Beyond My Diagnosis with Michele Weston

Michele Weston
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Alternative Health

Welcome to Beyond My Diagnosis, the podcast that brings real conversations, real stories, and real breakthroughs in health, healing, and hope. I’m your host, Michele Weston—Holistic Health and Wellbeing Coach—and I'm here to help you look past the symptoms and into the deeper story of living with your chronic condition.Each week, we go beyond the chart and challenge the status quo of conventional care. From powerful patient journeys to expert insights in functional medicine and integrative practitioners, using mindset and lifestyle medicine, you’ll get the tools and inspiration to become the most informed, empowered version of yourself.This is not just about managing illness—it’s about reclaiming your health, your voice, and your life.Let’s get curious. Let’s get courageous. And let’s go Beyond My Diagnosis.

  1. 5d ago

    Inflammation Myths, Part 2: What Should We Really Be Eating?

    Send us Fan Mail Inflammation is one of those words that can make eating feel complicated very quickly. Search social media for “anti-inflammatory diet” and you may find a growing list of foods you are told to avoid. Seed oils. Dairy. Nightshades. Sugar. Processed foods. Red meat. Fried foods. Before long, eating can feel like one more thing you are afraid to get wrong. But is that really what the science tells us? In Part 2 of her two-part inflammation series, Michele Weston continues the conversation from “Inflammation: The Good, the Bad and the Chronic” by asking a more useful question: What should we really be eating? Michele begins by returning to an important point from Part 1. Inflammation itself is not automatically the enemy. Acute inflammation is part of the body’s normal protective response to injury or infection. The concern is chronic inflammation, when inflammatory activity persists over time and may be associated with chronic health conditions. So the goal is not to eliminate every trace of inflammation from the body. The better question is how we can support our health and our body’s ability to regulate inflammatory processes. That brings us to food. Michele challenges the idea that a single food can magically cause chronic inflammation in everyone who eats it, or that a single “superfood” can switch inflammation off. Instead, she focuses on the overall pattern of what we eat and how that pattern fits our individual bodies, medical conditions, lifestyles, budgets, cultures, medications, activity levels, and health goals. For anyone living with chronic illness who has spent years trying to find the “perfect” diet, that distinction matters. The science is more nuanced than the headlines. Michele walks through foods and ingredients often labeled inflammatory and asks listeners to look beyond the blacklist. Red and processed meats are frequently included in discussions about inflammation and chronic disease. Refined carbohydrates and foods high in added sugars can be part of dietary patterns associated with poorer metabolic health. Fried foods and diets high in ultra-processed foods also raise important questions about nutrition. But context matters. One hamburger, French fry, dessert, or packaged food does not define an entire eating pattern. She also makes an important distinction between processed and ultra-processed foods. Processing alone does not automatically make a food unhealthy. Frozen vegetables, canned beans, plain yogurt, tofu, whole-grain crackers, and canned fish are examples of foods that undergo processing and can still fit into a nutritious eating pattern. Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables can all be nutritious choices, with sodium and added sugars to watch for in packaged versions. The same individualized thinking applies to dairy and gluten. Lactose intolerance, milk allergy, celiac disease, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity are not the same thing. Some people may need to limit or avoid certain foods because of a diagnosed condition or individual symptoms. That does not mean the same restriction is appropriate for everyone. Then Michele tackles some of the biggest inflammation myths circulating online. Myth number one: Seed oils are inflammatory. Michele encourages listeners to look more closely at the evidence, the quantities consumed, and the foods in which these oils appear, rather than assuming the oil itself is responsible for every health concern. Current American Heart Association guidance does not support a broad avoidance of seed oils because they contain omega-6 fats. Myth number two: All processed food causes inflammation. Michele points to foods such as frozen fruits and vegetables, canned beans, canned fish, pre-washed lettuce, and tofu as practical examples. The word “processed” is not enough information to determine whether a food supports your goals. Myth number three: Everyone should avoid nightshades. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and potatoes are frequently accused of causing inflammation. Michele reminds listeners that individual allergies or intolerances matter, but universal elimination rules are very different from personalized nutrition. Current evidence does not support routinely eliminating nightshade vegetables for everyone because of inflammation. Myth number four: Dairy is bad for everyone. For someone with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, dairy may need to be modified or avoided. Other people tolerate dairy without difficulty. Personalization matters. Research reviews do not support the idea that dairy is inherently inflammatory for everyone. Myth number five: Sugar in any form is inflammatory. Michele distinguishes between added sugars and the naturally occurring sugars found in whole foods. A banana, an orange, or a handful of berries is nutritionally different from a doughnut or a sugar-sweetened drink. Rather than creating another rigid rule, she asks listeners to focus on the pattern over time. FDA nutrition labeling also distinguishes naturally occurring sugars from added sugars. So what does a supportive eating pattern look like? Michele explores Mediterranean-style eating, as well as the DASH and MIND approaches. What these patterns have in common is not one miracle ingredient. They emphasize combinations of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds when appropriate, fish, adequate protein, and unsaturated fats such as olive oil and avocado. DASH is designed as a flexible, heart-healthy eating pattern, while research continues to examine the Mediterranean and MIND-style eating patterns in relation to brain health. They also leave room for real life. You do not have to swear off dessert forever, promise never to eat another hamburger, or throw away everything in your pantry. Instead, Michele asks practical questions: What are you eating most of the time? What foods make up the foundation of your meals? Are you getting enough fiber and protein? Are you eating a variety of plants? Are you choosing nutrient-dense foods regularly? Are you staying hydrated in a way that meets your individual needs? And most importantly, is the way you are eating sustainable for you? Because the best eating pattern is not necessarily the most restrictive one. It is one that nourishes you, supports your health goals, fits your life, and is realistic enough to continue. Food is also only one piece of the conversation about inflammation. Michele brings movement, sleep, and stress back into the picture. Walking, strength training, yoga, tai chi, resistance bands, and other sustainable forms of movement can all be part of self-care. Sleep and stress matter too, especially for people already navigating chronic illness. Even Michele’s beloved ginger tea gets put in perspective. A warm cup may be comforting, help with hydration, or create a quiet moment in the day. It is not a miracle cure for chronic inflammation, and it does not need to be. The goal is not perfection or fear, nor another list of 25 things you have to change by Friday. The goal is to become more informed about your body and make choices that are sustainable for you. If living with a chronic condition has made eating feel like another test you are constantly failing, Michele wants you to hear this: your body is not a textbook. Personalization matters. Your diagnosis may be part of your story, but it does not get to be the whole story. Listen to Part 2 of this Beyond My Diagnosis inflammation series and share it with someone who is tired of nutrition fear and conflicting food rules. Michele Weston’s Substack micheleweston.substack.com Michele Weston Coach michelewestoncoach.com

