimmune flares while raising four children
29:02 – Her youngest daughter's medical crisis and delayed flares
34:15 – Fear of passing autoimmune disease to children
36:01 – Food, inflammation, and identifying personal triggers
39:40 – Advice for women with autoimmune disease who want a family
40:57 – Strength, faith, and accepting what you cannot control
42:43 – Why sharing your patient story matters
45:07 – Where to find Julie

Connect with Julie: Learn more about her patient advocacy work through Health Union and the Social Health Network. https://www.instagram.com/itsjustabaddaynotlife/

]]>bd55e268-2ecb-48cb-8a3d-fff0ec5c5365Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:40:52 GMT<p>A diagnosis can derail your life, your career, and your confidence in your own body—but it doesn't have to define your future.</p><p>Julie Croner shares her journey from childhood joint problems and years of uncertainty to a life-changing psoriatic arthritis diagnosis in her 20s. Along the way, she faced avascular necrosis, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), melanoma, chronic pain, and a period of disability that left her struggling with her independence and identity.</p><p>Julie explains how tracking her symptoms like a data analyst helped her identify personal triggers, advocate for herself with doctors, and reclaim a sense of control over her health. With the help of her mom's legendary medical binder and an online community, she went from feeling alone to building a career centered on patient advocacy.</p><p>We also get honest about the challenges of living with autoimmune disease while navigating relationships, fertility concerns, pregnancy on biologics, breastfeeding, and raising four children. Julie shares the fears she faced about passing autoimmune disease to her kids, how she navigated her youngest daughter's life-threatening medical crisis, and why flares can sometimes arrive after the storm has passed.</p><p>This conversation is a reminder that bad days don't equal a bad life—and that a diagnosis doesn't erase your worth or your ability to build a meaningful future.</p>In this episode, you'll discover:<ul><li>How Julie's childhood symptoms and knee surgeries eventually led to a psoriatic arthritis diagnosis</li><li>Why her mom's medical binder helped connect the dots</li><li>How an online autoimmune community changed her sense of isolation</li><li>What six months of tracking food, sleep, pain, activity, and other symptoms taught her</li><li>How she used data to have more productive conversations with her doctors</li><li>What it's like to navigate fertility, pregnancy, biologics, and motherhood with autoimmune disease</li><li>How Julie turned her lived experience into a career in patient advocacy</li></ul><p>Julie works with Health Union and the Social Health Network, helping connect patient leaders, caregivers, and healthcare communities and amplify patient stories.</p><p>Whether you're newly diagnosed, struggling with chronic illness, considering pregnancy, or learning to advocate for yourself, this episode offers practical insights, honest conversations, and hope for the road ahead.</p>Timestamps<p>00:00 – Introducing Julie's autoimmune journey<br />00:52 – Childhood symptoms, knee surgeries, and psoriatic arthritis<br />01:44 – Severe illness, chronic pain, and losing independence<br />02:39 – The “mom binder” that helped connect the dots<br />05:32 – Avascular necrosis, CRPS, melanoma, and treatment challenges<br />06:57 – Finding community through SpoonyChat<br />07:55 – Six months of symptom tracking and identifying triggers<br />08:50 – Using personal data to advocate with doctors<br />09:46 – Turning lived experience into patient advocacy<br />11:30 – Health Union and the Social Health Network<br />16:56 – Dating, relationships, and fears about being lovable<br />23:00 – Pregnancy, biologics, and breastfeeding<br />27:24 – Managing autoimmune flares while raising four children<br />29:02 – Her youngest daughter's medical crisis and delayed flares<br />34:15 – Fear of passing autoimmune disease to children<br />36:01 – Food, inflammation, and identifying personal triggers<br />39:40 – Advice for women with autoimmune disease who want a family<br />40:57 – Strength, faith, and accepting what you cannot control<br />42:43 – Why sharing your patient story matters<br />45:07 – Where to find Julie</p><p><b><strong>Connect with Julie:</strong></b> Learn more about her patient advocacy work through Health Union and the Social Health Network. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsjustabaddaynotlife/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/itsjustabaddaynotlife/</a></p>no00:48:341Psoriatic Arthritis, Motherhood & Finding Your Voice: Julie Croner's Patient Advocacy Journeyfull<![CDATA[A 30-yr Journey Thru Autoimmune & Motherhood and the Faith, Hope and Resilience That Got Her Through]]>Misty shares her 30-year journey with autoimmune disease, motherhood, and the lessons learned along the way. This episode offers insights into managing chronic illness, advocating for yourself, and finding hope amidst challenges.Key Topics


  • Autoimmune disease triggers and diagnosis
  • The impact of infections and dental health on autoimmune conditions
  • Balancing motherhood and chronic illness
  • The importance of self-advocacy and questioning doctors
  • The role of diet, weight management, and inflammation
  • Navigating the healthcare system and insurance challenges
  • The emotional journey of living with autoimmune conditions
  • Faith, hope, and resilience in health challenges

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Misty's autoimmune journey

02:04 The trigger: infection after wisdom teeth removal

04:02 Experiences with different treatments and therapies

06:57 The importance of self-advocacy and trusting your body

10:04 Living with autoimmune hepatitis and rheumatoid arthritis

15:06 Motherhood, sacrifices, and living with chronic illness

20:01 Managing weight, inflammation, and diet

25:05 The role of mental health, faith, and positive mindset

29:59 Navigating the healthcare system and insurance issues

35:06 Supporting children with autoimmune conditions

40:08 Advice for newly diagnosed mothers and self-care tips



]]>8a51cfe7-bee7-489d-bfdf-ed62fb272df3Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:32:52 GMT<p>Misty shares her 30-year journey with autoimmune disease, motherhood, and the lessons learned along the way. This episode offers insights into managing chronic illness, advocating for yourself, and finding hope amidst challenges.Key Topics</p><p><br /></p><ul><li>Autoimmune disease triggers and diagnosis</li><li>The impact of infections and dental health on autoimmune conditions</li><li>Balancing motherhood and chronic illness</li><li>The importance of self-advocacy and questioning doctors</li><li>The role of diet, weight management, and inflammation</li><li>Navigating the healthcare system and insurance challenges</li><li>The emotional journey of living with autoimmune conditions</li><li>Faith, hope, and resilience in health challenges</li></ul><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Misty's autoimmune journey</p><p>02:04 The trigger: infection after wisdom teeth removal</p><p>04:02 Experiences with different treatments and therapies</p><p>06:57 The importance of self-advocacy and trusting your body</p><p>10:04 Living with autoimmune hepatitis and rheumatoid arthritis</p><p>15:06 Motherhood, sacrifices, and living with chronic illness</p><p>20:01 Managing weight, inflammation, and diet</p><p>25:05 The role of mental health, faith, and positive mindset</p><p>29:59 Navigating the healthcare system and insurance issues</p><p>35:06 Supporting children with autoimmune conditions</p><p>40:08 Advice for newly diagnosed mothers and self-care tips</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>no00:45:261A 30-yr Journey Thru Autoimmune & Motherhood and the Faith, Hope and Resilience That Got Her Throughfull<![CDATA[Breaking down my Total Knee Replacement at 45]]>Total Knee Replacement at 45: What Recovery Really Looked Like

Ali shares the full story behind her total knee replacement, including why she needed it so young, what surgery and recovery were actually like, and what she wishes she had done differently. This episode is especially useful for anyone weighing a knee replacement while also managing chronic pain or an inflammatory condition. In this episode, Ali breaks down the layered history behind her knee damage, the realities of surgery day, and the hardest parts of the first few weeks at home. She also shares practical recovery tips, from ice machines and physical therapy to pain management and support at home.

