Throughout this conversation, we explore how the stress, grief, and trauma associated with miscarriage can exacerbate underlying health conditions, including those tied to chronic inflammation. Dr. Coysh underscores the need for tailored care that addresses both the emotional and physical tolls of such experiences.

A key focus of this episode is the baby loss certificate, a small but powerful tool that has already started to dismantle the stigma surrounding miscarriage by acknowledging the depth of loss and grief experienced by families. Dr. Coysh advocates for more open conversations, reminding us that "breaking the silence" starts with simply listening.

Dr. Coysh shares how lifestyle medicine, including spending time in nature, physical activity, and stress management, can provide a pathway to healing for individuals navigating both grief and chronic conditions.

While this is the final episode in the Invisible Insights series, it’s not the end of our journey. We remain committed to amplifying stories like Dr. Coysh’s, especially those at the intersection of chronic inflammation, health conditions, and personal experiences.

We believe there are more stories to be told. If you have a health story that touches on chronic inflammation or any related condition, we’d love to hear from you and share your insights.

Stay tuned for what’s next—and let’s keep the conversation going. 💬

Keywords: solution-focused therapy, positive psychology, coaching psychology, mental well-being, coaching, therapy, neurodiversity, NHS, mental health, training, mindfulness

Key Takeaways

• Abi’s personal experiences with mental well-being struggles have shaped her approach to coaching and therapy, emphasising a solution-focused and pragmatic approach.

• The overlap between coaching and therapy is navigated by focusing on the level of emotional distress and managing complex safeguarding issues in therapy sessions.

• Solution-focused therapy provides a trauma-safe approach by not investigating problem stories and focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

• Coaching interventions in the NHS can be empowering and provide immediate support at the point of need.

• Challenges in implementing coaching in the NHS include short-term contracts, lack of understanding from staff, and limited support and supervision.

• Mindfulness practices can be beneficial for both coaches and clients, helping to settle the nervous system and cultivate peace and ease.

Chapters

00:52 Incorporating Positive Psychology into Coaching

07:05 The Influence of Personal Mental Well-being Struggles

12:41 The Impact of Neurodiversity on Coaching Practice

18:37 The Relationship Between Therapy and Coaching

25:25 Challenges of Implementing Coaching in the NHS

34:00 Neurodiversity Coaching and Training

37:01 Benefits of Mindfulness Practices

41:43 Future Aspirations for Coaching Practice

Links to Things We Discussed

• Loch Kelly’s Mindful Glimpses

• Neurodiversity Coaching: A Psychological Approach to Supporting Neurodivergent Talent and Career Potential - A Book By Almuth McDowall and Nancy Doyle

We then discuss common myths about diet. Inder highlights the importance of specific vegetables that contain healing compounds and antioxidants. Additionally, Inder discusses the myth surrounding fish oil and fatty acids. Finally, we discuss the impact of technology on mental health and practical strategies for managing digital habits. I hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of InflamMed. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. We encourage all listeners to conduct their own research and consult with healthcare professionals before making any changes to their diet, lifestyle, or health routines.

Takeaways

• Chronic inflammation plays a role in the development of conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and long COVID.

• Environmental factors, such as pollution, can impact mental health and contribute to inflammation.

• Intermittent fasting may not be suitable for individuals with heart disease or diabetes, as it can increase the risk of cardiac events.

• It's important to be cautious of common myths about diet and seek evidence-based information. Focus on vegetables over fruits for their higher antioxidant capacity.

• Fish oil supplementation may have negative effects on cardiovascular health.

• Manage digital habits by taking breaks from smartphones, removing technology from rest areas, using grayscale mode, removing notifications, and creating barriers to phone use.

• Engage in active recall to keep the brain active and efficient.

Chapters

00:20 Guest Introduction and Personal Health Struggles

06:42 The Impact of Delayed Diagnosis on Health Outcomes

14:07 The Impact of Environmental Factors and Stress on Health

25:40 The Myth of Intermittent Fasting for Heart Disease and Diabetes

27:59 The Importance of Vegetables over Fruits

31:47 The Negative Effects of Fish Oil Supplementation

39:50 Foundational Dietary Steps for Someone with a Chronic Condition

47:20 Managing Digital Habits for Better Mental Health

Links To Stuff We Discussed

• A list of apps that will help you reduce your screen time.