  2. Aug 5

    Root Cause Healing, Ayurveda, Functional Medicine, and Your Responsibility as the Patient

    Send us Fan Mail What if chronic illness is not just something to manage, but something to better understand? In this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele welcomes back Cindi Acree, RN, a lifelong nurse, educator, and integrative health advocate. With decades of experience in neonatal medicine and advanced nursing practice, Cindi has seen firsthand how Western medicine excels at acute care. But she also recognized its limitations when it comes to prevention, root cause healing, and long term vitality. After retiring from clinical practice, Cindi expanded her education into Applied Positive Psychology, Integrative and Functional Medicine, Yoga, and Ayurveda, the 5,000 year old sister science to yoga. She now blends biomedical knowledge with complementary and functional approaches to support sustainable health. This episode is a powerful reminder that doctors do medicine, but patients take care of patients. In this conversation, you will hear about: • The difference between biomedicine and integrative medicine  • Ayurveda and the three doshas, vata, pitta, and kapha  • Agni, the digestive fire, and why food combinations matter  • Ama, toxins in food, water, air, and daily products  • Ojas, vitality and resilience  • Functional medicine pillars, sleep, hydration, stress, and movement  • Why elimination diets can uncover hidden triggers  • The dangers of unregulated supplements  • Vitamin B12 excess and unintended consequences  • The microbiome and antibiotic recovery  • Forest bathing, grounding, and restorative movement  • Appreciative inquiry and positive reframing  • The power of coaching and asking better questions Cindi shares practical examples of root cause investigation, including cases where symptoms that looked like autoimmune disease were actually nutritional deficiencies or supplement overload. This episode is not about rejecting medicine. It is about expanding the lens. It is about asking better questions. It is about understanding your role in your own healing journey. Because it is your body.

