Have you ever been told that celery juice could cure your autoimmune disease? Or perhaps someone suggested that your joints aren’t actually inflamed—they’re just dehydrated? Welcome to the world of unsolicited health advice that every person with a chronic illness knows all too well.
In this candid and often hilarious conversation, four women (Alison, Jen, Jewel, Linnea) with various chronic conditions share the weirdest, wildest, and most bewildering “cures” they’ve been offered by well-meaning friends, family members, and strangers. From the childhood friend who messaged after 20 years to suggest “eating right and exercising” would solve everything, to the truly outlandish experience of being led to a stranger’s basement, given an apple, and anointed with oil to “pray away” rheumatoid arthritis—these stories will have you nodding in recognition or picking your jaw up off the floor.
Why do people feel compelled to offer solutions rather than support? How does “medicine shaming” affect those who need medication to function? The conversation delves into how chronic illness becomes a masterclass in setting boundaries, educating others, and sometimes finding the humor in absurd situations.
Experiences are validated, medical gaslighting is acknowledged, and fellow “spoonies” understand that wellness often requires multiple approaches working together, not miracle cures or quick fixes. Whether you live with chronic illness or love someone who does, this episode offers insight, comfort, and permission to respond to the next person who suggests dancing under the full moon with a smile, a boundary, or perhaps a witty comeback.
- Jen: https://www.instagram.com/gracefully_jen?igsh=MW9iMTl0ZXMwZ2dleg==
- Linnea: https://www.instagram.com/perfectlyimperfectlinnea?igsh=bGFyZzJqcGc0eG5m
- Alison: https://www.instagram.com/alisons1616?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Jewel: https://www.instagram.com/thelipedemacushie?utm_source=ig_web_button
Unsolicited Chronic Illness Advice