Key topics
  • Ali explains why her knees were already vulnerable from years of high-level sports, including basketball, volleyball, track, golf, running, and working on her feet.
  • She shares how rheumatoid arthritis and years of inflammation added to the damage over time.
  • She talks about putting off surgery for years because knee replacements do not last forever and because the unknown was intimidating.
  • The surgeon told her both knees eventually needed replacement, with the right knee being much worse than the left.
  • She describes the surgery-day experience, including being discharged the same day and having to do physical therapy almost immediately.
  • Ali details how the initial post-op medication strategy did not work for her, leading to severe pain and a difficult few days.
  • She explains why pain control needs to stay ahead of the pain in the first nights after surgery and why a strong support system mattered so much.
  • She shares how bruising, sitting upright, bathroom use, and basic movement were harder than she expected in the first phase of recovery.
  • She emphasizes the importance of doing physical therapy and home exercises consistently to protect range of motion and avoid setbacks.
  • Ali talks about recovery tools that helped most, especially the ice machine and a body-molding ice pack.
  • She reflects on the emotional side of recovery, including how humbling it was to rely on family for weeks.
  • She shares that losing some weight before surgery helped, and says she would do the procedure again now that she knows how much better her knee feels.

]]>e2e8b1db-53f9-46a3-bbe5-dc176faf1b7fThu, 03 Sep 2026 15:44:56 GMT<h5>Total Knee Replacement at 45: What Recovery Really Looked Like</h5><p>Ali shares the full story behind her total knee replacement, including why she needed it so young, what surgery and recovery were actually like, and what she wishes she had done differently. This episode is especially useful for anyone weighing a knee replacement while also managing chronic pain or an inflammatory condition. In this episode, Ali breaks down the layered history behind her knee damage, the realities of surgery day, and the hardest parts of the first few weeks at home. She also shares practical recovery tips, from ice machines and physical therapy to pain management and support at home.</p><h6>Key topics</h6><ul><li>Ali explains why her knees were already vulnerable from years of high-level sports, including basketball, volleyball, track, golf, running, and working on her feet.</li><li>She shares how rheumatoid arthritis and years of inflammation added to the damage over time.</li><li>She talks about putting off surgery for years because knee replacements do not last forever and because the unknown was intimidating.</li><li>The surgeon told her both knees eventually needed replacement, with the right knee being much worse than the left.</li><li>She describes the surgery-day experience, including being discharged the same day and having to do physical therapy almost immediately.</li><li>Ali details how the initial post-op medication strategy did not work for her, leading to severe pain and a difficult few days.</li><li>She explains why pain control needs to stay ahead of the pain in the first nights after surgery and why a strong support system mattered so much.</li><li>She shares how bruising, sitting upright, bathroom use, and basic movement were harder than she expected in the first phase of recovery.</li><li>She emphasizes the importance of doing physical therapy and home exercises consistently to protect range of motion and avoid setbacks.</li><li>Ali talks about recovery tools that helped most, especially the ice machine and a body-molding ice pack.</li><li>She reflects on the emotional side of recovery, including how humbling it was to rely on family for weeks.</li><li>She shares that losing some weight before surgery helped, and says she would do the procedure again now that she knows how much better her knee feels.</li></ul><p></p>no00:33:51122Breaking down my Total Knee Replacement at 45full<![CDATA[The Emotional Reality of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Recovering from 3 surgeries at 45 years old]]>The emotional reality of rheumatoid arthritis surgeries at 47

Ali shares the lived experience of navigating rheumatoid arthritis as a mother, including hand surgeries, a total knee replacement, and the emotional toll of losing independence during recovery. This episode is as much about mindset, grief, and self-forgiveness as it is about the procedures themselves. In this solo episode, she walks through what led to each surgery, why she delayed treatment for years, and how that choice affected her body, motherhood, and mental health. It matters because she speaks plainly about the gap between “being strong” and actually getting the help you need.

Key topics
  • Ali explains how rheumatoid arthritis progression led to serious damage in her hands and right knee.
  • She describes spending four to five years trying holistic healing alone, including acupuncture, supplements, chiropractic care, and food changes, before accepting medical treatment.
  • Her dominant right hand developed severe pain, a locked pinky, and eventually ligament damage that required surgery and reconstruction with a ligament taken from her arm.
  • She shares how the first hand surgery required weeks of immobilization, then rehab, then a second surgery to remove scar tissue and restore movement.
  • Ali reflects on the mental spiral of realizing her body had deteriorated because she was trying to prove she could heal without conventional treatment.
  • She talks about motherhood during those years, including not being able to brush her daughters’ hair, cut food, or do basic daily tasks because of hand pain.
  • Her right knee replacement was prompted less by routine pain and more by safety, since her knee would lock while driving and moving from gas to brake.
  • She compares the recovery experience across surgeries and says the knee replacement was harder physically, but ultimately more life-changing.
  • Ali emphasizes how much she struggled with being dependent on her mother for help after surgery, especially with laundry, meals, and childcare routines.
  • The episode closes with her message that listeners are not alone, especially those told they are “too young” for major procedures.
Timestamps

00:00 - Why this episode is about motherhood, pain, and autoimmune disease
02:27 - From marathon-running to struggling up a driveway a year later
04:04 - How hand pain affected parenting and daily life
06:46 - The doctor visit that revealed ligament damage
08:16 - First hand surgery and ligament reconstruction from her arm
09:46 - Rehab, scar tissue, and needing a second hand surgery
11:08 - The mental gymnastics of accepting surgery
13:17 - Why she had two surgeries within one year
15:42 - Recovery, anesthesia, and intense physical therapy
17:41 - Why the right knee replacement became a safety issue
19:52 - Choosing surgery after delays, deductible pressure, and scheduling luck
20:51 - What the knee surgeon said about replacement longevity
22:24 - The brutal first weeks after knee replacement
23:51 - Why athletic conditioning helped her rehab faster
25:45 - The life-changing payoff of a functioning knee
27:05 - The emotional difficulty of needing her mother’s help
29:24 - Depression, gratitude, and being done feeling unwell
30:50 - Health insurance stress and a future left-knee surgery
31:47 - The big takeaway: “too young” does not mean untreated

Notable quotes

Copy

“I let my body eat my ligaments.”

Copy

“I cannot believe that I ignored pain so long that it ate through a ligament.”

Copy

“You’re not the only person who goes through these types of things.”