  3. Jul 29

    Inflammation: The Good, the Bad and the Chronic | Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail Inflammation is one of the most misunderstood words in conversations about chronic illness. We hear it connected to autoimmune disease, arthritis, neurological conditions, gut health, nutrition, weight, sleep, mood, aging, heart health, and more. With so many warnings about “inflammatory” foods and habits, it can begin to sound as though all inflammation is dangerous. But inflammation is not automatically bad. In Part 1 of this two-part Beyond My Diagnosis conversation, Michele Weston begins with the question we need to answer before discussing how to manage inflammation: What is inflammation actually doing in the body? Acute inflammation is part of the body’s protective response. When you experience a paper cut, bee sting, sprained ankle, broken bone, cold, infection, or another injury, the immune system responds. Blood flow increases, immune cells move toward the affected area, and you may notice redness, warmth, swelling, or pain. These changes can be uncomfortable, but they are often part of the healing process. Acute inflammation shows up, does its job, and ideally settles down once the immediate threat has passed. Chronic inflammation is different. Instead of resolving, the inflammatory response remains active over time. The body continues sending signals and inflammatory cells, sometimes affecting healthy tissues and organs. Chronic inflammation can be associated with or play a role in many conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, certain cancers, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune disorders. For people living with autoimmune or neurological conditions, the conversation becomes even more complicated. Michele draws from her own experience living with multiple sclerosis and explains why inflammation cannot be reduced to one symptom, one food, or one lifestyle habit. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective covering around nerve fibers in the central nervous system. That makes inflammation part of a much larger story involving the immune system, nervous system, symptoms, medical care, nutrition, sleep, movement, stress, and daily life. Michele’s central message is simple: the body is interconnected. Chronic inflammation is not always easy to recognize. Its possible signs can be vague and may overlap with chronic illness itself. A person may experience persistent fatigue, neurofatigue, low energy, pain, stiffness, disrupted sleep, digestive concerns, anxiety, depression, or changes in mood. These symptoms do not automatically prove that someone has chronic inflammation, but they can be part of a pattern worth discussing with a qualified healthcare professional. The episode explores how symptoms can begin feeding one another. Pain may interfere with sleep. Poor sleep may increase fatigue. Fatigue can make movement and exercise more difficult. Reduced activity and the stress of managing symptoms can affect mood, energy, and daily routines. Inflammation may disrupt sleep, while sleep disruption can affect circadian rhythms, the gut microbiome, stress, and immune function. It can feel like playing whack-a-mole with your health. You work on one issue, only to have another appear. This does not mean every symptom is caused by inflammation. It means the body’s systems do not exist in isolation. Michele also examines the relationship between the gut microbiome, diet, and immune function. Diet quality, fiber intake, ultra-processed foods, added sugars, refined grains, excess sodium, and some dietary patterns may influence the gut environment and overall health. At the same time, nutrition is only one part of a much larger picture that can include genetics, environmental exposures, microbiome imbalances, psychological stress, poor sleep, physical activity, smoking, medical history, and existing chronic conditions. That is why there is no single magic food that can erase a chronic inflammatory condition. People living with chronic illness are often handed oversimplified lists of foods to eliminate. One day it is seed oils. The next day it is nightshades, dairy, sugar, or processed foods. The rules change constantly, and social media often turns complicated health questions into fear-based headlines. Michele does not want listeners to fear food or believe that managing chronic inflammation rests entirely on personal willpower. She encourages people to become informed, notice patterns, ask better questions, and work with their physicians, registered dietitian nutritionists, and other qualified professionals when making decisions about treatment, nutrition, movement, sleep, smoking cessation, or symptom management. Helping yourself does not mean curing a chronic condition alone. It means taking a proactive role in your care while recognizing that medical conditions, bodies, and life circumstances are different. In this episode, Michele also discusses the emotional impact of chronic inflammation and chronic illness. Persistent pain, fatigue, and poor sleep can affect concentration, productivity, relationships, and quality of life. Depression and anxiety may become part of the experience, especially when symptoms are ongoing or unpredictable. These concerns deserve the same attention and compassion as physical symptoms. This first episode is not a list of foods to avoid. It is the foundation listeners need before trying to manage inflammation. In This Episode, You Will Learn Why acute inflammation is a necessary part of healingHow chronic inflammation differs from a short-term responseWhy chronic inflammation may be difficult to recognizeHow pain, fatigue, sleep, stress, mood, movement, and gut health can interactWhy autoimmune and neurological conditions make the conversation more complexWhy nutrition matters without being the entire answerWhy one “bad” food is unlikely to explain every symptomHow to approach inflammation with curiosity instead of fearDo I understand what inflammation is actually doing in my body? Could the symptoms I have been treating separately be more connected than I realize? Michele closes Part 1 with the message at the heart of this conversation: We do not need to fear inflammation. We need to understand it. That understanding prepares us for Part 2, when Michele will take on the endless list of foods people are told to fear and begin separating nutrition science from social media noise. Subscribe to Michele’s free Substack at MicheleWeston.Substack.com for personal insights, expert takeaways, and additional resources to help you stay informed, empowered, and one step closer to the clarity you deserve. If this episode helps you better understand your body, leave a review and share it with someone who may be overwhelmed by conflicting inflammation advice. Keep asking questions. Keep trusting yourself. And keep going Beyond My Diagnosis.

