Hidden Diagnoses Impact: Unveiling EDS, CCI, and other undiagnosed or underdiagnosed conditions
Hidden Diagnoses Impact is a podcast that shares stories about medical conditions that often have unknown etiology or causes are idiopathic. It empowers global health advocates and undiagnosed patients by telling their stories, educating the broader public, and discussing the lack of healthcare with health professionals who are rare/undiagnosed patient advocates and allies.
The podcast serves as a beacon of hope and knowledge for individuals navigating the complexities of the often misunderstood realm of hidden or 'occult' medical conditions, such as Occult Tethered Cord and Cervical Cranial Instability (CCI) within the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and beyond.
Each episode invites listeners into the lives of those who face the daily challenges of seeking accurate diagnoses, battling misperceptions, and often receiving inadequate treatment.
The heart of "Occult Awareness" lies in its compelling storytelling, as guests share their personal journeys, from the trials of living with undiagnosed symptoms to the triumphs of finding understanding and proper care. Alongside these powerful narratives, the podcast brings expert voices from the medical community to discuss the subtleties of occult conditions, current research, and emerging treatments.
By fostering a community of empathy and advocacy, "Occult Awareness" empowers those affected by these conditions and educates the broader public, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the critical need for awareness and the nuances of medical care for occult disabilities. Each episode aims to educate, inspire, and advocate for change, contributing to a more informed and compassionate society.
Hidden Diagnoses Impact: Unveiling EDS, CCI, and other undiagnosed or underdiagnosed conditions
Part 1 of Dr. Hilary Merry’s Journey with EDS: Navigating the Healthcare System as a Veterinarian
In this episode of Occult Awareness, we explore the personal and professional life of Dr. Hilary Merry, a veterinarian who has bravely faced the challenges of living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and multiple comorbidities.
In part one, Dr. Merry shares her journey from experiencing early symptoms as a child to receiving a formal diagnosis at the age of 27. She opens up about the struggles and triumphs of navigating a healthcare system that often overlooks complex conditions, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the realities faced by those with invisible illnesses.
Additionally, Dr. Merry provides unique insights from her veterinary profession, highlighting parallels and contrasts between diagnosing complex conditions in animals versus humans.
- Introduction to Dr. Hilary Merry and her medical background
- Early symptoms and childhood experiences with undiagnosed EDS
- The long path to diagnosis and the impact on her personal and professional life
- Navigating the healthcare system: struggles with being heard and believed
- The role of comorbidities in complicating diagnosis and treatment
- The psychological toll of living with a chronic, invisible illness
- Advocacy and the importance of self-education and persistence in seeking care
- The intersection of veterinary and human medicine in understanding complex conditions
- How veterinary medicine approaches diagnostic challenges
- Comparisons between veterinary and human diagnostic processes
- Insights from veterinary practice that could benefit human healthcare
- Advice for others facing similar health journeys and the significance of support networks
Tune in to hear Dr. Merry's inspiring story and gain insights into the intricacies of managing life with EDS and other complex health conditions, enriched by her dual perspective as both a patient and a veterinary professional.
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