]]>3dc953c1-079b-4f9d-b351-f9d6fbc128fdTue, 25 Aug 2026 17:36:40 GMT<h5>The emotional reality of rheumatoid arthritis surgeries at 47</h5><p>Ali shares the lived experience of navigating rheumatoid arthritis as a mother, including hand surgeries, a total knee replacement, and the emotional toll of losing independence during recovery. This episode is as much about mindset, grief, and self-forgiveness as it is about the procedures themselves. In this solo episode, she walks through what led to each surgery, why she delayed treatment for years, and how that choice affected her body, motherhood, and mental health. It matters because she speaks plainly about the gap between “being strong” and actually getting the help you need.</p><h6>Key topics</h6><ul><li>Ali explains how rheumatoid arthritis progression led to serious damage in her hands and right knee.</li><li>She describes spending four to five years trying holistic healing alone, including acupuncture, supplements, chiropractic care, and food changes, before accepting medical treatment.</li><li>Her dominant right hand developed severe pain, a locked pinky, and eventually ligament damage that required surgery and reconstruction with a ligament taken from her arm.</li><li>She shares how the first hand surgery required weeks of immobilization, then rehab, then a second surgery to remove scar tissue and restore movement.</li><li>Ali reflects on the mental spiral of realizing her body had deteriorated because she was trying to prove she could heal without conventional treatment.</li><li>She talks about motherhood during those years, including not being able to brush her daughters’ hair, cut food, or do basic daily tasks because of hand pain.</li><li>Her right knee replacement was prompted less by routine pain and more by safety, since her knee would lock while driving and moving from gas to brake.</li><li>She compares the recovery experience across surgeries and says the knee replacement was harder physically, but ultimately more life-changing.</li><li>Ali emphasizes how much she struggled with being dependent on her mother for help after surgery, especially with laundry, meals, and childcare routines.</li><li>The episode closes with her message that listeners are not alone, especially those told they are “too young” for major procedures.</li></ul><h6>Timestamps</h6><p>00:00 - Why this episode is about motherhood, pain, and autoimmune disease<br />02:27 - From marathon-running to struggling up a driveway a year later<br />04:04 - How hand pain affected parenting and daily life<br />06:46 - The doctor visit that revealed ligament damage<br />08:16 - First hand surgery and ligament reconstruction from her arm<br />09:46 - Rehab, scar tissue, and needing a second hand surgery<br />11:08 - The mental gymnastics of accepting surgery<br />13:17 - Why she had two surgeries within one year<br />15:42 - Recovery, anesthesia, and intense physical therapy<br />17:41 - Why the right knee replacement became a safety issue<br />19:52 - Choosing surgery after delays, deductible pressure, and scheduling luck<br />20:51 - What the knee surgeon said about replacement longevity<br />22:24 - The brutal first weeks after knee replacement<br />23:51 - Why athletic conditioning helped her rehab faster<br />25:45 - The life-changing payoff of a functioning knee<br />27:05 - The emotional difficulty of needing her mother’s help<br />29:24 - Depression, gratitude, and being done feeling unwell<br />30:50 - Health insurance stress and a future left-knee surgery<br />31:47 - The big takeaway: “too young” does not mean untreated</p><h6>Notable quotes</h6><p>Copy</p><p>“I let my body eat my ligaments.”</p><p>Copy</p><p>“I cannot believe that I ignored pain so long that it ate through a ligament.”</p><p>Copy</p><p>“You’re not the only person who goes through these types of things.”</p>no00:33:26121The Emotional Reality of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Recovering from 3 surgeries at 45 years oldfull<![CDATA[Update on Health Insurance and How it Has Affected My Life Today]]>Today I am updating you on where I stand with my health insurance issue and how that has translated to life today - flares in all!

]]>1a1ba7c0-20b9-4737-9afe-7e673223ac82Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:58:37 GMT<p>Today I am updating you on where I stand with my health insurance issue and how that has translated to life today - flares in all! </p>no00:16:11120Update on Health Insurance and How it Has Affected My Life Todayfull<![CDATA[How to Be an Empowered Patient: Strategies for Navigating the Healthcare System]]>If you've ever left a doctor's appointment feeling rushed, unheard, or unsure what just happened, this episode is for you.

Living with an autoimmune disease often means navigating specialists, insurance companies, medications, lab work, and appointments that can feel overwhelming. But what if there were simple ways to become a more empowered patient?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Terry Adirim, former Chief Medical Officer for the U.S. Military Health System, emergency physician, healthcare policy leader, and author of The Prepared Patient: Your Guide to Surviving the Health Care System (Johns Hopkins University Press, August 2026

Drawing from more than 25 years inside the healthcare system, Dr. Adirim shares what doctors wish patients knew, how to prepare for appointments, why advocating for yourself matters, and how to work with your physician instead of feeling like you're working against the system.

We also discuss:

✔ Why so many patients leave appointments frustrated

✔ The "White Binder Method" that can transform your medical care

✔ How to communicate effectively with your doctor

✔ What to do when insurance denies treatment

✔ How AI tools like ChatGPT can (and can't) help patients

✔ Why healthcare feels so fragmented—and what patients can do today

Whether you're newly diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or have been managing chronic illness for years, this episode will help you navigate healthcare with more confidence and less frustration.

]]>6fc67265-d328-408e-85da-a11441c596c1Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:17:59 GMT<p>If you've ever left a doctor's appointment feeling rushed, unheard, or unsure what just happened, this episode is for you.</p><p>Living with an autoimmune disease often means navigating specialists, insurance companies, medications, lab work, and appointments that can feel overwhelming. But what if there were simple ways to become a more empowered patient?</p><p>In this episode, I sit down with <b>Dr. Terry Adirim</b>, former Chief Medical Officer for the U.S. Military Health System, emergency physician, healthcare policy leader, and author of <i>The Prepared Patient: Your Guide to Surviving the Health Care System</i> (Johns Hopkins University Press, August 2026</p><p>Drawing from more than 25 years inside the healthcare system, Dr. Adirim shares what doctors wish patients knew, how to prepare for appointments, why advocating for yourself matters, and how to work <i>with</i> your physician instead of feeling like you're working against the system.</p><p>We also discuss:</p><p>✔ Why so many patients leave appointments frustrated</p><p>✔ The "White Binder Method" that can transform your medical care</p><p>✔ How to communicate effectively with your doctor</p><p>✔ What to do when insurance denies treatment</p><p>✔ How AI tools like ChatGPT can (and can't) help patients</p><p>✔ Why healthcare feels so fragmented—and what patients can do today</p><p>Whether you're newly diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or have been managing chronic illness for years, this episode will help you navigate healthcare with more confidence and less frustration.</p>yes00:58:31118How to Be an Empowered Patient: Strategies for Navigating the Healthcare Systemfull<![CDATA[Motherhood with Ulcerative Colitis: Pregnancy, J-Pouch Surgery & Finding Your Voice]]>Can you have a healthy pregnancy with ulcerative colitis? What happens if you've had J-pouch surgery? And how do you raise children while managing a lifelong autoimmune disease?

In this episode of The Autoimmune Mom Podcast, Ali sits down with Amber Tresca, founder of About IBD and host of the About IBD Podcast, to discuss what it's really like living with ulcerative colitis for more than 35 years.

Amber shares her journey from being diagnosed at just 16 years old to undergoing life-changing J-pouch surgery, navigating pregnancy after surgery, raising two children, and learning to advocate for herself in a healthcare system that doesn't always make it easy.

Together, they also have an honest conversation about chronic illness, medical trauma, fatigue, insurance barriers, patient advocacy, and the emotional reality of motherhood with an invisible illness.

Whether you're living with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto's, or another autoimmune disease, this episode offers practical advice, hope, and reassurance that you're not alone.

In this episode you'll learn:

• What it's like being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis as a teenager

• Pregnancy after J-pouch surgery

• How inflammation affects fertility and pregnancy

• Why remission matters before trying to conceive

• How chronic illness changes motherhood

• The importance of advocating for yourself with doctors

• Navigating insurance challenges with autoimmune disease

• Why finding the right medical team can change everything

If you've ever wondered whether motherhood is possible with autoimmune disease—or you're trying to balance parenting while living with chronic illness—this conversation is for you.

Don't forget to follow The Autoimmune Mom Podcast so you never miss an episode.

If this episode encouraged you, please leave a rating and review—it helps more moms discover the show.