Recommendations

• A great article on ‘Frontal Fatigue’ that explain what it is and why it matters, and provides a simple approach.

If you have any questions for Inder, please feel free to put them in the comments below.

Chloe emphasises the importance of self-awareness, self-advocacy, and understanding one's own health needs. Chloe also discusses the need for open conversations and accommodations in the workplace for individuals with chronic conditions. She highlights the challenges of diagnosis, the importance of nutrition, and the value of community support.

Key Takeaways

• PCOS is a complex condition that affects women in various ways, impacting their energy levels, mood and physical health.

• The workplace can present challenges for individuals with PCOS, including the need for accommodations, understanding, and flexibility from employers and colleagues.

• Mindset, open communication, and understanding from employers and from clients are essential for managing PCOS in the workplace and making career decisions.

• Accommodations such as flexible work hours, remote work, and understanding clients have been crucial for Chloe's career and health management. Self-awareness and self-advocacy are crucial for individuals with chronic conditions to navigate their work life effectively.

"It should be a normal part of the conversation, whether that's at interview, whether that's onboarding, whether it’s your monthly one -to -ones."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

07:58 Challenges of Managing PCOS in the Workplace

23:10 Moving into Consultancy and Health Influence

37:19 Normalising Health Conversations in the Workplace

47:55 Understanding Health Patterns and Nutrition

55:45 Community Support and Resources

Thank you, Chloe, for being so open about your journey.

Chloe is currently working on a guest post for InflamMed to complement this podcast episode. In it, she dives deeper and candidly discusses the challenges of managing PCOS in the workplace, from battling the stigma around menstrual health to the exhausting search for effective treatments.

Her story is a powerful reminder that women’s health is not just a women’s issue—it’s a conversation we all need to be part of.

Some of you may have noticed that my video isn’t there. I was trying a new webcam and it all got out of sync! Thankfully, it’s all fixed now.

“sharing, even having this conversation is healing because you just take it out. I took out a bad experience of myself not being able to advocate in university. Now we're talking about it. I already healed that version of myself and that does matter.”

Elif Tek shares her personal journey with endometriosis and highlights the challenges of diagnosis and ongoing management. She emphasises the need for increased awareness and education about the symptoms of endometriosis, as well as a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis. Elif also discusses the mental challenges of living with endometriosis, including the uncertainty of flare-ups and the impact on personal and professional life. She also discusses how her diagnosis of endometriosis impacted her family planning decisions and the challenges she faced.

Chapters

01:35 Understanding Endometriosis

14:00 Improving Diagnosis and Management

20:59 Mental Challenges with Living with Endometriosis

27:05 Workplace Accommodations

29:30 The Impact of Endometriosis on Family Planning

31:22 The Emotional and Financial Burden of Freezing Eggs

41:20 The Importance of Community and Support

45:00 The Need for Awareness and Education Amongst Young People

48:40 Advice for Those Beginning Their Endometriosis Journey

Takeaways

• There is a need for greater awareness and education about endometriosis.

• Infertility is a less known symptom, but it does not define you. Freezing eggs can be a viable option for preserving fertility, but it comes with emotional and financial burdens.

• Creating a safe and supportive environment in the workplace is important, where individuals feel comfortable seeking accommodations and discussing their condition.

• Community and support are crucial in managing health conditions like endometriosis.

• Trust your instincts and seek medical attention and don’t feel ashamed about your pain. Women’s pain has been normalised in society and we must challenge this.

Want to contact Elif?

Find her on LinkedIn here.

In this episode, Dr. Micheroli shares his profound insights on the evolution of treatment options and the crucial role of personalised care in managing chronic conditions. Delve into discussions about the unique challenges faced by patients, the impact of demographic factors like gender and age, and the promising future of digital health tools in enhancing patient empowerment and care. Don't miss Dr. Micheroli's expert take on the importance of empathy in medicine and the transformative potential of patient communities in shaping research and treatment landscapes.