  4. Jul 22

    The Brain You Can’t See, Part 2: Caregiver Support for Dementia, TBI, MS, and Cognitive Changes

    Send us Fan Mail How do you support someone living with dementia, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, or another neurological condition without losing yourself in the process? In this continuation of The Brain You Can’t See, Michele Weston shifts the conversation from what cognitive symptoms feel like on the inside to what it means to stand beside someone experiencing them. In the previous episode, Michele shared her own experience living with multiple sclerosis and adult ADHD, including brain fog, executive functioning challenges, memory lapses, and invisible cognitive symptoms. In Part 2, she speaks directly to the spouses, partners, adult children, siblings, relatives, friends, and unpaid family caregivers who quietly carry much of the responsibility when someone they love begins to change. Caregiving does not always begin with a dramatic diagnosis. Sometimes it begins with a phone call after a fall. Sometimes a parent starts forgetting familiar names. Sometimes a spouse needs more help managing medications, appointments, transportation, or daily routines. And sometimes the changes are so gradual that no one realizes a caregiving relationship has formed until it is already part of everyday life. Michele explains that supporting someone with a neurological condition is about far more than attending medical appointments or keeping track of prescriptions. It is about showing up consistently, creating structure, reducing confusion, offering comfort, and helping the person maintain as much dignity, independence, and quality of life as possible. Drawing from her work as a patient advocacy navigator and her family’s experience caring for her father after a traumatic brain injury, Michele shares practical caregiver strategies that can make daily life more manageable for everyone involved. She discusses the value of: Keeping a diary of symptoms and behavioral changesMaintaining an updated medication list with dosages and timingTracking appointments, therapies, and follow-up careUsing shared calendars, whiteboards, and family group messagesCreating predictable daily routinesPreparing questions before medical visitsUpdating relatives so responsibility does not fall on one personFinding rehabilitation, support groups, and respite-care resourcesAsking healthcare professionals to explain what may happen nextMichele also shares the personal story of her father, who experienced a traumatic brain injury after open-heart surgery. His brain swelling led to a long recovery that changed daily life for the entire family. Her mother became his primary caregiver, showing remarkable patience and devotion throughout more than a decade of rehabilitation and adjustment. Michele reflects on how her parents temporarily moved to New York so her father could participate in programming through NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation. The familiar routines many of us take for granted, such as getting dressed, brushing our teeth, preparing breakfast, going to a restaurant, or attending a movie, may need to be relearned or supported after a neurological injury. That experience taught Michele how much patience, repetition, structure, and compassion can matter. This episode also explores dementia and cognitive decline. Michele explains that dementia is an umbrella term for cognitive impairment. It is not the same thing as Alzheimer’s disease, and it is not simply a mental illness. Dementia and other neurological conditions may affect: MemoryJudgmentLanguage and word retrievalMotor skillsAwareness of time and placeMood and emotional regulationPersonalityDaily routinesRecent-event recallIndependenceCaregivers may begin to notice increasing forgetfulness, repeated questions, irritability, confusion, difficulty completing familiar tasks, personality changes, or an inability to remember recent events. One of Michele’s most important messages is that these behaviors are not necessarily intentional. When someone repeats a story, they may not remember telling it. When they forget an appointment, they may not be careless. When they become agitated, frustrated, or emotional, they may be reacting to changes they cannot fully understand or control. The behavior may be difficult. But the behavior is not the person. Michele encourages caregivers to pause, breathe, speak calmly, avoid unnecessary arguments, and separate the person they love from the condition affecting them. She also reminds listeners that caregivers often become the stabilizing force in someone else’s life. They remember the appointments. They track the medications. They repeat the instructions. They help organize the day. They offer reassurance. And they often carry the emotional weight of trying to keep someone else afloat while wondering who is supporting them. That invisible labor can take an enormous toll. Caregiver burnout is real. There may be no paycheck, no scheduled time off, little recognition, interrupted sleep, cancelled plans, medical stress, financial pressure, and constant uncertainty. Michele shares the story of a devoted husband who began snapping at his wife during a medical appointment. The doctor recognized that he was not uncaring. He was exhausted. The solution was not shame. It was respite care. That time away allowed him to rest and return to the relationship with more patience and presence. Reaching that point does not mean someone has failed as a caregiver. It means additional support is needed. Michele strongly encourages caregivers to protect their own health by: Keeping their medical appointmentsPrioritizing sleep and rest whenever possibleScheduling regular breaksMaintaining friendships and personal interestsAsking family members to share responsibilitiesExploring caregiver support groupsSpeaking with doctors about respite careMaking room for joy without guiltUsing breathing and mindfulness techniquesSeeking counseling or therapy when neededTaking care of yourself does not take care away from the person you love. It strengthens your ability to remain compassionate, attentive, and present. There is no perfect caregiver. The needs will change. The challenges will change. There will be moments of frustration, sadness, exhaustion, grief, love, humor, and deep connection. The goal is not perfection. The goal is to keep learning, ask for help sooner, protect both people in the caregiving relationship, and create the best quality of life possible. Michele closes with a message of gratitude to every spouse, partner, family member, and friend carrying responsibilities others may never fully see. Your patience matters. Your compassion matters. Your willingness to keep learning matters. And your health matters too. Resources Mentioned Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Stress https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/caregiver-health/caregiver-stress Parkinson’s Foundation Care Partner Resources https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/carepartners National Multiple Sclerosis Society Care Partner Support https://www.nationalmssociety.org/managing-ms/for-carepartners NYU Langone Rusk Rehabilitation https://nyulangone.org/locations/rusk-rehabilitation NYU Langone Brain Injury and Concussion Rehabilitation https://nyulangone.org/locations/rusk-rehabilitation/condition-focused-rehabilitation-services/brain-injury-concussion-rehabilitation Epilepsy Foundation https://www.epilepsy.com/ National Institutes of Health https://www.nih.gov/ Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/ Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/ Connect with Michele Weston Subscribe to Michele’s free Substack: https://micheleweston.substack.com/ Learn more about Michele’s coaching and patient advocacy work: https://michelewestoncoach.com/ If this episode helped you, share it with a caregiver who needs to know that their work is seen, their health matters, and support is available.