]]>a8047a60-a29b-4992-b735-7b2f5eb5185cTue, 07 Jul 2026 15:42:22 GMT<p><b>Can you have a healthy pregnancy with ulcerative colitis? What happens if you've had J-pouch surgery? And how do you raise children while managing a lifelong autoimmune disease?</b></p><p>In this episode of <i>The Autoimmune Mom Podcast</i>, Ali sits down with <b>Amber Tresca</b>, founder of About IBD and host of the About IBD Podcast, to discuss what it's really like living with ulcerative colitis for more than 35 years.</p><p>Amber shares her journey from being diagnosed at just 16 years old to undergoing life-changing J-pouch surgery, navigating pregnancy after surgery, raising two children, and learning to advocate for herself in a healthcare system that doesn't always make it easy.</p><p>Together, they also have an honest conversation about chronic illness, medical trauma, fatigue, insurance barriers, patient advocacy, and the emotional reality of motherhood with an invisible illness.</p><p>Whether you're living with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto's, or another autoimmune disease, this episode offers practical advice, hope, and reassurance that you're not alone.</p><p><b>In this episode you'll learn:</b></p><p>• What it's like being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis as a teenager</p><p>• Pregnancy after J-pouch surgery</p><p>• How inflammation affects fertility and pregnancy</p><p>• Why remission matters before trying to conceive</p><p>• How chronic illness changes motherhood</p><p>• The importance of advocating for yourself with doctors</p><p>• Navigating insurance challenges with autoimmune disease</p><p>• Why finding the right medical team can change everything</p><p>If you've ever wondered whether motherhood is possible with autoimmune disease—or you're trying to balance parenting while living with chronic illness—this conversation is for you.</p><p><b>Don't forget to follow The Autoimmune Mom Podcast so you never miss an episode.</b></p><p>If this episode encouraged you, please leave a rating and review—it helps more moms discover the show.</p><p></p>no01:00:53Motherhood with Ulcerative Colitis: Pregnancy, J-Pouch Surgery & Finding Your Voicefull<![CDATA[Infrared Sauna Benefits for Autoimmune Disease: Can It Help Reduce Inflammation?]]>If you're a mom living with autoimmune disease and searching for natural ways to reduce inflammation, manage fatigue, and support your overall wellness, you've probably wondered whether infrared saunas actually work.

In this episode of The Autoimmune Mom Podcast, I share my personal experience using an infrared sauna as part of my autoimmune disease management plan. We discuss the potential benefits of infrared sauna therapy for inflammation, chronic pain, stress, fatigue, recovery, and overall health, along with important safety considerations for women living with autoimmune conditions.

You'll also learn about the long history of sauna use across different cultures, including Finnish sauna traditions and other ancient healing practices that have used heat therapy for centuries. I review what current research says about infrared saunas, answer common questions people ask about infrared sauna benefits, and share practical tips for getting started safely.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, navigating motherhood with chronic illness, or looking for holistic approaches to support your autoimmune health, this episode will help you understand if infrared sauna therapy might be a useful tool in your wellness journey.

Topics Covered

  • Infrared sauna and autoimmune disease
  • Natural ways to reduce inflammation
  • Infrared sauna benefits for women
  • Autoimmune disease and chronic fatigue
  • Managing autoimmune symptoms naturally
  • Wellness tools for moms with chronic illness
  • Sauna safety and best practices
  • Heat therapy and inflammation
  • Autoimmune disease after pregnancy
  • Self-care for moms with autoimmune disease

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to the Autoimmune Mom Podcast
  • 07:06 Historical and Cultural Significance of Saunas
  • 12:31 Best Practices for Sauna Use
  • 18:13 Personal Experience with Infrared Sauna
]]>c7698a9a-276b-412b-a2b3-6c8c9b900719Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:28:29 GMT<p>If you're a mom living with autoimmune disease and searching for natural ways to reduce inflammation, manage fatigue, and support your overall wellness, you've probably wondered whether infrared saunas actually work.</p><p>In this episode of <i>The Autoimmune Mom Podcast</i>, I share my personal experience using an infrared sauna as part of my autoimmune disease management plan. We discuss the potential benefits of infrared sauna therapy for inflammation, chronic pain, stress, fatigue, recovery, and overall health, along with important safety considerations for women living with autoimmune conditions.</p><p>You'll also learn about the long history of sauna use across different cultures, including Finnish sauna traditions and other ancient healing practices that have used heat therapy for centuries. I review what current research says about infrared saunas, answer common questions people ask about infrared sauna benefits, and share practical tips for getting started safely.</p><p>Whether you're newly diagnosed, navigating motherhood with chronic illness, or looking for holistic approaches to support your autoimmune health, this episode will help you understand if infrared sauna therapy might be a useful tool in your wellness journey.</p><h3>Topics Covered</h3><ul><li>Infrared sauna and autoimmune disease</li><li>Natural ways to reduce inflammation</li><li>Infrared sauna benefits for women</li><li>Autoimmune disease and chronic fatigue</li><li>Managing autoimmune symptoms naturally</li><li>Wellness tools for moms with chronic illness</li><li>Sauna safety and best practices</li><li>Heat therapy and inflammation</li><li>Autoimmune disease after pregnancy</li><li>Self-care for moms with autoimmune disease</li></ul><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to the Autoimmune Mom Podcast</li><li>07:06 Historical and Cultural Significance of Saunas</li><li>12:31 Best Practices for Sauna Use</li><li>18:13 Personal Experience with Infrared Sauna</li></ul>no00:23:54Infrared Sauna Benefits for Autoimmune Disease: Can It Help Reduce Inflammation?full<![CDATA[My Insurance Nightmare as an Autoimmune Mom]]>Ali Atwell shares her ongoing health insurance disaster, including denial of insurance coverage for her rheumatologist treatments, missed infusions, and the financial burden on her family. She also discusses upcoming guest Terry Adirim and the broken medical system.

Takeaways

  • Health insurance denial can lead to missed treatments and financial burden
  • Bridging the gap in healthcare is essential for patients with complex medical needs

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Health Insurance Disaster
  • 08:17 Impact of Missed Infusions and Alternative Medication
  • 15:09 Upcoming Guest and Bridging the Gap in Healthcare
  • 20:44 Reflections on the Broken Medical System
]]>48496702-8564-45cd-9154-5e5ea541bf71Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>Ali Atwell shares her ongoing health insurance disaster, including denial of insurance coverage for her rheumatologist treatments, missed infusions, and the financial burden on her family. She also discusses upcoming guest Terry Adirim and the broken medical system.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Health insurance denial can lead to missed treatments and financial burden</li><li>Bridging the gap in healthcare is essential for patients with complex medical needs</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Health Insurance Disaster</li><li>08:17 Impact of Missed Infusions and Alternative Medication</li><li>15:09 Upcoming Guest and Bridging the Gap in Healthcare</li><li>20:44 Reflections on the Broken Medical System</li></ul>no00:20:52116My Insurance Nightmare as an Autoimmune Momfull<![CDATA[How Faith Carried Jenna Schutt Through Her Healing Journey]]>Jenna Schutt shares her journey of being diagnosed with systemic mastocytosis and the impact it had on her life as a mother. She discusses the challenges of treatment, the role of faith in coping, and the development of a relationship with God. Jenna emphasizes the importance of self-worth and finding joy in the midst of adversity. Jenna Schutt shares her journey of finding true joy and peace through faith, even in the midst of health challenges and survivorship. She emphasizes the importance of claiming ownership of joy and peace through faith, offering free devotionals and resources to help others on their faith journey. Jenna also discusses the impact of her journey on her children and the importance of fostering resilience and faith in their lives.