Tune in to discover how understanding and innovation converge in the field of rheumatology to improve lives.

Chapters

03:13 Dr. Raphael Micheroli's Background and Interest in Rheumatology

06:44 Understanding the Scope of Rheumatology: Chronic Inflammatory Diseases and Pain Syndromes

10:00 Demographics in Rheumatology: Prevalence and Impact of Autoimmune Diseases

14:43 Age and Pain Perception in Rheumatology

19:55 Exploring Alternative Treatments for Chronic Pain in Rheumatology

22:20 Empowering Patients: Taking an Active Role in Rheumatology Treatment

28:48 Developing a Patient Toolkit and Digital Health

32:23 Patient-Centred Approaches in Research

35:16 If Funding Were No Obstacle..

39:25 The Impact of COVID-19 on Autoimmune Diseases

41:00 Building Trust and Seeking Different Perspectives

49:01 The Future of Research in Rheumatology

Links to stuff we discussed:

DETECTRA - follow them on LinkedIn, we’ll also be launching an educational series in the near future on AI, where we’ll highlight exciting developments and break down some of the latest research, so stay tuned!

"It makes much more sense to be advocating on a much bigger level that has a much more impact on everyone than only to fight for my rights and to fight for my needs."

Adéla shares her extensive experience and the profound challenges faced by those with rare diseases, from prolonged diagnosis journeys to combating gender bias and medical gaslighting in healthcare. She underscores the importance of holistic care and the critical role of patient involvement in decision-making processes, advocacy, and policy changes. This episode also delves into how technology and digital tools are revolutionising advocacy and improving access and care for patients with rare diseases.

I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Adéla. It was reassuring to hear how she balances paid work, voluntary advocacy, and rest, emphasising that she is not a superwoman. We all strive to find balance, and while it's a journey with its bumps, each challenge offers a lesson that helps us improve. Additionally, the concept of a national coordinator in the Czech Republic is fascinating. This role acts as a crucial link between healthcare and social services, guiding individuals on accessing benefits and seeking support from employers. I hope you enjoy it!

Chapters

02:10 Understanding Rare Diseases and the Importance of Advocacy

08:12 Navigating Gender Bias and Diagnostic Odyssey

15:09 Manifestation of Ableism and Combating It

25:08 Involving Patients in Designing Digital Tools

29:14 Policy Changes for Patient Rights and Access to Care

31:32 The Importance of Patient Advocacy

33:48 The Role of Self-Advocacy and Community Support

46:01 Creating Awareness and Support for Rare Disease Patients

Links to stuff we discussed:

1. MAYA DUSENBERY - DOING HARM - The Truth About How Bad Medicine and Lazy Science Leave Women Dismissed, Misdiagnosed, and Sick

2. INVISIBLE WOMEN - CRISTINA CRIADO-PEREZ

3. RARE CONNECT - a global online platform that connects patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals with those who are living with rare diseases

4. ORPHANET - Knowledge on rare diseases and orphan drugs

5. EURORDIS - A non-governmental patient-driven alliance of patient organisations and individuals active in the field of rare diseases that promotes research on rare diseases and commercial development of orphan drugs

Takeaways

• Ableism manifests in various ways, including inaccessibility and discrimination in social and employment settings.

• Technology and digital tools have had a significant impact on rare disease advocacy, providing access to information, online communities, and remote healthcare services.

• Rare disease patients face numerous challenges, including medical gaslighting, lack of disability recognition, and limited access to social support.

• There is a need for a more integrated and holistic approach to healthcare and social support for rare disease patients.

• Self-advocacy and community support are essential for navigating the challenges of living with a rare disease.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:06 The Journey into Science and Immunology

06:53 Challenges and Toxicity in Academia

14:43 Effects of Being a Carer to Someone With a Chronic Illness

21:55 The Role of Preventive Medicine in Reducing Non-Communicable Diseases

31:30 The Importance of Sports and Specific Benefits of Tennis for Mental and Physical Health

42:13 Impact, Lowering Barriers To Entry and Leaving a Legacy

48:27 Building Research Skills and a Multidisciplinary Foundation

50:02 The Importance of Connecting with Others for Support and Shared Experiences, With a Chronic Illness

Takeaways

• Dr. Amir Hussain experiences as a caregiver for his mother with a chronic illness influenced his views on healthcare and patient advocacy.