  5. Jul 15

    The Brain You Can't See: What It's Like to Live Inside My Brain with MS and ADHD

    Send us Fan Mail What if the hardest part of living with a neurological condition is the part no one can see? People can see a cane. They may notice someone walking more slowly or needing to rest. But they can't see brain fog. They can't see the mental exhaustion that comes from trying to remember words, stay organized, or keep track of conversations. And they can't see the invisible cognitive changes that affect millions of people living with neurological conditions. In this deeply personal episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston opens a window into what it's really like to live with both multiple sclerosis (MS) and adult ADHD. She shares her own experiences with brain fog, executive functioning challenges, memory lapses, and cognitive fatigue, helping listeners better understand what life feels like from the inside. More importantly, Michele offers hope. She shares the practical tools, routines, and mindset shifts that have helped her stop fighting her brain and start working with it. Because while you may not be able to control every symptom, you can learn to adapt—and continue living beyond your diagnosis.  In This Episode You'll LearnWhat cognitive dysfunction really feels likeHow MS and ADHD can affect memory, focus, and executive functioningThe difference between brain fog and everyday forgetfulnessWhy cognitive symptoms are often invisible to othersHow fatigue and heat can worsen cognitive functionPractical strategies for organization and memoryWhy adapting is more effective than "trying harder"How caregivers can better understand invisible neurological symptomsWhy asking for help is a sign of strength—not weaknessHow self-compassion plays a critical role in living well with chronic illness What Does "The Brain You Can't See" Mean?Michele explains that one of the greatest challenges of living with a neurological condition is that cognitive symptoms are often invisible. She shares examples many listeners will immediately recognize: Walking into a room and forgetting whyLosing your train of thought mid-sentenceForgetting names or familiar wordsMixing up dates and appointmentsUnderestimating how long tasks will takeFeeling mentally exhausted after simple decisionsStruggling to organize thoughts or complete multi-step tasksThese aren't character flaws. They're neurological symptoms. And understanding them can help reduce shame while increasing self-awareness and self-advocacy.  Michele's Biggest MessageOne of the most powerful moments in this episode comes when Michele shares that everything changed when she stopped expecting her brain to work the way it used to. Instead of constantly criticizing herself, she learned to build systems that support the brain she has today. That shift allowed her to move from frustration to freedom. Her message is simple: Work with your brain—not against it.  Practical Strategies Michele Uses Every DayThis episode is filled with practical, evidence-informed strategies listeners can begin using immediately. Michele shares how she supports her brain by: Using Google Calendar with color-coded eventsSetting multiple reminders and alarmsKeeping written checklistsBreaking projects into smaller, manageable stepsUsing sticky notes and visual remindersCreating consistent daily routinesWorking with occupational therapists when neededSimplifying her environment to reduce cognitive overloadProtecting her energy throughout the dayGiving herself permission to ask for helpThese aren't shortcuts. They're tools that make everyday life more manageable.  A Message for Caregivers and Loved OnesMichele also speaks directly to family members, friends, and caregivers. Invisible symptoms can be difficult to understand because they aren't obvious from the outside. Patience. Communication. Grace. And a willingness to listen can make an enormous difference for someone navigating cognitive changes. Living with chronic illness isn't just an individual journey—it affects the people who love us, too.  Michele's Closing ThoughtOne of Michele's greatest hopes is that this episode helps listeners feel seen. Whether you're living with MS, ADHD, another neurological condition, or caring for someone who is, you are not alone. Your brain may work differently. That doesn't make it broken. It simply means you may need different tools, different strategies, and a little more compassion—for yourself and from others. Because living beyond your diagnosis isn't about being perfect. It's about learning, adapting, and continuing to move forward.  Resources Mentioned in This Episode CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) https://chadd.org/ National Multiple Sclerosis Society https://www.nationalmssociety.org/ Mayo Clinic – Cognitive Impairment https://www.mayoclinic.org/ Cleveland Clinic – Brain Fog https://my.clevelandclinic.org/ NYU Langone Health – Rusk Rehabilitation https://nyulangone.org/locations/rusk-rehabilitation International Multiple Sclerosis Management Practice (IMSMP) https://imsmp.org/

