Chronic Wellness

Annette Leonard
  • 5.0 (18)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Chronic Wellness

Are you one of the millions living with a chronic illness or pain? Our diseases may be very different, but we have many of the same experiences, obstacles and frustrations. We are all working for a better quality of life knowing that pain and limitations will be our traveling companions. My name is Annette and I'm the host of Chronic Wellness, a brief, weekly, podcast where we talk about it all: sex, self-care, mental heath, loss of identity, anger, how to navigate health care and have less days that suck so hard. I have this belief that: If health is the absence of disease, and wellness is the presence of wholeness; whether or not I'm ever "healthy" again, I can work work toward my wellness, my wholeness. Curious? Join me where you listen to Podcasts, for a few moments of Chronic Wellness.

  1. OCT 24

    Surprising Ways Chronic Illness Affects Menopause

    Chronic illness may have surprising impacts on your experience of menopause. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard or my website https://www.annetteleonard.com I am not a doctor and you should not take medical advice from me. If you are a woman and live past a certain age -- you will encounter menopause. There are now some great studies and research about the effects of menopause. It is difficult to find providers who are educated in menopause. Because I've had a hysterectomy, figuring out whether I'm menopausal has to be led by my symptoms because I don't have a period to help inform me. Bones are constantly rebuilding themselves. If you are on prednisone, your bones are made less dense. If you have been taking prednisone for a long time, talk about bone density with your doctor. Similarly, muscle loss is a concern. I want to have as good a quality of life as I can. For me, that means quality nutrition. What am I eating? Bones, muscles, and quality nutrition are a few of the considerations I have about menopause. There are many others. There are many great experts like Dr. Mary Claire Haver and others out there who are menopause experts. What are your concerns/questions about menopause? Have you experienced menopause? What's it been like? Are you taking HRT? Why/why not? **I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness. Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

    8 min

  2. OCT 17

    Episode 427: Can You Effectively Advocate For Yourself When Your Medical History Is TOO MUCH？

    I’m Annette Leonard you can find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard or my website https://www.annetteleonard.com Have you ever had a doctor be overwhelmed by your complex stew of medical conditions? I recently sought out a specialist to talk about menopause. She read my file before the appointment (which was great) but walked into the appointment looking scared and explaining that she wasn't qualified to manage my case. I'm sure it's surprising to encounter patients like me who have such involved medical histories. However, should I not be able to access information about menopause because I have so many rare disorders? I take the time to put the doctor at ease - which isn't my job but is what is necessary to get the information. It feels like really advanced advocacy. In this appointment I started by asking what do estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone do in the body. After asking some questions specific to my medical history I asked what, more broadly, she'd seen in patients with autoimmune disease who go through menopause. With patience and persistence, there are ways to talk the doctor down from their fears of consulting with you if your medical issues are too complex. Have you had this experience? What did you do? What questions do you have about complex illness and menopause? What experience do you have with complex illness and menopause? Do you have advice about complex illness and menopause? **I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness. Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

    8 min

  3. OCT 15

    Episode 426: Change The Filter For Your Mental Health

    I’m Annette Leonard you can find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard or my website https://www.annetteleonard.com My wife has been doing some fall cleaning chores. Because I am unable to physically join her, I have a hard time managing. Sometimes I try to join her (usually to my detriment) or I numb out to escape my uncomfortable feelings about not being able to help her. I brought this experience to my therapist. Today I spent hours on the phone being a professional patient, yesterday I spent close to 4 hours on the phone being a professional patient. She highlighted that I AM doing things for my household. She suggested that I need to change my filter. It isn't that I'm not CONTRIBUTING, but that I'm not counting the things I am contributing. What is your filter? How are you showing up and not giving yourself full credit? How are you discounting your contributions? I'd be glad for you to brag on yourself and tell me how you show up. **I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist Also, join me on Instagram for my Chronic Wellness Conversations. My next IG Live will be 10/24 at 1:00 pm PST. This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness. Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

    6 min

  4. SEP 26

    Episode 425: The Hidden Dangers of IVIG Therapy

    The DANGERS of IVIg. I’m Annette Leonard you can find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard or my website https://www.annetteleonard.com Last week I talked about IVIg. This week I'm here to talk about the dangers of IVIg. Please note, the *vast* majority of people tolerate IVIg with minimal complications. However, for a small fraction of us there are few of us who will experience serious complications like these detailed in this episode. These reactions can sometimes be avoided or mitigated by receiving Ig subcutaneously rather than intravenously. Have you taken IVIg? Are you curious about IVIg? Have you had complications with IVIg? Leave a comment or ask a question. **I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist Also, join me on Instagram for my Chronic Wellness Conversations. My next IG Live will be 9/26 at 1:00 pm PST. This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness. Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

