The Desperate for a Diagnosis Podcast with Laura Nozicka

In this insightful episode, host Laura Nozicka talks with author Amanda Chay for a deep dive into her personal experiences and challenges with chronic illness, particularly lupus. Get a comprehensive look at Amanda's journey, from the support systems she cherishes to the professional medical relationships she deems crucial for managing her condition. The conversation also explores the hurdles she has overcome while pursuing her passions and highlights her contributions to clinical research as both a participant and an advocate. Learn how Amanda shares her good and bad days with her daughter, who also has lupus. Amanda shares her longtime commitment to health and fitness, starting from a young age. And she articulates her goal to empower other women with lupus by merging her background in health with her personal experience.

You can find Amanda's book, "The Girlfriends' Guide to Lupus" on Amazon or wherever you buy your books. Connect with LauraEmail: [email protected]: www.desperateforadiagnosis.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@desperateforadiagnosisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesperateForADiagnosisPodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-desperate-for-a-diagnosis-podcast/

In the latest episode of the podcast, your host, Laura Nozicka delves into an intimate and touching narrative centered on author Audrey Gale's father's struggle with leukemia and his decision to take control of his medical treatment. Audrey long dreamed of being a writer and after 20 plus years in the banking industry, she grew tired of the corporate gamesmanship and pursued a master's in fiction writing at the University of Southern California. Her now second novel, "The Human Trial" is the first book in a medical thriller trilogy inspired by her own experiences with the gap between traditional medicine and approaches based on the findings of the great physicists of the 20th century.

During our discussion, we dive into alternative, less invasive forms of medical treatments, signaling a departure from traditional methods that include modalities based on concepts in quantum physics/biology and energy/vibration medicine. These less talked about treatments are in part what drove Audrey to write this novel in the medical thriller genre.

Throughout the episode, we explore the broader issue of patient agency in medical decision-making, challenging the longstanding cultural norm of deference to medical authority, encouraging listeners to consider their own beliefs and the importance of staying true to what feels right for their health and well-being.

The discussion also touches upon the evolving landscape of medical education and the increasing recognition of natural and holistic approaches to health, including the pushback against pharmaceutical influence in medical schools as seen with Harvard Medical students.

This episode serves as a reflective piece that not only shares a deeply personal journey but also sparks conversation on the critical role of self-advocacy in healthcare. It aims to empower listeners to take an active role in their health decisions, seek comprehensive information, and find the treatment options that resonate with their individual needs and preferences.

You can find Audrey's book, "The Human Trial" on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Article by Dr. John Abramson, "America’s Broken Health Care: Diagnosis and Prescription"

Connect with LauraEmail: [email protected]: www.desperateforadiagnosis.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@desperateforadiagnosisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesperateForADiagnosisPodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-desperate-for-a-diagnosis-podcast/#thehumantrial #audreygale #quantumphysics #eneregymedicine #vibrationalmedicine #healthcare #pharmaceutical #doctors

In this heartfelt episode of "An Urgent Plea!: 10-year-old Mark's Dire Search for a Bone Marrow Donor," Laura Nozicka is joined by Matt Ciciretti, Mark's SuperDad and Ryan Peña, National Marketing Manager with NMDP/Be The Match.

This is the Part 2 Episode and update to Episode 1 discussing Matt’s son’s undiagnosed bone marrow disorder. Matt shares his personal experiences and moments of gratitude as he perseveres to find answers and treatments for his son’s frequent nose bleeds and bi-weekly transfusion trips to the emergency room. After many months of pushing for answers, Matt has joyous news to share! As always he so graciously expresses his gratitude for the support and prayers from his family, friends and professional network as well as the listeners who have reached out during their challenging journey.

Ryan joins our conversation with helping dispel the many misconceptions about what it means to be a bone marrow donor. It's actually pretty easy to donate and there are so many ways to support the Be The Match organization plus save millions of lives!

Resources

• Meet Mark in action in this fun little video!
• Support Mark on his Be The Match page. Click here to learn how you can become member of the Be The Match registry.
• Click here to explore other ways to support the Be The Match mission.

Connect with LauraEmail: [email protected]: www.desperateforadiagnosis.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@desperateforadiagnosisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesperateForADiagnosisPodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-desperate-for-a-diagnosis-podcast/

#podcast #marksmarrow #bethematch #bonemarrowtransplant #healthcare #pharmaceutical #marketresearch #pediatriccancer #pediatrics #bonemarrow #hematology #blooddisorders #doctors #hospitals #healthcare #childrenshospitals

In this episode of "Unlocking Wellness: Empowering Women in Midlife and Overcoming Autoimmune Challenges," host Laura Nozicka welcomes special guest Susie Day. Susie shares her personal journey with rheumatoid arthritis and her experience navigating the diagnostic process. She emphasizes the importance of turning her mess into her message and how it has transformed her life.