  6. Jul 8

    Could Your Eyes Be Warning You? Vision Changes, Optic Neuritis, and Neurological Conditions Explained

    Send us Fan Mail Could your eyes be trying to tell you something about your brain? Many people associate neurological diseases with symptoms like weakness, numbness, fatigue, or balance problems. But for many—including Michele Weston—vision changes are one of the earliest warning signs. In this eye-opening solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele shares her personal experience with optic neuritis, the symptom that ultimately led to her multiple sclerosis diagnosis more than 25 years ago. She explains why sudden vision changes should never be ignored and explores how the eyes often provide some of the earliest clues that something may be happening within the nervous system. This episode isn't intended to create fear. It's designed to help you become a more informed and empowered advocate for your own health. Because information is power. In This Episode You'll Learn Why vision changes can be early signs of neurological diseaseWhat optic neuritis is and why it's often associated with multiple sclerosisSymptoms that should never be ignoredHow inflammation affects the optic nerveThe connection between heat and neurological vision symptomsWhy MS isn't the only neurological condition that affects visionConditions including neuromyelitis optica (NMO), Parkinson's disease, stroke, migraines with aura, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), brain tumors, and giant cell arteritisWhen to seek immediate medical attentionHow to advocate for yourself if symptoms don't seem right Common Vision Symptoms Michele Discusses Vision changes don't always mean you need a stronger eyeglass prescription. Sometimes they can be your nervous system asking for help. Symptoms may include: Blurred visionEye pain, especially with eye movementDouble visionTemporary vision lossLoss of color visionBlind spotsFloatersDifficulty focusingEyes that don't seem to work togetherInvoluntary eye movements (nystagmus)Episodes where vision becomes unusually dark—or unusually brightBecause nearly half of the brain is involved in processing vision, neurological conditions frequently affect how we see. What Is Optic Neuritis? Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve—the pathway that carries visual information from your eyes to your brain. It's one of the most recognized neurological eye conditions and is commonly associated with multiple sclerosis, although it can also occur with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), lupus, infections, and other autoimmune diseases. Common symptoms include: Pain when moving the eyeBlurred visionFaded or dim colorsBlind spotsTemporary vision loss (often in one eye)Many people recover much or most of their vision, although some changes may remain. Heat and Vision Changes Because this episode was inspired by the extreme summer heat, Michele also explains why rising body temperature can temporarily worsen neurological symptoms. She shares practical tips to help reduce heat-related flare-ups, including: Wearing a hat outdoorsUsing cooling neck wraps or cooling vestsDrinking cold beveragesAvoiding prolonged heat exposurePaying attention to how your body responds when moving between hot and cold environmentsFor people living with MS and other neurological or autoimmune conditions, these small strategies can make a meaningful difference during the summer months. Michele's Story Michele reflects on the fear she experienced when optic neuritis first affected her vision and shares the importance of finding specialists who truly listen. She recounts her experience with neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Kupersmith, whose compassion and commitment to urgent patient care reinforced just how important it is to take unexplained vision changes seriously. Her message is clear: Don't ignore your symptoms. Be curious. Ask questions. Seek second opinions when something doesn't feel right. You are an essential member of your healthcare team. Michele's Closing Message Our diagnosis may shape our lives. But it never defines our potential. There is still joy to experience. Purpose to pursue. And a future worth planning for. Living with a chronic illness isn't just about managing symptoms. It's about managing your life. 🔗 Resources Mentioned National Multiple Sclerosis Society https://www.nationalmssociety.org/ American Academy of Ophthalmology https://www.aao.org/ National Eye Institute https://www.nei.nih.gov/ American Academy of Neurology https://www.aan.com/ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke https://www.ninds.nih.gov/

