How One Woman Navigated Chronic Illness, Holistic Healing, and Self-Empowerment
The Power of Self-Advocacy in Health
Navigating the healthcare system can often feel overwhelming, especially when facing chronic illness. Many patients struggle to find solutions beyond conventional medicine, making self-advocacy an essential part of the healing journey.
In Episode 2 of The CIH Path to Wellness Podcast, Dr. Andrew Wong sits down with Stephanie Suttle, the first patient guest on the podcast, who shares her powerful story of resilience, self-discovery, and healing. From battling narcolepsy and chronic stress to uncovering the impact of functional medicine and nutrition, Stephanie’s journey offers invaluable lessons for anyone striving to take control of their own health.
Meet Stephanie Suttle
Stephanie Suttle is a dedicated mother and passionate advocate for holistic wellness. After years of struggling with narcolepsy, chronic fatigue, and hormone imbalances, she sought alternative approaches beyond conventional medicine. Raised in a home that valued functional health and real food, Stephanie has learned to question norms, take charge of her well-being, and embrace integrative care strategies. Her story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the importance of self-advocacy in health.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- The Power of Self-Advocacy: Stephanie shares how questioning medical norms led her to integrative health solutions.
- Understanding Narcolepsy & Chronic Fatigue: The impact of sleep disorders on long-term wellness.
- The Role of Nutrition in Healing: How fats, proteins, and mindful eating transformed her energy and mental clarity.
- Hormone Balance & Aging: Why replacing missing hormones made a dramatic difference.
- Managing Stress & Emotional Well-Being: The role of movement, horses, and mindfulness in staying balanced.
- Redefining Strength & Resilience: The mindset shifts that allowed her to thrive despite health challenges.
- Lessons in Functional Medicine: How personalized, integrative approaches helped her regain control of her wellness.
Key Timestamps for Quick Access
- [02:15] – Meet Stephanie: Her background and why she’s passionate about health.
- [07:45] – The challenges of narcolepsy, sleep disorders, and self-diagnosis.
- [14:30] – How chronic stress and a tough divorce impacted her health.
- [22:10] – The breakthrough moment: Why functional medicine changed everything.
- [30:00] – Hormone therapy and the drastic improvements in energy and strength.
- [38:45] – How movement, mindfulness, and nature contribute to resilience.
- [45:00] – Key takeaways and advice for listeners navigating their own health journeys.
Practical Steps for Better Health
- Listen to Your Body: Understanding symptoms and advocating for your needs is crucial.
- Prioritize Nutrition: Avoiding processed foods and focusing on healthy fats and proteins can drastically improve energy levels.
- Explore Functional Medicine: Seeking holistic, personalized care can provide alternative solutions to chronic health issues.
- Manage Stress Proactively: Incorporating mindfulness, movement, and positive relationships can support emotional and physical resilience.
- Take Small Steps: Wellness is a journey—starting with small, intentional changes can lead to long-term benefits.
Listen Now and Take Charge of Your Health
Stephanie’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible with the right mindset and support. If you’re seeking inspiration and practical steps to improve your own health, this episode is a must-listen.
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Full Episode Transcript
Below is the full transcript of the episode with Stephanie Suttle. Please note that this transcript has been edited for clarity and readability.
Dr. Andrew Wong: Welcome, Stephanie, to the Path to Wellness Podcast! We’re so grateful to have you here today.
Stephanie: Thank you for asking me! I’m really honored to be part of this conversation.
Dr. Wong: As we were just discussing before we started recording, you are our first patient guest on this podcast, which is really exciting! You are truly a pioneer in sharing your journey.
Stephanie: You did say that, and I responded with, “Or guinea pig!” But in all seriousness, I’m thrilled about this. When you asked me during my last appointment, I was honored that you thought I had something valuable to share and that my experience might help further the functional integrative health message because I think it’s incredibly important.
Early Foundations in Wellness
Dr. Wong: It’s important to get these stories out there, but before we dive into integrative health, I think our listeners would love to know more about you—your background, passions, and health journey.
Stephanie: I was thinking about that—how my journey has evolved but also remained consistent in some ways. Our lives shape us, and as different things happen, we hopefully adapt and grow. I was fortunate to grow up with a dad who valued natural health, being outside, and eating real food. He was also very much against unnecessary medical interventions.