Susie has been on a self-care journey for over 15 years since being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition. As a mentor for women in midlife dealing with autoimmune conditions, she offers practical advice and everyday practices to help balance physical and emotional well-being, reduce pain, and increase energy levels. Susie's certifications in aromatherapy, energy medicine, gut health, skincare formulation, and personal experience make her a valuable resource for those seeking guidance.

During the episode, Laura and Susie discuss the silver lining of Susie's journey and how listening to her intuition and exploring alternative healing methods have led her to a better place in her life. They also touch on the importance of perseverance, advocating for oneself, and embracing female entrepreneurship.

Listeners can find Susie on her website, www.bloominginmidlife.com, where she shares valuable insights, resources, and her blog. Additionally, there will be a link in the show notes to access Susie's Autoimmune Relief Bundle, which includes five simple practices to alleviate pain and find daily calm.

Join Laura and Susie as they delve into the world of autoimmune challenges, midlife wellness, and the power of self-care. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that will leave you feeling empowered and motivated to take control of your own health and well-being.

Chapters:

00:03:50 The Overwhelming Challenges Of Midlife And Autoimmune Conditions: Women's Perspectives

00:09:34 Overcoming Self-imposed Barriers In Dealing With Chronic Illness

00:11:23 The Emotional Toll Of Constant Pain

00:17:25 Exploring The Complexity Of Diets: No One-size-fits-all Solution

00:20:10 Overcoming Dairy-related Health Issues And Reducing Medication Dependency

00:28:24 Trusting Your Intuition And Observations In The Medical Community

00:29:32 Embracing Functional Medicine: The Future Of Healthcare

00:34:03 The Transformational Power Of Energy Work: Restoring Health And Vitality

00:39:10 Sharing My Personal Journey In Exploring Both Sides Of The Coin

00:43:22 Overcoming Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Story Of Improvement And Female Entrepreneurship

Connect with LauraEmail: [email protected]: www.desperateforadiagnosis.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@desperateforadiagnosisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesperateForADiagnosisPodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-desperate-for-a-diagnosis-podcast/

Meg needs your HELP! On this episode of The Desperate For a Diagnosis Podcast, my guest, Meg, expresses her frustration and a lack of acceptance regarding the current state of healthcare. She believes that it is unacceptable for people to be living with high levels of pain in today's society. Meg shares her personal experiences of feeling rushed and unable to fully explain her symptoms to a doctor. Meg expresses a desire for a different approach to diagnosing and treating chronic conditions. Meg talks about the impact of her condition on daily life and the worst parts about not having answers. She discusses her own journey with chronic pain and diagnoses such as chronic pain syndrome, stenosis in the lumbar spine, and arthritis but she still needs answers! Take a listen to her story to learn more about her symptoms and post in the comments if you have any ideas for her. She learned about The Desperate for a Diagnosis Podcast via Inspire.

What is Inspire?

Searching for a diagnosis – or being diagnosed with a health condition – can be overwhelming. Inspire is the largest online community for health. It’s a safe, anonymous space where you can find information and support for over 3,000 conditions. On Inspire, patients and caregivers open up about their conditions, ask questions and share support for their health challenges.

Find your community of support at Inspire.com.Chapters:00:00:00 The Frustrations Of A Diagnostic Journey00:06:14 Medical Conditions Causing Intense Pain And Arthritis Symptoms00:07:34 Treating Chronic Pain With Medication: Changing The Brain's Perception Of Pain00:12:14 Frustration With Medical Examinations And Seeking Alternative Solutions For Pain Relief00:16:28 Doctors' Recommendations For Curvature: Limited Options00:20:51 Struggling To Decipher An Old Document And Seeking Medical Answers00:24:20 Encouraging Active Patient-doctor Relationships To Address Lack Of Trust00:27:45 Patient Feels Rushed And Unheard During Doctor's Appointment00:31:08 Doctor's Surprise And Advice: Seek Credible Sources For Medical Research00:34:08 Struggling With Chronic Pain And Seeking Answers00:38:29 Finding Hope And Relating To Clients00:43:15 Frustrations And Misunderstandings Surrounding Fibromyalgia DiagnosisConnect with LauraEmail: [email protected]

