Parenting Through Chronic Illness

In this powerful episode of Made To Be Whole, host Krista Michener sits down with Michelle McAdoo, mom of Carson, to discuss the long, complex journey of parenting a child through chronic illnesses—specifically PANS/PANDAS, Bartonella, and recently-diagnosed compression syndromes. Michelle opens up about the medical maze, heartbreaking setbacks, and hard-won breakthroughs, highlighting the importance of whole-person medicine, determined advocacy, and hope. If you are navigating a chronic health diagnosis for your child, this episode is for you.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Recognizing Early Signs: How Carson’s health struggles began—from NICU stay, allergies, GI struggles, to developmental red flags.
• Breaking the Mold: Going beyond “it’s psychological”—the journey to getting a PANS/PANDAS diagnosis amid skepticism and misunderstanding.
• Treating the Whole Child: Integrative approaches to chronic illness, including functional medicine, antibiotic protocols, neurofeedback, IVIG, plasmapheresis, and dietary interventions.
• Bartonella, Lyme & More: The critical role of looking for co-infections and tackling the “layers” of chronic illness.
• The Hidden Challenge of Compression Syndromes: Understanding abdominal and vascular compression syndromes and their profound impact on nutrition, pain, and healing.
• The Cost of Healing: Real talk about financial, emotional, and systemic barriers to care—and why perseverance matters.
• Advocacy That Heals: Tips for other parents on fighting for answers, building the right team, and never giving up on your child.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Home | PANDAS Network
• https://www.facebook.com/NationalMALSFoundation-
• Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Research and Awareness
• Vascular Compression Syndromes | The EDS Clinic
• Dr Alvear explains the Alvear-Fowlkes Procedure for SMA Syndrome (Vascular Compression).
• SMA Syndrome Surgery Los Angeles | Danny Shouhed, MD
• Functional Medicine for Chronic Illness

If you’re a parent facing a complex health journey with your child, trust your instincts and advocate fiercely—you’re not alone.

Join a support group to connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through.

Subscribe to Made To Be Whole for more hope-filled, practical conversations about integrative health and healing!

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

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