• Dr. Hussain advocates for preventive medicine and emphasises the importance of environmental factors and healthy habits in reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases.

• Incentivising better nutrition and exercise can promote healthier lifestyles.

• Content creators have the power to influence and inspire positive change.

• Playing tennis offers mental coordination, physical movement, and social interaction.

• Connecting with others who have similar conditions can provide support and shared experiences.

Links to stuff we discussed:

1. Aamir’s Medium articles

2. Aamir’s youtube channel, which documents his self-experiments

3. Connect with him on Linkedin too

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

04:16 The decision to pursue self-employment

12:12 Challenges and triumphs as a disabled CEO

17:23 SIC’s mission

25:00 The importance of intersectionality

29:38 The power of collaboration and diversity

36:30 Challenges faced by disabled entrepreneurs

48:05 Long-term goals for SIC and advice for disabled individuals

Takeaways

• Personal experiences with disability and chronic illness can shape one's career path and lead to advocacy work.

• Self-employment can provide the freedom to prioritise health and create a more inclusive work environment.

• Intersectionality is crucial in addressing the diverse needs and experiences within the disabled community.

• Advocacy and consulting efforts should involve diverse perspectives to create more inclusive solutions.

• SIC supports the disabled community through accessible resources and events, while also working with employers to bridge the disability employment gap. Collaboration and diversity are essential for creating inclusive workplaces.

• Disabled entrepreneurs face challenges such as lack of finance and knowledge about available support.

• There is a need for more community and networking opportunities for disabled entrepreneurs.

Links to stuff we discussed:

1. SIC website

2. Birmingham Disability Festival

3. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

Keywords: hashimoto's disease, integrated nutrition, holistic practices, dietary changes, colourful fruits and vegetables, hydration, inflammatory foods, gluten, breathwork, self-awareness, triggers, community support, chronic illness, dairy, red meat, holistic health, wellness

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:08 Accepting and Overcoming the Condition

10:05 Dietary Changes and Lifestyle Practices

27:23 Navigating Setbacks and Flare-Ups

32:03 Conclusion and Advice

40:16 Embracing Personalised Healing Journeys

45:16 The Impact of Community Support on Chronic Illness

51:49 Considerations Around Dairy in a Holistic Approach

55:26 Future Aspirations

Takeaways

• Integrated nutrition and holistic practices can help manage and overcome autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's disease.

• Incorporating colourful fruits and vegetables, boosting hydration, and cutting out inflammatory foods can support overall health and reduce symptoms.

• Breathwork can help quiet the mind, create a sense of safety, and promote emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

• Every healing journey is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. Tune into your own body and make choices that align with your needs.

• Community support is crucial for individuals with chronic illnesses. It helps validate their experiences and provides a sense of belonging.

Links to stuff we discussed:

1. Anthony Williams - Medical Medium: Secrets Behind Chronic and Mystery Illness and How to Finally Heal

2. David Elliott - Healing

We also discuss the importance of self-advocacy and finding the right support when living with chronic conditions. We explore the cultural attitudes towards health and disability in different countries and the impact on individuals, finding empowerment through powerlifting. We also discuss the importance of community and education in managing chronic conditions.

Keywords: invisible conditions, general anxiety disorder, GAD, scoliosis, irritable bowel syndrome, IBS, healthcare systems, accessibility, affordability, living in Mexico, racial divide, feeling secure, self-advocacy, chronic conditions, cultural attitudes, health, disability, generalised anxiety disorder, scoliosis, powerlifting, healthcare support, community, education.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and living with scoliosis

05:34 Living with IBS

10:38 Comparing Healthcare Systems: UK vs Mexico

22:50 Finding Support in the Fitness Community

29:09 The Role of Community and Empowerment

32:36 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Advocacy

41:24 Future Developments and Initiatives

Takeaways

• Living with invisible conditions can be challenging, and it's important to find strategies and tools that work for individual needs.