Website: www.desperateforadiagnosis.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@desperateforadiagnosis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesperateForADiagnosisPodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-desperate-for-a-diagnosis-podcast/

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Gary Simonds a highly experienced neurosurgeon, and former head of an academic neurosurgery program at Virginia Tech/Carilion Clinic. He is a professor, and teaches regularly at, the Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

Gary has written and spoken widely on the subjects of neuroscience, medical school admissions, humanism, medical socioeconomics, medical ethics, burnout, personal wellness, spirituality, death and dying, and the interface between science and religion. Known for his compassion and sense of humor, he also writes fiction and is an accomplished and entertaining storyteller. He also is the author of "Death's Pale Flag" launched in June 2023. In his medical thriller, brain surgeon Ryan Brenan is haunted by his work and now, he is haunted by ghosts. Is he losing it? Or, could they be real? And if so, why have they chosen to haunt him?

Throughout the conversation, Gary discusses various aspects of the medical system and the challenges doctors face in their profession and even his own "desperate for a diagnosis" journey.

Gary shares his perspective on the complexities of the medical system, acknowledging that it can be difficult for outsiders to understand. He also highlights the toll that being a doctor can take on personal life and family commitments, particularly when being on call or dealing with traumatic cases.

The conversation delves into the importance of listening to patients and understanding their experiences. We also discuss instances where patients have felt dismissed or unheard by doctors, emphasizing the need for empathy and thorough investigation in order to provide accurate diagnoses. Gary also touches on his interest in exploring the intersection between science and spirituality.

"Death's Pale Flag" is now available on most on-line sites and many local bookstores! You can find Gary's book at IndieBound, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles.

Key Takeaways:

1. Emphasize the importance of being honest and upfront with patients in medicine

2. Acknowledge that there are times when doctors don't have all the answers

3. Highlight the need to try different approaches and specialists to find a solution

4. Stress the importance of never dismissing or belittling patients' concerns

5. Mention the dedication of the book to the author's wife and patients, showing respect for their experiences with neurological disease and injury.

Chapters:

00:03:29 Reflecting On Being A Patient: Impatience And Relapses

00:07:19 The Importance Of Recognizing Multiple Patients In Medicine

00:11:30 The God Complex Of Physicians: Stereotypes And Opinions

00:13:27 The Struggles And Pressures Faced By Physicians

00:15:22 The Challenges Of Being A Surgeon And Balancing Personal Life

00:19:15 Seeking Approval For Medical Treatment

00:20:16 The Challenging Journey To Medical School: Idealism And Dehumanization

00:23:44 The Impact Of Patient Profiling On Care: Shining A Light On Undesirable Patients.

00:30:38 Navigating Uncertainty In Medicine: Honesty And Open-mindedness To Find Solutions

00:33:18 Efficiency And Patient-centered Approach In Medical Examinations

00:35:38 Exploring The Distinction Between Brain And Mind: Impact On Pain, Disease, And Healing

00:43:37 Confirmation Bias In Medical Diagnoses

00:46:50 Death's Pale Flag: A Paranormal Medical Thriller Summary

00:50:58 A Tribute To Bravery And Grace In The Face Of Neurological Challenges

Connect with Laura

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.desperateforadiagnosis.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@desperateforadiagnosis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesperateForADiagnosisPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-desperate-for-a-diagnosis-podcast/

Laura Roskelly is seeking medical treatment for an undiagnosed condition. Although she doesn't have a treatment plan yet, her condition is suspected to be Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). She discusses her frustrations with the medical system and the lack of understanding or support she has encountered. Laura describes experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, flu-like symptoms, and difficulty performing daily tasks. She discusses the challenges of finding effective treatments and shares her experiences with different medications and holistic approaches. Laura whole-heartedly emphasizes the importance of having a support system and understanding family members who believe in their struggles despite not appearing visibly ill. After watching a video of Summer Dashe describing similar symptoms, Laura felt a strong connection and began researching more about her condition, which she suspects is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and possibly Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Laura is frustrated with the lack of understanding from others because her condition doesn't visibly show, leading to assumptions that she may be exaggerating or not truly experiencing difficulties. She explains the daily challenges she faces and hopes to find relief through proper diagnosis and treatment.

Key Topics:

00:05:30 Overcoming Vision Issues After A Concussion

00:07:32 Uncommon Symptoms And Frustrations: A Personal Account

00:11:51 Endless Search For Diagnosis: Battling Misunderstood Illness

00:22:40 Living With An Invisible Illness: The Struggles Of Daily Life.

