Ep.89: Pill Bottles & Power: From Side Effects to Self-Advocacy

In this episode of The SpoonFull Show, Rachel is joined by Kimberley for an honest and empowering conversation about navigating medications while living with chronic illness.From decoding side effects to managing multiple prescriptions, they explore the often invisible mental and emotional load that comes with being a “professional patient.” Together, they discuss the turning point where taking medication becomes more than following instructions—it becomes about understanding, questioning, and advocating.This episode dives into:The anxiety and overwhelm of researching medicationsThe balance between being informed and emotionally overloadedPractical lessons every spoonie learns (tracking symptoms, avoiding interactions, navigating insurance)How to advocate with providers and ask the right questionsThe role of chronic illness communities in sharing knowledgeThis episode is a reminder that patients deserve to be informed, heard, and empowered in their care.Follow Kim on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/kj5mccarthy/And, on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/kim.mccarthy.98Taking a vacation? Contact Kim for assistance, including planning an accessible vacationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueskyandwateradventures/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kj5mccarthyOr find her online at : https://kimmccarthy.inteletravel.com/booktravel.cfmFollow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠And on TikTok at: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠Looking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at ⁠www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com⁠ Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order.