Takeaways

  • Faith and coping: Faith played a significant role in Jenna's coping with her diagnosis and treatment.
  • Value and worthiness: Jenna emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's value and worthiness, regardless of the challenges faced. True joy and peace come from a spiritual infusion from the Lord
  • Faith plays a crucial role in claiming ownership of joy and peace
  • Starting the faith journey is about taking the first step and making it a part of daily routines
  • Fostering resilience and faith in children's lives is essential for their well-being and growth
  • Click the link to go directly to her website: Faith with Jenna Schutt-The Joy Reflex™ | Embrace Faith, Find Joy — Join Us

Chapters

  • 00:00 Diagnosis and Early Symptoms
  • 07:11 Faith and Coping
  • 12:13 Living Out Faith
  • 17:34 Faith and Medicine
  • 24:16 Value and Worthiness
  • 32:17 Writing and Sharing the Journey
  • 38:42 Starting the Faith Journey
]]>a5eadcd9-1c10-4f9d-bfcd-266d23ab11b1Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:43:19 GMT<p>Jenna Schutt shares her journey of being diagnosed with systemic mastocytosis and the impact it had on her life as a mother. She discusses the challenges of treatment, the role of faith in coping, and the development of a relationship with God. Jenna emphasizes the importance of self-worth and finding joy in the midst of adversity. Jenna Schutt shares her journey of finding true joy and peace through faith, even in the midst of health challenges and survivorship. She emphasizes the importance of claiming ownership of joy and peace through faith, offering free devotionals and resources to help others on their faith journey. Jenna also discusses the impact of her journey on her children and the importance of fostering resilience and faith in their lives.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Faith and coping: Faith played a significant role in Jenna's coping with her diagnosis and treatment.</li><li>Value and worthiness: Jenna emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's value and worthiness, regardless of the challenges faced. True joy and peace come from a spiritual infusion from the Lord</li><li>Faith plays a crucial role in claiming ownership of joy and peace</li><li>Starting the faith journey is about taking the first step and making it a part of daily routines</li><li>Fostering resilience and faith in children's lives is essential for their well-being and growth</li><li>Click the link to go directly to her website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jennaschutt.com/" target="_blank">Faith with Jenna Schutt-The Joy Reflex™ | Embrace Faith, Find Joy — Join Us</a></li></ul><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Diagnosis and Early Symptoms</li><li>07:11 Faith and Coping</li><li>12:13 Living Out Faith</li><li>17:34 Faith and Medicine</li><li>24:16 Value and Worthiness</li><li>32:17 Writing and Sharing the Journey</li><li>38:42 Starting the Faith Journey</li></ul>no00:47:49115How Faith Carried Jenna Schutt Through Her Healing Journeyfull<![CDATA[Parenting with Chronic Illness: Coping with Mom Guilt, Flares, and Self-Care]]>The conversation covers the challenges of parenting with chronic illness, including the impact on pregnancy, postpartum flares, and the importance of modeling self-care for children. It also delves into the experience of early symptoms and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the communication of chronic illness to children. The conversation covers the importance of self-care, parenting with chronic illness, and practical parent survival tips. It emphasizes the need for support and community when facing the challenges of parenting with a chronic illness.

Takeaways

  • Chronic illness and parenting
  • Self-care and modeling for children Self-care is important
  • Parenting with chronic illness
  • Support and community are essential

Home Page - Mamas Facing Forward

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CsBZz3NhE/

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
  • 10:58 Pregnancy and Parenting with Chronic Illness
  • 20:01 Talking to Children About Chronic Illness and Self-Care
  • 25:54 The Importance of Self-Care
  • 39:42 Practical Parent Survival Tips
]]>dd19606c-1017-4748-b4f7-bf9baa004ebdWed, 20 May 2026 18:17:20 GMT<p>The conversation covers the challenges of parenting with chronic illness, including the impact on pregnancy, postpartum flares, and the importance of modeling self-care for children. It also delves into the experience of early symptoms and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the communication of chronic illness to children. The conversation covers the importance of self-care, parenting with chronic illness, and practical parent survival tips. It emphasizes the need for support and community when facing the challenges of parenting with a chronic illness.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Chronic illness and parenting</li><li>Self-care and modeling for children Self-care is important</li><li>Parenting with chronic illness</li><li>Support and community are essential</li></ul><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/" target="_blank">Home Page - Mamas Facing Forward</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CsBZz3NhE/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CsBZz3NhE/</a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties</li><li>10:58 Pregnancy and Parenting with Chronic Illness</li><li>20:01 Talking to Children About Chronic Illness and Self-Care</li><li>25:54 The Importance of Self-Care</li><li>39:42 Practical Parent Survival Tips</li></ul>no00:52:15114Parenting with Chronic Illness: Coping with Mom Guilt, Flares, and Self-Carefull<![CDATA[Nervous System Regulation and Autoimmune Disease: Can It Help You Heal?]]>

Can stress and trauma contribute to autoimmune disease? In this episode, Thy Da shares her autoimmune diagnosis journey and the lifestyle changes that transformed her health. We discuss nervous system regulation, stress management, the connection between trauma and chronic illness, and how mindset can influence the healing process. Thy also opens up about how living with autoimmune disease has shaped her parenting and reminded her to embrace the present moment.

Follow Thy Da on Facebook

Takeaways

  • Autoimmune diagnosis journey
  • Nervous system regulation and stress management Healing through mindset
  • Impact of trauma on autoimmune diseases

Chapters

  • 00:00 Autoimmune Diagnosis Journey
  • 07:03 Lifestyle Changes and Stress Management
  • 25:30 Mindset and Healing
  • 36:18 Trauma and Autoimmune Diseases
  • 47:01 Parenting and Health
]]>fe724a87-beb7-4a77-899c-ac507de7fb18Wed, 13 May 2026 12:15:26 GMT<blockquote><p>Can stress and trauma contribute to autoimmune disease? In this episode, Thy Da shares her autoimmune diagnosis journey and the lifestyle changes that transformed her health. We discuss nervous system regulation, stress management, the connection between trauma and chronic illness, and how mindset can influence the healing process. Thy also opens up about how living with autoimmune disease has shaped her parenting and reminded her to embrace the present moment.</p></blockquote><p></p><p>Follow Thy Da on <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/teedz.m" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Autoimmune diagnosis journey</li><li>Nervous system regulation and stress management Healing through mindset</li><li>Impact of trauma on autoimmune diseases</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Autoimmune Diagnosis Journey</li><li>07:03 Lifestyle Changes and Stress Management</li><li>25:30 Mindset and Healing</li><li>36:18 Trauma and Autoimmune Diseases</li><li>47:01 Parenting and Health</li></ul>no00:51:45111Nervous System Regulation and Autoimmune Disease: Can It Help You Heal?full<![CDATA[Monique - Diagnosed at 6 years old with RA]]>Monique shares her journey of growing up with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the impact on her childhood, challenges in physical activities, motherhood, and the decision to undergo hip replacement surgery. Her resilience and determination shine through as she navigates the complexities of her condition and life experiences. The conversation covers Monique's journey of overcoming physical challenges, her experience during pregnancy, her work and career, the process of writing a book, the impact of health on relationships, and her advice for parents and personal growth.