00:23:31 Taking Action: Seeking Answers And Empowerment

00:30:59 Searching For Answers: Navigating The Healthcare System

00:39:02 Frustrations In Finding A Neurologist For Autonomic Nervous System Issues

00:45:29 Seeking Relief: Exploring Alternative Treatment Options For Chronic Pain

00:50:15 Lifestyle Changes As Initial Treatment For Newly Diagnosed POTS Patients

00:57:22 Seeking Treatment And Testing For POTS And Small Fiber Neuropathy

01:00:30 Living With Hyperadrenergic Pots: A Rollercoaster Of Adrenaline Rushes

01:03:34 Navigating Unidentified Symptoms: Trying Out Lifestyle Changes For Improved Understanding

01:06:37 Improved Heart Health And Self-care Awareness After Medical Evaluation

01:08:58 Empower Yourself To Cope With Debilitating Chronic Pain

01:13:27 Confusion And Uncertainty Surrounding Pots And Dysautonomia Diagnosis

Connect with Laura

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.desperateforadiagnosis.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@desperateforadiagnosis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesperateForADiagnosisPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-desperate-for-a-diagnosis-podcast/

In this episode, host, Laura Nozicka interviews Olivia Goodreau, a remarkable young lady who shares her journey with Lyme disease and the impact it has had on her life. Olivia's struggle with Lyme disease began at the age of six when she started experiencing tremors and blackouts. After years of tests and illness, she was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease and five other tick-borne illnesses.

Despite debilitating symptoms and numerous hospital visits, Olivia has not let her condition define her. She is the founder of the LivLyme Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support and financial assistance to children and their families who are struggling with Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. The foundation also supports researchers and scientists dedicated to finding effective treatments and cures for these diseases.

Olivia's determination to raise awareness about Lyme disease is evident in her book, "But She Looks Fine: From Illness to Activism," which can be found on Amazon or wherever you get your books.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Tick Tracker: A Revolutionary App For Real-time Tick Tracking

00:07:12 From Hope to Betrayal: A Journey of Misdiagnosis and Resilience

00:13:01 The Lyme Specialist: Solving the Puzzle of Tick-Borne Illnesses

00:15:43 Life-Changing Discovery: A Generic Drug Brings Hope and Relief After Six Years

00:19:57 Tick Protection 101: Permethrin Spray - Repel Ticks Without Harming Other Insects!

00:23:09 From Childhood Struggles to Advocacy: How Tick-Borne Illnesses Continue to Challenge the Health System

00:28:17 The Doctor Who Treats Lyme Disease with a Holistic Approach: Putting Health Above Profit

00:32:02 12-Year-Old Lyme Disease Warrior Starts Nonprofit to Fund a Cure

00:48:19 Tick Tracker: Protecting Livestock and Uncovering Connections Between COVID and Chronic Lyme Disease
Resources:Lyme Disease Non-Profit Organization | LivLyme Foundation

Connect with Laura

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.desperateforadiagnosis.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@desperateforadiagnosis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesperateForADiagnosisPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-desperate-for-a-diagnosis-podcast/

In this episode, Pamela Wirth, a hockey mom and lifelong learner, shares her journey with her son's undiagnosed illness and how she trusted her intuition to seek alternative treatments. She eventually found a doctor who recommended plant-based supplements as an option, which the Pamela was willing to try due to her desperation for a solution. She emphasizes the importance of optimizing our bodies and treating illnesses as a puzzle with changing pieces. Pamela also discusses the benefits of natural treatments and detoxing the body. She provides a protocol and additional support through her website, Hello Health. Pamela's book, "Saving My Son," has recently been published and is now available on Amazon.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Different Types of Medical Education and Training

00:02:08 From Heartache to Triumph: A Mother's Journey of Healing and Success

00:05:06 Unlocking the Secrets: How Blood Tests Revealed the Missing Puzzle Pieces in My Child's Health

00:06:45 Revitalizing Your Gut: The Key to a Healthy Future for Your Child

00:09:38 Uncovering the Hidden Dangers: The Surprising Truth About Tonsils and Infections

00:12:13 Uncovering the Hidden Truth: Exploring the Fascinating World of Strep and Dormancy in the Body

00:14:55 Finding Hope in Desperation: A Journey of Overcoming Fear and Doubt to Explore Alternative Options

00:19:36 From Hesitation to Hope: A Mother's Journey to Natural Healing for Her Son

