cover of episode Case #23: Mik
People
C
Christine
D
Dr. Karen Tang
L
Lauren Bright Pacheco
M
Mick
R
Ruby
Topics
Ruby：慢性病患者常常得不到足够的支援，因为疼痛的严重程度与疾病类型或程度不相关。许多人感到孤立无援。 Lauren Bright Pacheco：近一半的美国人患有某种慢性疾病，许多人难以得到准确的诊断。Mik的故事就是一个典型的例子，她经历了十年的痛苦，才最终得到诊断。 Mick：从小学开始，我就经历了反复的葡萄球菌感染、过早的青春期发育、异常的月经周期以及严重的痤疮。这些症状逐渐恶化，最终导致尿路感染、膀胱疼痛、甚至血尿。由于缺乏医学知识和对自身症状的表达能力不足，我最初的求医经历并不顺利，许多医生都未能准确诊断我的病情。在经历了多次急诊室就诊和各种各样的治疗方案后，我的饮食失调也日益严重。在饮食失调康复的过程中，我开始在社交媒体上分享我的经历，并得到了许多人的支持和鼓励。最终，在一位医生的帮助下，我被诊断出患有II期子宫内膜异位症。手术切除了子宫内膜异位症病灶和大量的瘢痕组织，这让我如释重负。 Christine：作为Mik的姐姐，我见证了她从小到大所经历的各种健康问题。我尽我所能地帮助她，陪伴她去医院就诊，并帮助她理解复杂的医学术语。我相信直觉，并鼓励Mik积极争取医疗帮助，最终我们找到了合适的医生，并最终确诊了她的病情。 Dr. Karen Tang：子宫内膜异位症是一种常见的疾病，但诊断通常需要手术。许多患者会经历长时间的痛苦和误诊，因为这种疾病的症状多样且难以察觉。女性的疼痛常常被忽视或归咎于她们的耐痛能力，这导致许多患者得不到及时的治疗。子宫内膜异位症会导致多种症状，包括严重的疼痛、便秘、腹泻等。患者也可能出现抑郁症和焦虑症。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why did Mick's early health issues go unnoticed for so long?

Doctors and her family initially dismissed her symptoms, such as recurring staph infections and early-onset puberty, as normal childhood occurrences.

What were some of the early signs of Mick's health issues?

Early signs included recurring staph infections from minor cuts, early-onset puberty, and unusually long menstrual cycles.

How did Mick's menstrual cycle affect her daily life?

Her periods were extremely heavy and painful, requiring frequent changes of Super Plus tampons during activities like soccer games.

What was the turning point that led Mick to seek more serious medical help?

Her UTIs became so severe that they were always emergency situations, leading her to frequent ER visits and a realization that her symptoms were not being properly addressed.

What was the impact of Mick's eating disorder on her health?

Her eating disorder exacerbated her health issues, leading to orthorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, which in turn caused significant body swelling and further complications.

How did Mick's sister Christine help in her medical journey?

Christine, a nurse practitioner, provided emotional support and helped advocate for Mick by accompanying her to doctor's appointments and ensuring all symptoms were documented and considered.

What was the final diagnosis that explained all of Mick's symptoms?

Mick was diagnosed with stage two endometriosis, a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain and other symptoms.

What are some common misconceptions about endometriosis?

Common misconceptions include the belief that it is a made-up condition or that it only affects a small percentage of women. In reality, it affects at least 10% of women and can only be definitively diagnosed through surgery.

How has Mick's life changed post-diagnosis?

Post-diagnosis, Mick experienced relief from her symptoms and began to incorporate her diagnosis into her life, rather than it ruling her life. She also started sharing her story online to help others facing similar challenges.

What message does Mick want to convey to others struggling with chronic illness?

Mick wants others to know that their bodies and stories make sense, and that they should use their experiences as strength and advocacy tools.

Chapters
Mick's health challenges began at an early age with recurring staph infections and rapid early-onset puberty, which were initially dismissed by doctors and her family.
  • Recurring staph infections from small cuts in early childhood.
  • Rapid early-onset puberty in elementary school.
  • First period lasting between three weeks and five weeks.

Shownotes Transcript

Mik’s health challenges began at an early age, with unusual symptoms like recurring staph infections from small cuts—signs that both doctors and her family brushed aside. Later, she experienced rapid early-onset puberty, facing changes far earlier than most kids. But as these symptoms intensified, her parents soon realized this was something far more serious.

See omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.