Takeaways

  • Resilience in the face of adversity
  • Impact of chronic illness on childhood and motherhood Overcoming physical challenges
  • Impact of health on relationships

Chapters

  • 00:00 Meeting Monique
  • 05:22 Diagnosis and Hospitalization
  • 11:14 Pregnancy and Motherhood
  • 17:24 Health Deterioration in New York
  • 24:33 Overcoming Physical Challenges
  • 32:03 Work and Career
  • 37:21 Relationships and Health
]]>96437e6b-6f73-4048-8396-d7a46e06c630Fri, 01 May 2026 17:59:42 GMT<p>Monique shares her journey of growing up with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the impact on her childhood, challenges in physical activities, motherhood, and the decision to undergo hip replacement surgery. Her resilience and determination shine through as she navigates the complexities of her condition and life experiences. The conversation covers Monique's journey of overcoming physical challenges, her experience during pregnancy, her work and career, the process of writing a book, the impact of health on relationships, and her advice for parents and personal growth.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Resilience in the face of adversity</li><li>Impact of chronic illness on childhood and motherhood Overcoming physical challenges</li><li>Impact of health on relationships</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Meeting Monique</li><li>05:22 Diagnosis and Hospitalization</li><li>11:14 Pregnancy and Motherhood</li><li>17:24 Health Deterioration in New York</li><li>24:33 Overcoming Physical Challenges</li><li>32:03 Work and Career</li><li>37:21 Relationships and Health</li></ul>no00:47:50Monique - Diagnosed at 6 years old with RAfull<![CDATA[Managing the Fear of New Medication/Treatment]]>The conversation delves into the fear associated with starting a new medication or treatment, the loss of control and trust, information overload, and the use of mindset shift and affirmations to manage fear.

Takeaways

  • Fear of starting a medication or treatment
  • Managing fear through mindset and affirmations

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Fear of Starting Medication or Treatment
  • 09:44 Information Overload and Decision-Making
]]>6911bd5c-f01b-4293-b166-dd57e60ac923Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:09:25 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the fear associated with starting a new medication or treatment, the loss of control and trust, information overload, and the use of mindset shift and affirmations to manage fear.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Fear of starting a medication or treatment</li><li>Managing fear through mindset and affirmations</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Fear of Starting Medication or Treatment</li><li>09:44 Information Overload and Decision-Making</li></ul>no00:20:13111Managing the Fear of New Medication/Treatmentfull<![CDATA[A Chat with My Kids About THEIR Experiences with an Autoimmune Mom]]>The conversation explores the experiences of the daughters of a mother with a chronic illness, highlighting the emotional impact, coping mechanisms, and family dynamics. It delves into the challenges, empathy, and personal growth resulting from the mother's health condition, providing valuable insights for families facing similar situations. The conversation delves into the impact of chronic illness on family dynamics, highlighting empathy, understanding, and the challenges faced by both the affected individual and their loved ones. It explores the emotional journey, shared humor, and the lessons learned from the experience, offering valuable insights for other families facing similar situations.

Takeaways

  • Empathy and understanding
  • Impact of chronic illness on family dynamics Empathy and understanding
  • Impact of chronic illness on family dynamics

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to the Girls
  • 05:10 Emotional Responses and Coping Mechanisms
  • 11:18 Personal Growth and Wisdom
  • 17:01 Reflection and Emotional Impact
  • 22:26 Impact on Family Members
  • 28:01 Nostalgia and Emotional Moments
  • 33:03 Opportunity Cost and Recovery
  • 39:22 Feeling Loved and Supported
]]>64bd2e1a-1112-4ac3-aa7e-7df3eac42e76Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:25:10 GMT<p>The conversation explores the experiences of the daughters of a mother with a chronic illness, highlighting the emotional impact, coping mechanisms, and family dynamics. It delves into the challenges, empathy, and personal growth resulting from the mother's health condition, providing valuable insights for families facing similar situations. The conversation delves into the impact of chronic illness on family dynamics, highlighting empathy, understanding, and the challenges faced by both the affected individual and their loved ones. It explores the emotional journey, shared humor, and the lessons learned from the experience, offering valuable insights for other families facing similar situations.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Empathy and understanding</li><li>Impact of chronic illness on family dynamics Empathy and understanding</li><li>Impact of chronic illness on family dynamics</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to the Girls</li><li>05:10 Emotional Responses and Coping Mechanisms</li><li>11:18 Personal Growth and Wisdom</li><li>17:01 Reflection and Emotional Impact</li><li>22:26 Impact on Family Members</li><li>28:01 Nostalgia and Emotional Moments</li><li>33:03 Opportunity Cost and Recovery</li><li>39:22 Feeling Loved and Supported</li></ul>no00:40:01110A Chat with My Kids About THEIR Experiences with an Autoimmune Momfull<![CDATA[Can Trauma Trigger Autoimmune Disease? The Missing Piece of Healing]]>

Many women with autoimmune disease wonder whether stress and trauma have played a role in their health journey. In this episode, we explore the connection between trauma and autoimmune disease, the role of emotional healing, and why self-compassion may be just as important as medication. We also discuss body image struggles, weight gain, microdosing GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, and how to advocate for yourself when navigating the healthcare system.

Then I'd add a section like this:

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Can trauma contribute to autoimmune disease?
  • The NICE Protocol: Notice, Include, Compassion, Experience
  • Building emotional resilience through self-compassion
  • Weight gain, body image, and self-acceptance
  • Healing your relationship with food and your body
  • Microdosing GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro)
  • The immune-modulating effects of GLP-1s
  • Navigating difficult conversations with doctors
  • The role of compassion and forgiveness in healing
  • Emotional healing is a crucial aspect of the journey to healing from autoimmune diseases.
  • The practice of self-compassion can lead to increased emotional resilience and aid in the management of chronic illness. Compassion and self-acceptance

Chapters

  • 00:00 The NICE Protocol: Notice, Include, Compassion, Experience
  • 25:26 Struggles with Weight and Self-Acceptance
  • 32:37 Understanding GLP-1 Medications
  • 38:16 Considerations and Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications
  • 45:10 The Power of Compassion and Forgiveness
]]>6ca530da-85d5-477e-b80f-49bb8e58f9dcFri, 03 Apr 2026 11:45:22 GMT<blockquote><p>Many women with autoimmune disease wonder whether stress and trauma have played a role in their health journey. In this episode, we explore the connection between trauma and autoimmune disease, the role of emotional healing, and why self-compassion may be just as important as medication. We also discuss body image struggles, weight gain, microdosing GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, and how to advocate for yourself when navigating the healthcare system.</p></blockquote><p>Then I'd add a section like this:</p><h3>In this episode, we discuss:</h3><ul><li>Can trauma contribute to autoimmune disease?</li><li>The NICE Protocol: Notice, Include, Compassion, Experience</li><li>Building emotional resilience through self-compassion</li><li>Weight gain, body image, and self-acceptance</li><li>Healing your relationship with food and your body</li><li>Microdosing GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro)</li><li>The immune-modulating effects of GLP-1s</li><li>Navigating difficult conversations with doctors</li><li>The role of compassion and forgiveness in healing</li></ul><ul><li>Emotional healing is a crucial aspect of the journey to healing from autoimmune diseases.</li><li>The practice of self-compassion can lead to increased emotional resilience and aid in the management of chronic illness. Compassion and self-acceptance<p></p></li></ul><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The NICE Protocol: Notice, Include, Compassion, Experience</li><li>25:26 Struggles with Weight and Self-Acceptance</li><li>32:37 Understanding GLP-1 Medications</li><li>38:16 Considerations and Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications</li><li>45:10 The Power of Compassion and Forgiveness</li></ul>no00:48:11Can Trauma Trigger Autoimmune Disease? The Missing Piece of Healingfull<![CDATA[Why Are My Autoimmune Symptoms Worse This Time of Year? How I Cope]]>If you live with autoimmune disease, you've probably wondered how to keep going when fatigue, flares, and changing seasons derail your plans. In this solo episode, I share the practical strategies that help me navigate difficult seasons of chronic illness—from lowering expectations and protecting my energy to setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and finding joy even on the hard days.

