🎙️ Medication challenges, patient-provider trust, and managing our health with special guest Meredith LiCalzi, future MD and Sjogren's striver

Meredith LiCalzi, future MD, and Invigorate Co-hosts Chris Burton and Karin Wagner discuss the logistical challenges of prescriptions, improving patient-provider trust, prioritizing our health, and more! Listen to this unique discussion from both patient and clinical perspectives. Medical Student and Sjogren's fighter Meredith is researching medication adherence to hydroxychloroquine – a common medication to suppress autoimmune disease symptoms. We explore the concept of medications working together in a delicate balance, where removing even one pill can cause a noticeable shift. Determining whether symptoms arise from diseases or side effects add another layer of complexity. Building a solid foundation of trust with healthcare providers is crucial, but it can be challenging due to experiences with receiving incorrect opinions. As a result, many individuals rely on their own intuition and even experiment on their own. We discuss the delicate balancing act between over-treating and under-treating and how finding the right level of care requires open communication. Discover ways in which providers and patients can improve their relationships and enhance communication. We provide insights into preparing for appointments, including creating a specific narrative to convey your needs to your provider effectively. We also explore shifting from a paternalistic approach to a more collaborative decision-making process between patients and providers. Taking a risk-benefit analysis when deciding whether to take a medication is critical to prescription management. We discuss this process and highlight the importance of being kind to oneself throughout the journey. In addition, we dive into discussions with friends who have autoimmune diseases, sharing their struggles and experiences. We explore the impact of diet, sleep, and the need for structure and stability in achieving overall health. Lastly, we tackle the detachment that sometimes exists between physicians and patients, aiming to bridge the gap and work towards a more connected and understanding healthcare system. Tune in to gain valuable insights into prescription management, patient-provider communication, and prioritizing your health. Let's embark on this transformative journey together. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review! It really helps us get encouraging, actionable advice to survivors and strivers who need to hear it most! Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Visit invigorateyourjourney.com/flare-management for more tips, tools, and resources to take your meds more regularly and help prevent autoimmune disease flares. Learn more about Karin's journey at www.invigorateyourjourney.com/about. Discover Chris' important work at chrisburtonspeaks.com and baddestchaplain.com. If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all our episodes on YouTube @invigorateyourjourney.   CATCH THE LATEST HERE! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invigorateyourjourney/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@invigorateyourjourney Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/invigorateyourjourney/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Invigorate-Your-Journey/100091620060815/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/invigorate-your-journey Note: This episode draws inspiration from various sources, including personal experiences, medical professionals, and reputable autoimmune disease organizations.