• The healthcare system in Mexico offers more accessibility and options for specialists compared to the UK, allowing for personalised care.

• Living in a different country can have an impact on mental health and well-being, including exposure to different racial dynamics and feeling secure in one's surroundings.

• Self-advocacy is crucial when navigating a healthcare system that may not fully support the needs of individuals with chronic conditions.

• Cultural attitudes towards health and disability can vary, impacting the level of support and treatment individuals receive.

• Finding the right community and support system is essential for managing chronic conditions and promoting overall well-being.

• Engaging in physical activities like powerlifting can be empowering and beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions.

Links to things we discussed:

THE GYM - for the mind, a community of solopreneurs, creators, and freelancers in the creator economy.

From Boxes to Butterflies - WriteWiser - an interview with Nadine Heir by Susannah Dawn.

Keywords

patient advocacy, chronic illness, healthcare system, barriers, holistic care, collaboration, mutual respect, positivity, empowerment, patient education, patient involvement, caregivers, pharmaceutical industry, digital health tools, nutritional choices

Chapters

00:00 Roi Sternin's Journey into Patient Advocacy

17:57 The Importance of Holistic Health

26:08 Asserting Collaboration and Mutual Respect in Healthcare

35:48 Navigating the Tension Between Industry and Patient-Centred Care

43:42 Choosing the Right Digital Health Tools

Takeaways

• Patients have the power to change their own lives and the lives of others.

• The healthcare system needs to improve in areas such as health IT, navigation, treatment, and socio-economic support.

• Patients should prioritise holistic care, including nutrition, pain management, mental health, and alternative medicine.

• Patients need to advocate for themselves and seek out multidisciplinary care teams.

• Collaboration and mutual respect between patients and healthcare professionals are essential for true healing and wellness.

• Patient education and involvement are crucial for better outcomes.

• Caregivers play a valuable role and should be recognised and included in healthcare decision-making.

• The pharmaceutical industry has influence and should be held accountable.

• Choosing the right digital health tools requires critical thinking and awareness of false claims.

• Understanding one's roots and making informed nutritional choices can contribute to recovery.

I hope you enjoy it!

You can find Roi on LinkedIn.

You can also buy his books that he mentioned:

• The Little Book of Patient Communications

• What Do Patients Want?

If you would like to be on the next instalment of Invisible Insights please reach out to me at tashpunia@gmail.com

Key Moments:

00:42 Intro

01:20 Complications of MS diagnosis

08:25 What is MS?

11:10 InflamMed introduction

11:54 Overcoming MS Lifestyle Support Facebook group

21:40 Eat yourself better

25:00 The power of community

27:16 Becoming an admin of the OMS Facebook group

35:20 The challenges of managing a large community

43:20 Building habits sustainably and giving up dairy

50:00 Facebook group empowerment and storytelling

54:29 Medication (drugs) vs lifestyle changes

1:01:05 JC virus

1:04:10 What next for the OMS Lifestyle Support Facebook group?/ OMS charity

1:12:00 Vegan food and ultra-processed food

1:12:50 Paul’s vision for the support group

Key Takeaways:

• Community Impact: Paul Smart's leadership in the OMS program and his Facebook group illustrates the profound impact of community support for individuals navigating chronic illnesses.

• Lifestyle Improvements: A common thread among those with chronic conditions is the universal benefit of lifestyle changes, particularly in diet and stress management, to reduce inflammation.

• Dietary Insights: Discussions on the role of Vitamin D and dairy; providing listeners with actionable advice on how dietary choices can influence health outcomes.

• Managing Communities: Paul shares valuable tips on creating and managing supportive communities, emphasising the importance of empathy, shared experiences, and tailored information.

• Holistic Approach: The conversation underscores the necessity of a holistic approach to health, acknowledging that while specific diagnoses may differ, the foundational strategies for improving well-being are widely applicable.

You can get in touch with Paul at: paul@writesmartcopy.com

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