I remember back in the 1970s, when artificial diet products like Tab soda and other “low-fat” foods became a big thing. My mom always had her Tab, but my dad was completely against it. He believed that removing fats and sugars from foods and replacing them with chemicals wasn’t the right thing to do. His belief in real, whole food stuck with me.
Dr. Wong: That’s an amazing foundation—getting that exposure to real nutrition from a young age. And now, decades later, we’re seeing the research confirming exactly what your dad believed.
Stephanie: Absolutely! I’ll be 60 next month, and I’m so grateful I had that early exposure to questioning mainstream food trends.
The Shift to Integrative Medicine
Dr. Wong: At what point did you personally begin exploring integrative health approaches?
Stephanie: In my early 20s, I had a car accident that left me with chronic neck pain. I kept experiencing this odd carbonation-like sensation in my spine, and doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong.
Eventually, a neighbor—a doctor himself—suggested I see an osteopath. That was my first real introduction to Eastern medicine and integrative approaches.
Around the same time, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia—except back then, it was called fibromyositis, and hardly anyone took it seriously. Some doctors told me it was “all in my head.” But I knew what I was feeling, and I knew that acupuncture was helping me even when conventional doctors dismissed it.
That was a pivotal moment when I realized I had to trust myself, listen to my body, and advocate for my own health.
Dr. Wong: That must have been incredibly frustrating, dealing with skepticism from the medical system. But it’s also inspiring because you didn’t let that stop you from exploring what worked for you.
Stephanie: Exactly! And over the years, I’ve had so many moments like that—where I had to take my health into my own hands.
Living with Narcolepsy & the Role of Stress
Dr. Wong: One of the major health challenges you’ve worked through is narcolepsy. Can you talk about how that unfolded?
Stephanie: Narcolepsy is a big part of my journey. I wasn’t officially diagnosed until my late 40s, but I believe I’ve had it my entire life. For the longest time, I just thought I was “extra tired.” It wasn’t until I went through an incredibly stressful marriage and divorce that my body started breaking down completely.
Chronic stress and PTSD took an immense toll on me, and it was during that period that my narcolepsy symptoms became unmanageable. I finally saw a sleep specialist, got a sleep study, and learned that I had narcolepsy.
At first, I was terrified. I love road trips, traveling, and driving—what did this mean for my independence? But once I had the diagnosis, I realized that it actually empowered me. It allowed me to learn, adapt, and take control over my condition.
Dr. Wong: That’s a powerful shift—from fearing the diagnosis to using it as a tool for empowerment.
Stephanie: Yes! And a big part of that was trial and error. For example, many people believe sugar helps keep you awake, but for me, it has the opposite effect—it knocks me out. I discovered that fats and proteins keep me alert, while carbs make me exhausted.
Now, when I do long drives, I fast or eat high-protein, high-fat meals, and I’m completely fine. But doctors weren’t the ones to tell me that—I had to figure it out for myself.
Lessons in Self-Advocacy & Functional Medicine
Dr. Wong: This is such a great example of self-advocacy in action. What has your experience been like working with conventional doctors?
Stephanie: Honestly? Frustrating. Many weren’t open to listening or considering my input. Some dismissed my findings entirely because they weren’t “medically proven.” But just because something isn’t widely studied yet doesn’t mean it isn’t real.
That’s why I appreciate working with you, Dr. Wong—you actually listen and collaborate. You take my experience into account and help me find solutions that work for my unique body.
Dr. Wong: Thank you, Stephanie. That means a lot. And it’s exactly how medicine should be—a partnership.
Final Takeaways
Dr. Wong: As we wrap up, what are your top 3 takeaways for listeners navigating their own health journeys?
Stephanie:
- Trust Yourself – No one knows your body better than you do. Don’t be afraid to question and explore.
- What You Eat Matters – Fats and proteins have been game-changers for my energy and focus. Find what works for you.
- Move Your Body & Manage Stress – Chronic stress and a sedentary lifestyle will wreck your health. Even small, consistent movement makes a difference.
Dr. Wong: Beautifully said. Stephanie, thank you for being so open, vulnerable, and inspiring. Your story is going to help so many people.
Stephanie: Thank you for having me! I’d love to do this again!
Dr. Wong: We’d love to have you back. Until next time—take care!
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