Takeaways

  • Managing seasonal changes with autoimmune disease
  • Prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries

Chapters

  • 00:00 Navigating Seasonal Changes with Autoimmune Disease
  • 05:49 Simplifying Daily Life and Meal Planning
  • 10:57 Taking Quiet Moments and Self-Care
  • 18:01 Finding Levity and Joy in Daily Life
]]>e6afe66a-8984-4254-8e78-a617959c6817Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:08:17 GMT<p>If you live with autoimmune disease, you've probably wondered how to keep going when fatigue, flares, and changing seasons derail your plans. In this solo episode, I share the practical strategies that help me navigate difficult seasons of chronic illness—from lowering expectations and protecting my energy to setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and finding joy even on the hard days.</p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Managing seasonal changes with autoimmune disease</li><li>Prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Navigating Seasonal Changes with Autoimmune Disease</li><li>05:49 Simplifying Daily Life and Meal Planning</li><li>10:57 Taking Quiet Moments and Self-Care</li><li>18:01 Finding Levity and Joy in Daily Life</li></ul>no00:29:0518Why Are My Autoimmune Symptoms Worse This Time of Year? How I Copefull<![CDATA[Adapting To Motherhood with Chronic Illness]]>The conversation explores the challenges of adapting to motherhood while living with chronic illness, the importance of managing expectations and communication, redefining motherhood and self-care, and the value of connecting with others in similar situations. It provides insights into the experiences of mothers navigating the complexities of chronic illness and parenting, offering valuable perspectives and coping strategies.

Takeaways

  • Adapting to motherhood with chronic illness
  • Managing expectations and communication
  • Redefining motherhood and self-care

Chapters

  • 00:00 Adapting to Motherhood with Chronic Illness
  • 11:49 Managing Expectations and Communication
  • 19:19 Connecting with Others and Finding Value
]]>5ea21dda-4edc-4740-ab18-098e10e52d9cFri, 20 Mar 2026 14:07:52 GMT<p>The conversation explores the challenges of adapting to motherhood while living with chronic illness, the importance of managing expectations and communication, redefining motherhood and self-care, and the value of connecting with others in similar situations. It provides insights into the experiences of mothers navigating the complexities of chronic illness and parenting, offering valuable perspectives and coping strategies.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Adapting to motherhood with chronic illness</li><li>Managing expectations and communication</li><li>Redefining motherhood and self-care</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Adapting to Motherhood with Chronic Illness</li><li>11:49 Managing Expectations and Communication</li><li>19:19 Connecting with Others and Finding Value</li></ul>no00:25:0317Adapting To Motherhood with Chronic Illnessfull<![CDATA[Can Lyme Disease Be Mistaken for Autoimmune Disease? Penni's Story of Misdiagnosis]]>

Can Lyme disease be mistaken for autoimmune disease? In this episode, Penny shares her journey through years of misdiagnoses, the discovery of Lyme disease, and the challenges of navigating a healthcare system that doesn't always provide clear answers. We discuss functional medicine, the overlap between Lyme disease and autoimmune symptoms, the impact of chronic stress on health, and the importance of finding a supportive community on the path to healing.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Penny's Autoimmune Journey
  • 05:54 Diagnosis and Treatment
  • 11:58 Root Cause Analysis
  • 17:53 Challenges of Testing for Lyme Disease
  • 24:05 Misclassification of Autoimmune Diseases
  • 29:10 Challenges of Navigating the Healthcare System
  • 35:25 Holistic Approaches to Autoimmune Care
]]>e734f1e2-f951-44cd-b357-baa5a9640702Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:55:56 GMT<blockquote><p>Can Lyme disease be mistaken for autoimmune disease? In this episode, Penny shares her journey through years of misdiagnoses, the discovery of Lyme disease, and the challenges of navigating a healthcare system that doesn't always provide clear answers. We discuss functional medicine, the overlap between Lyme disease and autoimmune symptoms, the impact of chronic stress on health, and the importance of finding a supportive community on the path to healing.</p></blockquote><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Penny's Autoimmune Journey</li><li>05:54 Diagnosis and Treatment</li><li>11:58 Root Cause Analysis</li><li>17:53 Challenges of Testing for Lyme Disease</li><li>24:05 Misclassification of Autoimmune Diseases</li><li>29:10 Challenges of Navigating the Healthcare System</li><li>35:25 Holistic Approaches to Autoimmune Care</li></ul>no00:46:3516Can Lyme Disease Be Mistaken for Autoimmune Disease? Penni's Story of Misdiagnosisfull<![CDATA[Could It Be PANS or PANDAS? One Mom's Fight for Answers]]>Could your child's sudden behavioral changes be caused by something more than anxiety or OCD? In this episode, CC shares her family's journey through autoimmune encephalitis and PANS/PANDAS, the challenges of getting a diagnosis, and the importance of trusting your instincts when you know something isn't right. We discuss mold exposure, Lyme disease, functional medicine, caregiver burnout, and how community support can make all the difference for families navigating complex chronic illness.

In This Episode, We Cover:

  • What are PANS and PANDAS?
  • The early signs parents shouldn't ignore
  • Autoimmune encephalitis symptoms in children
  • Trusting your intuition when doctors don't have answers
  • The connection between mold, Lyme disease, and neurological symptoms
  • Functional medicine approaches to complex illness
  • The financial and emotional toll on caregivers
  • Finding support and community as a parent
  • Mental health tools for surviving the journey
  • Why advocacy matters when your child is sick
]]>e2ef1758-680b-4aee-8fb6-6a6d2354db38Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:33:29 GMT<h5>Could your child's sudden behavioral changes be caused by something more than anxiety or OCD? In this episode, CC shares her family's journey through autoimmune encephalitis and PANS/PANDAS, the challenges of getting a diagnosis, and the importance of trusting your instincts when you know something isn't right. We discuss mold exposure, Lyme disease, functional medicine, caregiver burnout, and how community support can make all the difference for families navigating complex chronic illness.</h5><hr /><h2>In This Episode, We Cover:</h2><ul><li>What are PANS and PANDAS?</li><li>The early signs parents shouldn't ignore</li><li>Autoimmune encephalitis symptoms in children</li><li>Trusting your intuition when doctors don't have answers</li><li>The connection between mold, Lyme disease, and neurological symptoms</li><li>Functional medicine approaches to complex illness</li><li>The financial and emotional toll on caregivers</li><li>Finding support and community as a parent</li><li>Mental health tools for surviving the journey</li><li>Why advocacy matters when your child is sick</li></ul><hr />no01:09:2015Could It Be PANS or PANDAS? One Mom's Fight for Answersfull<![CDATA[How Do You Trust God When You're Chronically Ill? A Mom's Journey with Rheumatoid Arthritis]]>

How do you trust God when chronic illness changes the life you imagined? In this episode, Rebecca shares her journey of living with rheumatoid arthritis, navigating pregnancy complications, and raising children while managing the invisible challenges of autoimmune disease. We talk about faith, stress, isolation, teaching independence to our children, and the hope that can be found even in difficult seasons.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • Rebecca's journey to a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis
  • Pregnancy complications and autoimmune disease
  • The invisible challenges of motherhood with chronic illness
  • Coping with stress and emotional overwhelm
  • Trusting God through uncertainty and setbacks
  • Finding strength through faith and community
  • Teaching independence to children
  • Helping children understand chronic illness
  • Overcoming isolation as an autoimmune mom
  • Practical adjustments for daily life with RA