00:24:05 From Illness to Inspiration: A Teen's Journey of Healing and Transformation

00:29:18 Unveiling the True Meaning of Functional Integrative Medicine: Going Beyond the Surface and Uncovering the Root Cause

00:30:19 Finding the Right Doctor: Exploring Your Options for Integrative and Functional Medicine

00:34:18 Unfair Education and Certifications: The Struggles Faced by Doctors in Patient Care

Key Takeaways:

Pamela's son had health issues that were difficult to diagnose and treat so she had to do a lot of research and testing to find solutions. She recommends taking notes on symptoms and patterns, getting tested for allergies and infections, and looking at lifestyle factors that could cause inflammation. With the guidance of a neurologist, she made supplements from plants to treat her son's infections and symptoms. Pamela acknowledges that doctors are under pressure and may not have all the answers, but also believes there needs to be more access to cost-effective testing. Her son is now healthy teenager and continues to be conscious of his diet and activity.

Resources:

Pamela's Website: http://www.hello.health/

Pamela's Podcast: https://kite.link/encourageing-wellness

Pamela's Book: "Saving My Son"

Connect with Laura

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.desperateforadiagnosis.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@desperateforadiagnosis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesperateForADiagnosisPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-desperate-for-a-diagnosis-podcast/

#podcast #guthealth #alternative #functionalmedicine #mysterydisease #childhooddisease #healthcare #doctors #undiagnossed #lymedisease #guthealth #toxicities

For a patient, coping and coming to terms with a chronic or terminal illness is beyond difficult or easy to accept. For a spouse caregiver, it can be a labor of love yet daunting, frustrating, scary and filled with sorrow and sometimes denial. Author, Suzanne Marriott shares her journey caring for husband, Michael for ten years after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Suzanne lovingly discusses her experiences and talks about how Michael's diagnosis allowed him to explore different sides of himself as well as take their relationship to an entirely new level. Suzanne shares that mistakes are inevitable in caregiving but encourages others not to give up. She also reflects on how she coped with Michael's diagnosis as well as how she found a new appreciation for their partnership in the midst of her own cancer diagnosis. Her inspirational story is beautifully chronicled in her new memoir, Watching for Dragonflies, now available in bookstores and on Amazon.

Suzanne holds a BA in English from UC Berkeley, an MS in education from Cal State University, Hayward (now Cal State University, East Bay), and an MA in transpersonal psychology from The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (now Sophia University). She is a member of The Institute of Noetic Sciences, Sierra Writers, and the National Association of Memoir Writers. She lives in an ecologically conscious cohousing community in the Sierra Nevada foothills. For more information on compassionate caregiving, visit Suzanne at www.suzannemarriottauthor.com

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction To The Desperate For A Diagnosis Podcast And Guest Suzanne Marriott

00:02:58 Suzanne Marriott's Debut Book 'Watching For Dragonflies' Set to Release in June 2023

00:06:42 Uncovering the Telltale Signs: A Caregiver's Journey with Multiple Sclerosis

00:09:29 A Diagnosis of MS and the Journey Forward

00:11:34 A Journey of Learning, Coping, and Accepting

00:17:48 Finding Your Voice: Standing Up

00:22:44 Firing a Doctor: A Caregiver's Journey to Advocate for Proper Medical Care

00:25:04 From Hospital to Home: A Caregiver's Transformative Journey with Michael

00:28:25 Finding Spiritual Strength in Caregiving: A Conversation with Suzanne Marriott

00:30:34 From One Step at a Time to Living Life to the Fullest: A Caregiver's Journey

00:33:25 Finding Support in Caregiving: How a Therapist and Hired Help Made All the Difference

00:37:43 Finding Strength in Nature: Michael and the Dragonflies

00:41:36 Finding Your Voice: The Power of Discernment and Intuition in Healthcare Advocacy

00:44:05 Finding Strength in the Face of Adversity: A Caregiver's Journey Through Cancer Diagnosis

Key Takeaways:1. Suzanne and her husband were always looking for ways to continue doing the things they love, even after he became wheelchair-bound.

2. They were in denial about his imminent death, despite multiple hospitalizations.

3. Suzanne's caregiving journey with her husband transformed their relationship and increased their intimacy.

4. Suzanne underwent personal transformations through working with dreams and becoming more assertive in advocating for her husband's care.Resources:

Connect with Laura

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.desperateforadiagnosis.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@desperateforadiagnosis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesperateForADiagnosisPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-desperate-for-a-diagnosis-podcast/