  7. Jul 1

    How to Age Well with a Chronic Illness: Healthy Aging, Independence, and Living Beyond Your Diagnosis

    Send us Fan Mail Can you age well while living with a chronic illness? It's a question many of us don't ask when we're first diagnosed. In the beginning, we're focused on getting through today, understanding our symptoms, navigating treatments, and simply figuring out what life looks like now. But eventually another question begins to emerge: How do I continue living well as I grow older? In this inspiring solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston shares what she's learned after more than 25 years of living with multiple sclerosis, nearly two decades after bariatric surgery, and years of working as a health and wellness coach and patient advocate. Drawing from current research, her personal experiences, and practical coaching strategies, Michele explores how healthy aging is absolutely possible—even with a chronic illness. This isn't about pretending chronic illness is easy. It's about learning to adapt, advocate for yourself, and make daily choices that support your health, independence, and quality of life. Because while many of us cannot control our diagnosis, we can influence many aspects of our health through the choices we make every day. In This Episode You'll Learn How chronic illness changes as we ageWhy healthy aging is still possible with autoimmune disease and MSThe difference between lifespan and healthspanHow to preserve your independenceWhy movement matters—even if it looks different than it used toHow mindfulness and stress management support long-term healthThe importance of disease self-managementWhy personalized nutrition becomes increasingly important as we ageHow to build a healthcare team that supports your goalsWhy resilience, purpose, and adaptability are essential for living well Michele's Biggest Message Aging with a chronic illness is not simply a story of decline. It's also a story of: AdaptationResilienceGrowthWisdomPurposeJoyAs Michele reminds listeners: A diagnosis may be part of your story, but it is never your whole story. Living well isn't about turning back the clock. It's about continuing to move forward with intention, caring for the body you have today, and creating a meaningful life—one choice at a time. Practical Strategies Michele Shares This episode is filled with practical, evidence-informed strategies that listeners can begin using immediately, including: ✔ Staying active with realistic movement goals—even 4,500 daily steps can improve health. ✔ Building strength through activities like Pilates, yoga, resistance bands, or swimming. ✔ Working with your healthcare team to personalize nutrition for your specific condition. ✔ Prioritizing quality sleep and stress reduction. ✔ Using mindfulness and meditation to improve resilience. ✔ Following your prescribed treatment plan and staying engaged with your medical team. ✔ Focusing on healthspan—how well you live—not simply how long you live. ✔ Taking an active role in your own disease self-management. Memorable Quotes "Healthy aging is still possible." "A diagnosis may be part of our story, but it is never our whole story." "It's not just about living longer. It's about living well." "Science is finally catching up to what patients have known for years. Living with a chronic illness isn't just about managing symptoms. It's about managing a life." Resources Mentioned Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Chronic Disease https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/ National Institutes of Health https://www.nih.gov/ National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/ National Council on Aging https://www.ncoa.org/ Better Choices, Better Health® https://www.selfmanagementresource.com/programs/small-group-programs/better-choices-better-health/ Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program https://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/cdsmp.html Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging https://www.benrose.org/ MyFitnessPal https://www.myfitnesspal.com/

