Meet Molly Dunham-Friel, the powerhouse behind @BetterBelliesByMolly, as she opens up about her life with ulcerative colitis on my latest podcast episode. From a daunting diagnosis to mastering the art of self-advocacy and patient empowerment, Molly’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Highlights from our talk:

💡 Molly’s first signs of ulcerative colitis and her path to diagnosis.
💊 Navigating treatment options and the reality of living with chronic illness.
🌀 Strategies to balance mental health and stress management.
📣 The importance of standing up for yourself in medical settings.
📚 The role of education and community in managing IBD.
🛠️ Practical tips for administering enemas and making the process less daunting.

Molly’s courage to speak openly about her challenges and triumphs will resonate with anyone facing health obstacles, fostering a sense of community and understanding. Her advocacy work is paving the way for better patient care and awareness!

On this episode of Foreign Bodies, join us as we delve into the challenging and inspiring world of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (MECFS) and Long COVID. This episode kicks off with an intriguing discussion about the role of gut health in chronic illnesses. The focus then shifts to the debilitating symptoms of MECFS, its similarities to Long COVID, and the struggles patients face in traditional medicine. We highlight Miguel Bautista's incredible journey from being bedridden with MECFS to reclaiming his health through a unique program that emphasizes brain retraining, education, and community support. Discover how Miguel's approach offers a beacon of hope for those struggling with similar chronic conditions. Learn more about the importance of understanding the nervous system, coping with symptoms, and the power of a supportive community in the path to recovery. We can be found on all platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

00:00 Introduction to ME CFS

00:27 The Importance of Gut Health

00:42 Rise of Chronic Illnesses

01:01 Introducing Enbiosis

02:00 Understanding ME CFS and Long COVID

03:34 Miguel Bautista's Journey

04:42 Living with ME CFS

06:43 Miguel's Health Crisis

12:02 Navigating the Medical System

19:53 Finding Hope in the Psych Ward

21:12 Understanding the Brain's Role

26:04 Reframing Symptoms and Recovery

30:53 Understanding the Physical and Mental Connection

31:11 The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

31:32 The Brain's Role in Physical Symptoms

32:08 Rewiring the Brain for Recovery

34:20 Recognizing and Responding to Symptoms

34:28 The Importance of Community and Support

36:07 The Concept of Progress Cycles

36:43 Handling Flare-Ups and Symptom Rotation

38:19 Tools for Novices and Simplifying Recovery

39:56 Diet, Supplements, and Nervous System Health

43:38 Personalized Recovery Plans

44:28 The Role of Emotions in Recovery

48:15 The Power of Community and Coaching

52:38 Navigating Traditional and Alternative Treatments

54:22 Identifying ME/CFS and Long COVID

01:00:21 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Do you or anybody that you know struggle with a chronic condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, Celiac disease, Parkinson’s, Fibromyalgia or Long Covid? The answer is likely yes, even if you aren't necessarily aware. The reason for this is that most Americans have been diagnosed with one, and secondly, these people often go undetected because they generally look well despite battling with symptoms every day of their lives. There’s typically no neck brace or rash to suggest that anything is wrong. Without a physical cue to prompt their loved ones to ask how they’re doing, unfortunately these folks often suffer in silence.

To add insult to injury, living with a chronic illness can feel like your body is no longer yours and that you can’t trust it. It's as if your own body becomes something foreign, something different. Symptoms can be unpredictable and vary in intensity and frequency. Do you know how frustrating it is when you can’t anticipate how you will feel on any given day?

Living with a chronic illness can be a lonely existence, but it doesn’t have to be. Our podcast is called Foreign Bodies, where we share patient stories of reliance and strength. Through intimate interviews, we aim to create a network of support in a world that can feel isolating. Our guests bravely open up about their journeys, sharing the highs and lows of living with a long illness. Come join us as we navigate these stories in order to find hope, understanding, and a sense of community together.