    9 min

  5. SEP 24

    Episode 424: Revealing The Secrets Of IVIG Therapy

    Here are the truths about IVIG. I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard IVIG What is it? A blood product that's sold as a pharmaceutical product. IGg is a major component in our immune system. Intravenous immunoglobulin is used to treat a wide range of illnesses and conditions to bolster the immune system. Who is it for? For those of us with autoimmune diseases it is thought to overwhelm our immune systems and therefore, shut down our over-active immune systems. How is it administered? Are premeds required? How long does a dose last? How many donors are required for a dose of IVIG? What does IVIG therapy cost? Have you tried IVIG? For what condition? Has it worked? Did you have side effects? Leave a comment or ask a question. **I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness. Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

    9 min

  6. AUG 30

    Episode 423: Shocking Truths About Mixed Connective Tissue Diseases

    What are the dangers of mixed connective tissue disease? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard What are the main MCTDs? What can happen if you have a MCTD? These diseases can impact our wellbeing and threaten our lives in several ways. They are not curable, but they are sometimes manageable. Because they are rare diseases, their treatment is under researched. Do you have a MCTD? Do you wonder if you have a MCTD? What do you do to manage your MCTD? What do you do to increase your comfort with your MCTD? **I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness. Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

    7 min

  7. AUG 23

    Episode 422: The Warning Signs Of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease

    Mixed connective tissue diseases. I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard These are rare diseases. There are three primary manifestations: lupus SLE, scleroderma, and polymyositis. We have connective tissues all over our body so when they break down the results can be disastrous. While there are ways to test for these diseases -- they are often difficult/undiagnosed because they are so rare, doctors often overlook them or fail to screen for them. All mixed connective tissue diseases are autoimmune in nature. Currently there are no known genetic links to MCTDs however, if you have a close relative with one, you are more likely to have one. Do you have a MCTD? Here are some of the early symptoms to watch out for and report to your doctors if you are experiencing. What questions do you have about MCTD? **I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness. Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

    7 min

  8. AUG 20

    Episode 421: Mail Order Pharmacy Questions

    Considering mail order pharmacy? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard When I was researching this question, I found the 6-8 mail order pharmacies that I thought best fit my needs and developed a list of questions to call and ask each pharmacy. I put the answers in a spreadsheet to see things visually to be able to rate and rank the options. Prior to choosing a mail order pharmacy, think about what your deal breakers are: timeliness? shipping speed? My questions were: Do you auto-renew and send medications every 28 or 84 days? When a script is out of refills, do you contact my doctor for a new prescription? In enough time for my prescription not to lapse? What about Schedule II meds like Fentanyl and Norco that need a new prescription every time, do you fill those? How would you help me ensure there isn't a lapse between prescriptions? How long does it take for you to get me my meds? (best- and worst-case scenario) What’s the upside of using your service? What’s the downside of using your service? How do I transfer all my current prescriptions to you? How do you make that easy for me? When can I reach you? How do you contact me if there are problems or questions? Do you fill prescriptions in 30/60/90 increments? Anything else it would be helpful to know? These are the pharmacies I included in my research: Amazon, Select RX, BlinkHealth, and Wegman's. In the end, I didn't chose to use mail order. I found only one company who would send Schedule II meds, several told me that they were having availability issues with some of my medications, very few were reachable over the weekend and shipping took 7-10 days. What about you? Are you doing this? Right now I only investigated options that take insurance, but it might be worth doing an examination of the mail order companies that don't. Has this worked out for you? What company are you using? Why do/don't you use mail order pharmacy? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard About a year ago my pharmacy closed. I was ill-equipped for how disruptive this change was going to be. From none of my prescriptions transferring over automatically, to the new pharmacy hours, to how poor their communication is, there are a myriad of ongoing hassles that have been so frustrating in ways that I don't think many of my peers can relate to or understand. I get one prescription by mail. It's made me wonder whether I should get all my perceptions by mail? I spent several months researching. I didn't have any knowledge about mail order pharmacy. For those of us on anything more than 2 meds a day, I think mail order is worth considering. Especially for those who have difficulty filling their pill box, it's worth knowing that there are ways for those to be auto-filled, pre-packaged, pre-dosed, pill packs. There are a lot of variables to consider from price and availability to shipping times and other considerations. I'll talk about my exploration in my next video. **I have a new mini-course I'm finishing about how to unlock the power of your next doctor appointment*** the first 50 people get FREE enrollment. Sign up here https://www.annetteleonard.com/waitlist This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness. Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

    8 min
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5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Are you one of the millions living with a chronic illness or pain? Our diseases may be very different, but we have many of the same experiences, obstacles and frustrations. We are all working for a better quality of life knowing that pain and limitations will be our traveling companions. My name is Annette and I'm the host of Chronic Wellness, a brief, weekly, podcast where we talk about it all: sex, self-care, mental heath, loss of identity, anger, how to navigate health care and have less days that suck so hard. I have this belief that: If health is the absence of disease, and wellness is the presence of wholeness; whether or not I'm ever "healthy" again, I can work work toward my wellness, my wholeness. Curious? Join me where you listen to Podcasts, for a few moments of Chronic Wellness.

Information

  • Creator
    Annette Leonard
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    385
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Chronic Wellness

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