Notorious B Ig

The holidays can be a tough and stressful time in normal circumstances. Add a chronic illness in the middle of a global pandemic, and now we are talking good reality tv level drama. Lisa, Nancy, and Colin share what the holidays have been like for their families over the last several years and discuss what new traditions they have developed throughout the pandemic. Throw in Lisa's knowledge of ham and Nancy's disdain for Elf on a Shelf, and you have a complete guide to surviving the holidays while prioritizing your health and setting boundaries where needed. We hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday, no matter what it looks like this year for you and your family.

Articles mentioned in this episode: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/fda-clears-astrazenecas-covid-antibody-treatment-immunocompromised-rcna8130https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-new-long-acting-monoclonal-antibodies-pre-exposurehttps://www.fda.gov/media/154704/downloadhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34843105/

In this episode, we talk about a couple of resources that Colin and Jodi use to practice gratitude, and we want to ensure we link over to those for anyone interested. We do not get anything in return for promoting these, but we wanted to ensure you had the links. Colin - 5 Minute Journal (https://www.intelligentchange.com) They also have an amazing newsletter that is free and has some great resources and articles. Jodi: Daylio Mood Tracker (https://daylio.net) And for those who may not be aware of what doom scrolling is, here is the definition. Doomscrolling and doomsurfing are new terms referring to the tendency to continue to surf or scroll through bad news, even though that news is saddening, disheartening, or depressing. Many people are finding themselves reading continuously bad news about COVID-19 without the ability to stop or step back. (https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/doomsurfing-doomscrolling-words-were-watching) 

Just when it looked like there was a light at the end of the tunnel with the COVID-19 pandemic, Public Officials started to roll back mask mandates and other protections. Now the Delta variant is causing positive cases to increase and prolonging our hope for normalcy. Jodi Taub, LCSW, rejoins Colin and Lisa to discuss the anxiety and stress those in the PI community continue to live with during the pandemic. She also provides some ways to help us deal with the ever-changing environment around us.

Jodi Taub, LCSW, is a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, and she is a member of the Primary Immunodeficiency community. She specializes in treating issues related to mood and anxiety disorders, and the emotional issues that arise from coping with chronic illness and disease. Jodi talks with Colin and Lisa, co-Founders at ImmuneCompetence.org about living with primary immunodeficiency, the importance of mental health and how COVID-19 is amplifying all everything. You can find Jodi online at www.joditaubtherapy.com or on Instagram @chronicillnesstherapist.

Colin and Lisa, the Founders of Immune Competence, sit down and talk about their journeys with Primary Immunodeficiency, as well as best practices they have picked up to become successful patients. Lisa and Colin discuss why they started Immune Competence, and why everyone should go to a National Conference with the Immune Deficiency Foundation. The conversation jumps around to the Olympics, must have sick items, and yeah even an idea for a PI Singles dating website.

Colin sits down with Dr. Oral Alpan to learn about his background and how he got into Immunology. Dr. Alpan talks about the key things in the patient/physician relationship, research that is happening, and what patients should be excited about for in the future.