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to the Autoimmune Mom Podcast
  • 06:14 Rebecca's Diagnosis and Emotional Impact
  • 12:38 Faith and Miracles in Health Challenges
  • 20:01 Invisible Challenges of Autoimmune Disease
  • 25:09 Raising Children with an Invisible Disease
  • 32:14 Current Health Challenges and Coping
  • 56:45 Motherhood and Chronic Illness
  • 01:05:03 Faith and Support
]]>23e19448-bff1-4818-8036-d982ed7cf57dWed, 25 Feb 2026 12:57:03 GMT<blockquote><p>How do you trust God when chronic illness changes the life you imagined? In this episode, Rebecca shares her journey of living with rheumatoid arthritis, navigating pregnancy complications, and raising children while managing the invisible challenges of autoimmune disease. We talk about faith, stress, isolation, teaching independence to our children, and the hope that can be found even in difficult seasons.</p></blockquote><hr /><h2>In This Episode, We Discuss:</h2><ul><li>Rebecca's journey to a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis</li><li>Pregnancy complications and autoimmune disease</li><li>The invisible challenges of motherhood with chronic illness</li><li>Coping with stress and emotional overwhelm</li><li>Trusting God through uncertainty and setbacks</li><li>Finding strength through faith and community</li><li>Teaching independence to children</li><li>Helping children understand chronic illness</li><li>Overcoming isolation as an autoimmune mom</li><li>Practical adjustments for daily life with RA</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to the Autoimmune Mom Podcast</li><li>06:14 Rebecca's Diagnosis and Emotional Impact</li><li>12:38 Faith and Miracles in Health Challenges</li><li>20:01 Invisible Challenges of Autoimmune Disease</li><li>25:09 Raising Children with an Invisible Disease</li><li>32:14 Current Health Challenges and Coping</li><li>56:45 Motherhood and Chronic Illness</li><li>01:05:03 Faith and Support</li></ul>no01:01:3914How Do You Trust God When You're Chronically Ill? A Mom's Journey with Rheumatoid Arthritisfull<![CDATA[Can Stress Trigger Autoimmune Disease? One Mom's Story of War, Survival & Healing]]>

Can chronic stress and trauma affect autoimmune disease? In this episode, Tetyana shares her extraordinary journey of escaping war, immigrating to a new country, and navigating life as a mother living with autoimmune disease. We discuss the impact of stress on the immune system, the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, and the lifestyle changes that helped her find resilience, gratitude, and hope in the face of uncertainty.

In This Episode, We Cover:

  • Tetyana's journey escaping war and starting over
  • Can stress trigger or worsen autoimmune disease?
  • The connection between trauma and immune health
  • Navigating an autoimmune diagnosis
  • Treatment decisions and lifestyle changes
  • Parenting while managing chronic illness
  • Supporting your family through difficult seasons
  • Finding gratitude in the midst of hardship
  • Building resilience after trauma
  • Hope and healing after diagnosis

Chapters

  • 00:00 Escape from War and Immigration Experience
  • 11:24 Diagnosis and Treatment of Autoimmune Disease
  • 24:12 Personal Health Journey and Treatment
  • 36:01 Impact on Family and Parenting
  • 46:20 Lifestyle Changes and Gratitude
]]>bb81f7af-d6aa-4708-a83e-79656ca2d386Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:31:11 GMT<blockquote><p>Can chronic stress and trauma affect autoimmune disease? In this episode, Tetyana shares her extraordinary journey of escaping war, immigrating to a new country, and navigating life as a mother living with autoimmune disease. We discuss the impact of stress on the immune system, the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, and the lifestyle changes that helped her find resilience, gratitude, and hope in the face of uncertainty.</p></blockquote><hr /><h2>In This Episode, We Cover:</h2><ul><li>Tetyana's journey escaping war and starting over</li><li>Can stress trigger or worsen autoimmune disease?</li><li>The connection between trauma and immune health</li><li>Navigating an autoimmune diagnosis</li><li>Treatment decisions and lifestyle changes</li><li>Parenting while managing chronic illness</li><li>Supporting your family through difficult seasons</li><li>Finding gratitude in the midst of hardship</li><li>Building resilience after trauma</li><li>Hope and healing after diagnosis</li></ul><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Escape from War and Immigration Experience</li><li>11:24 Diagnosis and Treatment of Autoimmune Disease</li><li>24:12 Personal Health Journey and Treatment</li><li>36:01 Impact on Family and Parenting</li><li>46:20 Lifestyle Changes and Gratitude</li></ul>no00:48:4513Can Stress Trigger Autoimmune Disease? One Mom's Story of War, Survival & Healingfull<![CDATA[Mom Guilt and Chronic Illness: What No One Talks About]]>

Have you ever wondered if your chronic illness is keeping you from being the mom you want to be? In this episode, we talk about the hidden realities of motherhood with autoimmune disease—including the guilt, isolation, and impossible expectations so many women carry in silence. We discuss self-compassion, honest communication, building a support system, and why asking for help doesn't make you a bad mom—it makes you human.

In This Episode, We Cover:

  • The hidden struggles of motherhood with autoimmune disease
  • Why mom guilt is so common with chronic illness
  • Coping with isolation and loneliness
  • Letting go of unrealistic expectations
  • Practicing self-compassion
  • How to communicate your needs honestly
  • Building a support system you can rely on
  • Asking for help without shame
  • Redefining what it means to be a "good mom"

Chapters

  • 00:00 Honest Communication and Accepting Help
]]>be93ad90-359a-45d1-afe3-0fe777f144b0Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:49:14 GMT<blockquote><p>Have you ever wondered if your chronic illness is keeping you from being the mom you want to be? In this episode, we talk about the hidden realities of motherhood with autoimmune disease—including the guilt, isolation, and impossible expectations so many women carry in silence. We discuss self-compassion, honest communication, building a support system, and why asking for help doesn't make you a bad mom—it makes you human.</p></blockquote><hr /><h2>In This Episode, We Cover:</h2><ul><li>The hidden struggles of motherhood with autoimmune disease</li><li>Why mom guilt is so common with chronic illness</li><li>Coping with isolation and loneliness</li><li>Letting go of unrealistic expectations</li><li>Practicing self-compassion</li><li>How to communicate your needs honestly</li><li>Building a support system you can rely on</li><li>Asking for help without shame</li><li>Redefining what it means to be a "good mom"</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Honest Communication and Accepting Help</li></ul>no00:24:2512Mom Guilt and Chronic Illness: What No One Talks Aboutfull<![CDATA[Intro]]>Ali Atwell, a mother living with rheumatoid arthritis, shares her experiences and hopes to provide hope and community for others in similar situations. She discusses her diagnosis, challenges, and the impact of the disease on her life and family.

Takeaways

  • Hope and community for mothers with autoimmune diseases
  • The impact of rheumatoid arthritis on motherhood

Chapters

  • 00:00 Motherhood and Family Support
]]>4cbca5c9-c247-4b6d-b734-a1cfc04c8227Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:37:59 GMT<p>Ali Atwell, a mother living with rheumatoid arthritis, shares her experiences and hopes to provide hope and community for others in similar situations. She discusses her diagnosis, challenges, and the impact of the disease on her life and family.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Hope and community for mothers with autoimmune diseases</li><li>The impact of rheumatoid arthritis on motherhood</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Motherhood and Family Support</li></ul>no00:27:0011Introfull