  8. Jun 24

    The Future of Nutrition: Why One Diet Doesn't Work for Everyone and the Rise of Personalized Nutrition

    Send us Fan Mail Why does the exact same diet work for one person and completely fail for another? If you've ever followed a nutrition plan perfectly and still didn't get the results you expected, this episode may completely change how you think about food, health, and wellness. In this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston explores one of the most exciting emerging areas in healthcare: personalized nutrition and precision health. Drawing on research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Michele discusses why scientists are beginning to move away from one-size-fits-all nutrition advice and toward nutrition recommendations tailored to an individual's genetics, lifestyle, culture, environment, and health history. This episode is especially relevant for people living with: Multiple sclerosis (MS)Autoimmune diseaseDiabetesRheumatoid arthritisInflammatory bowel disease (IBD)ObesityHeart diseaseOther chronic health conditionsBecause what if your body simply responds differently than someone else's? And what if that difference matters? In This Episode, Michele Discusses: Why one diet doesn't work for everyoneThe emerging field of personalized nutritionPrecision health and individualized healthcareWhy genetics influence nutrition responsesThe impact of culture, environment, and health history on food choicesWhy two people can eat the same meal and have completely different outcomesThe NIH Nutrition for Precision Health StudyThe NIH All of Us Research ProgramPersonalized nutrition and chronic illnessFuture advances in nutrition scienceHow personalized healthcare may improve outcomesWhy diverse health research mattersWhy Personalized Nutrition Matters One of the most fascinating concepts Michele explores is that two people can eat the exact same food and experience completely different biological responses. One person may: Experience stable blood sugarFeel energizedDigest the meal easilyWhile another person may: Experience a blood sugar spikeFeel sluggishHave digestive symptomsResearchers are now studying why these differences occur and how nutrition recommendations may eventually become personalized to the individual. The Nutrition for Precision Health Study Michele highlights the NIH's Nutrition for Precision Health Study, an ambitious research initiative designed to understand why people respond differently to food. Researchers are examining factors including: GeneticsLifestyleCultureEnvironmentMedical historyExisting health conditionsThe goal is to create more personalized nutrition recommendations rather than relying solely on broad population guidelines. The All of Us Research Program The episode also explores the NIH's groundbreaking All of Us Research Program, one of the largest and most diverse health studies ever conducted in the United States. Since launching, more than 880,000 participants have enrolled, helping researchers better understand: Disease riskMedication responsesDiabetes outcomesCardiovascular healthCognitive healthPersonalized medicine"What if recommendations could better reflect different genetic backgrounds, different health conditions, and different life stages?" Michele's Biggest Takeaway This episode isn't really about diets. It's about possibility. It's about recognizing that our differences matter. And it's about creating a future where nutrition and healthcare become more precise, more inclusive, and more effective for everyone. For those of us living with chronic illness, that's an exciting future to imagine. Resources Mentioned in This Episode NIH Nutrition for Precision Health Study https://commonfund.nih.gov/nutritionforprecisionhealth All of Us Research Program https://www.joinallofus.org/ National Institutes of Health (NIH) https://www.nih.gov/ Contact the All of Us Research Program 📞 844-842-2855  📧 help@joinallofus.org 🌱 Michele's Message If you've ever felt like your symptoms were dismissed, or you've spent years experimenting with diets, elimination plans, supplements, and nutrition approaches without clear answers, you're not alone. The future of nutrition may not be about finding the perfect diet. It may be about discovering what works best for your unique body. "Wellness isn't about perfection. It's about learning, adapting, and discovering what helps your unique body flourish and thrive."

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About

Welcome to Beyond My Diagnosis, the podcast that brings real conversations, real stories, and real breakthroughs in health, healing, and hope. I’m your host, Michele Weston—Holistic Health and Wellbeing Coach—and I'm here to help you look past the symptoms and into the deeper story of living with your chronic condition.Each week, we go beyond the chart and challenge the status quo of conventional care. From powerful patient journeys to expert insights in functional medicine and integrative practitioners, using mindset and lifestyle medicine, you’ll get the tools and inspiration to become the most informed, empowered version of yourself.This is not just about managing illness—it’s about reclaiming your health, your voice, and your life.Let’s get curious. Let’s get courageous. And let’s go Beyond My Diagnosis.

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