Pulling Back the Curtain: Living with Vestibular Migraine & Learning to Receive Care

In this deeply personal solo episode, Dr. Dympna Weil pulls back the curtain on what’s been happening behind the scenes—and why she’s been quieter latelyShe shares her experience navigating debilitating vestibular migraines, the invisible cost of chronic illness, and the emotional weight of guilt that so often accompanies it. From missed moments to misdiagnoses, insurance battles to unexpected relief, this episode is an honest look at what it means to live in a body that doesn’t always cooperate—and how to find compassion anyway.If you’ve ever felt unseen in your struggle, or found it hard to receive support when you’re used to being the caregiver, this conversation will meet you right where you are.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeWhat vestibular migraines actually feel like (and why they’re often misunderstood)The hidden cost of chronic illness: missed moments, limitations, and guiltWhy conditions like vestibular migraine are frequently misdiagnosedThe frustrating reality of navigating insurance and treatment accessThe impact of losing a medication that was working—and what came nextA powerful moment of relief (and what it revealed emotionally)The challenge of receiving care when you’re used to giving itWhy asking for help is not weakness—it’s part of healingKey TakeawaysChronic conditions don’t always look the way we expect—and that can delay diagnosis and validationGuilt often compounds physical suffering, especially for high-achieving caregiversThe healthcare system isn’t always designed with the patient’s lived experience in mindRelief, after prolonged struggle, can feel more like an exhale than celebrationReceiving care is a practice—and sometimes the hardest one to learnA Moment to ReflectWhere in your life are you pushing through… when your body might be asking you to pause?What would it look like to let yourself receive support—without apology?Thanks for listening. Your support means everything - so if you are moved to, please leave me a review and share this episode with a friend who may need the messages held here.Don't be a stranger.You can reach me at [email protected]://www.dympnaweil.comSubstack (or other newsletter)https://substack.com/@dympnaweilInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dympnaweil/Linkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dympnaweil/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/dympna.weilBlueskyhttps://‪@dympnaweil.bsky.social‬Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.