When to say NO in your health journey (with providers, procedures & medication)

This week on Calling in Sick we are diving into one of the least talked about and most important skills to learn in your medical journey... how (and when) to say NO! After 25 years of being the patient, I’m sharing where “not right now” has protected my body, my sanity, and my future. We’re diving into: ⭐ Saying NO to providers who aren’t a fit — red flags, finding your QB, and why “I can’t help you” can be a green flag ⚠️ Saying NO to procedures/tests you don’t need — scheduling on your timeline, avoiding repeats, and pushing back on “flare for testing” asks 💊 Saying NO to meds (or side effects) — black box fears, pregnancy considerations, trial windows, and when lifestyle impact outweighs benefit If you’ve ever felt pressured to say yes because a white coat suggested it, this episode is your permission slip to pause, ask better questions, and choose what’s right for your life. xx, Alex 💬 Comment: What’s one “NO” (or “not right now”) that protected your health? TIMESTAMPS: Intro: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:04:48 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Abercrombie, Rag & Bone, MOTHER Denim) My Guide to Saying NO: 00:07:40 Intro to saying NO to medicine and doctors (+ a quick disclaimer!!!) 00:12:08 When to say NO to a provider 00:17:20 When to say NO to a procedure/testing 00:24:22 When to say NO to medications Conclusion: 00:37:05 One Brain Cell Show: Wednesday (Netflix) 00:38:22 Thank you for listening! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow us on socials for more! • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson -- https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Alex’s Picks of the Week: Jeans that are comfy enough to pass as sweatpants, but dressy enough for *that* kind of doctor’s appointment!! ✨Abercrombie Boyfriend Jeans — https://go.shopmy.us/p-23220181 ✨Mother Sweatpants Jeans — https://go.shopmy.us/p-23220571 ✨Rag&Bone Sweatpants Jeans — https://go.shopmy.us/p-23220274 #Prednisone #SteroidSideEffects #PrednisoneWeightGain #SteroidRage #PrednisoneSurvivalGuide #ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #MedicalGaslighting #ChronicPain #HealthJourney #Inflammation #SteroidWithdrawal #PrednisoneTaper #MentalHealth #SteroidAnxiety #SpoonieSupport #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices