In this episode of VisibilOT, Lisa sits down with Chris Werge, who shares his personal journey living with long COVID. Chris opens up about the challenges he has faced, from navigating various treatments and their uncertainties to managing the profound impact of the condition on his daily life. Through his story, he highlights the emotional and physical toll of chronic illness, shedding light on the importance of understanding and supporting those with invisible disabilities.

The conversation explores how long COVID has shaped Chris’s sense of identity, his experiences with empathy and communication, and his search for purpose in the face of adversity. Chris shares how creative outlets have become a meaningful way to cope and find fulfillment, even amid the challenges of chronic illness. He also reflects on the role of grief in adjusting to a new reality and provides thoughtful advice for those newly diagnosed, emphasizing the importance of pacing, rest, and leaning on community support.

Chris and Lisa also engage in a candid discussion about vaccine mandates, side effects, and the complexities of healthcare and rehabilitation for long COVID patients. They delve into the critical need for better awareness and understanding of long COVID symptoms and the broader impacts on daily life.

This heartfelt and thought-provoking episode offers valuable insights into the long COVID experience while emphasizing the need for greater compassion, support, and advocacy for those living with chronic conditions. Tune in to hear Chris’s inspiring story and his message of resilience and hope.

Medical Advice Disclaimer

The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical concerns. Listening to this podcast does not establish a professional relationship with VisibilOT, its hosts, or guests. VisibilOT will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• McCullough Protocol
• Subscribe to Chris on YouTube
• Follow Chris on Instagram
• The Long Covid Handbook- Gez Medinger

More Helpful Resources

While we are not affiliated with these organizations, they offer valuable information and support for those with invisible disabilities and chronic conditions:

• Bateman Horne Center – Resources and support for ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and other complex chronic illnesses.
• Solve M.E.- Solve M.E. takes a holistic approach to research and advocacy, catalyzing efforts through various programs to make ME/CFS, Long Covid, and other “long haul” diseases better understood, diagnosable, and treatable.
• Long Covid Alliance- a network of patient-advocates, scientists, disease experts, and drug developers who have joined together to leverage their collective knowledge and resources to educate policy makers and accelerate research to transform understanding of post-viral illness.

Connect with Us!

Do you have questions, comments, or ideas for future episodes? Are you interested in being a guest on VisibilOT to share your story or expertise? Contact us at podcast@visibilot.com.

Thank you for tuning in to VisibilOT! Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review !

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2025! In this episode of VisibilOT, host Lisa dives into the complexities of navigating New Year’s resolutions while living with a chronic condition or invisible disability.

We unpack the immense societal pressure of "new year, new you" messaging and explore why comparison is often detrimental, especially in the chronic illness community. Lisa shares personal experiences and discusses the psychology behind comparison, including how it undermines self-worth and distracts from our unique journeys.

This episode is packed with practical strategies for setting meaningful and achievable goals that honor your body and mind, including tips for practicing self-compassion, creating SMART goals, and embracing flexibility. Whether you’re looking to focus on pacing, self-advocacy, or simply being kinder to yourself this year, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and supported.

Medical Advice Disclaimer

The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical concerns. Listening to this podcast does not establish a professional relationship with VisibilOT, its hosts, or guests. VisibilOT will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Information on Social Comparison Theory
• Resources for Self Compassion

More Helpful Resources

While we are not affiliated with these organizations, they offer valuable information and support for those with invisible disabilities and chronic conditions:

• Bateman Horne Center – Resources and support for ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and other complex chronic illnesses.
• Solve M.E.- Solve M.E. takes a holistic approach to research and advocacy, catalyzing efforts through various programs to make ME/CFS, Long Covid, and other “long haul” diseases better understood, diagnosable, and treatable.
• Long Covid Alliance- a network of patient-advocates, scientists, disease experts, and drug developers who have joined together to leverage their collective knowledge and resources to educate policy makers and accelerate research to transform understanding of post-viral illness.
• Invisible Disabilities Association – Advocacy, education, and community resources for individuals with invisible disabilities.

Connect with Us!

Do you have questions, comments, or ideas for future episodes? Are you interested in being a guest on VisibilOT to share your story or expertise? Contact us at podcast@visibilot.com.

Thank you for tuning in to VisibilOT! Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us bring visibility to invisible challenges. Together, we can make a difference.

In Episode 3 of the VisibilOT Podcast, we’re diving into the concept of gaslighting—what it is, how it manifests in healthcare, personal relationships, and society at large, and most importantly, how to identify it and protect yourself.

We’ll discuss:

• The definition and origins of gaslighting
• How it shows up in the lives of those with chronic illness and invisible disabilities
• The impact of gaslighting on mental health
• Practical strategies to respond and set boundaries

Whether you’ve experienced gaslighting yourself or want to better support someone who has, this episode offers insights, tools, and validation. So, grab your favorite cozy drink, settle in, and let’s navigate this important topic together.

Medical Advice Disclaimer

The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical concerns. Listening to this podcast does not establish a professional relationship with VisibilOT, its hosts, or guests. VisibilOT will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Resources for Long Covid patients (Research, education, finding informed care)

More Helpful Resources

While we are not affiliated with these organizations, they offer valuable information and support for those with invisible disabilities and chronic conditions:

• Bateman Horne Center – Resources and support for ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and other complex chronic illnesses.
• Solve M.E.- Solve M.E. takes a holistic approach to research and advocacy, catalyzing efforts through various programs to make ME/CFS, Long Covid, and other “long haul” diseases better understood, diagnosable, and treatable.
• Long Covid Alliance- a network of patient-advocates, scientists, disease experts, and drug developers who have joined together to leverage their collective knowledge and resources to educate policy makers and accelerate research to transform understanding of post-viral illness.
• Invisible Disabilities Association – Advocacy, education, and community resources for individuals with invisible disabilities.

Connect with Us!

Do you have questions, comments, or ideas for future episodes? Are you interested in being a guest on VisibilOT to share your story or expertise? Contact us at podcast@visibilot.com.

Thank you for tuning in to the first episode of VisibilOT! Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us bring visibility to invisible challenges. Together, we can make a difference.