PodcastDX

PodcastDX
PodcastDX

PodcastDX is an interview based weekly series. Guests share experience based medical insight for our global audience.  We have found that many people are looking for a platform, a way to share their voice and the story that their health journey has created. Each one is unique since even with the same diagnosis, symptoms and the way each person will react to a diagnosis, is different. Sharing what they have experienced and overcome is a powerful way our guests can teach others with similar ailments. Many of our guests are engaging in self-advocacy while navigating a health condition, many are complex and without a road-map to guide them along their journey they have developed their own. Sharing stories may help others avoid delays in diagnosis or treatment or just give hope to others that are listening. Sharing is empowering and has a healing quality of its own. Our podcast provides tips, hints, and support for common healthcare conditions. Our guests and our listeners are just like you- navigating the complex medical world. We hope to ease some tension we all face when confronted with a new diagnosis. We encourage anyone wanting to share their story with our listeners to email us at info@PodcastDX.com ​

  1. 10 DÉC.

    Ablation or Meds for AFIB

    This week we will discuss possible treatment methods for AFIB.   Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including: Palpitations (a feeling of a racing or irregular heartbeat) Fatigue Shortness of breath Dizziness or lightheadedness Chest discomfort ​ AFib can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. ​ Treatment Options for AFib Management of AFib focuses on controlling the heart rate and rhythm, preventing blood clots, and addressing underlying conditions contributing to the arrhythmia. The choice of treatment depends on the individual's symptoms, overall health, and risk factors. 1. Medications Medications are often the first line of treatment for AFib. These include: Rate-Control Medications Aim to slow the heart rate to a normal range. Common drugs: Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), and digoxin. Rhythm-Control Medications Help restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm. Common drugs: Antiarrhythmics like amiodarone, flecainide, or sotalol. Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners) Reduce the risk of stroke by preventing blood clots. Examples: Warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like apixaban (Eliquis) or rivaroxaban (Xarelto). 2. Ablation Therapy Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at correcting the electrical signals causing AFib. It is typically recommended for individuals who: Do not respond to or cannot tolerate medications. Have recurrent or persistent AFib that significantly impacts quality of life. Types of ablation: Catheter Ablation Uses thin tubes (catheters) inserted into blood vessels to deliver energy (radiofrequency or cryotherapy) to destroy small areas of heart tissue causing abnormal electrical signals. Surgical Ablation (Maze Procedure) Often performed during open-heart surgery for other conditions, creating scar tissue to block abnormal signals. Both options have high success rates, but catheter ablation is more commonly performed due to its minimally invasive nature. Choosing the Right Treatment Deciding between medications or ablation depends on factors such as: The severity and frequency of symptoms. The presence of other medical conditions. Patient preference and lifestyle. Consultation with a cardiologist or electrophysiologist is crucial to tailor treatment to the individual’s needs.

    17 min
  2. 3 DÉC.

    Vagus Nerve Injury

    This week we are talking about the Vagus Nerve.  The vagus nerve (10th cranial nerve) is a critical part of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for regulating vital functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration. It extends from the brainstem (medulla oblongata) through the neck and chest to the abdomen, with motor and sensory fibers allowing communication between the brain and organs. The vagus nerve has two branches—left and right—which overlap in regulating autonomic functions. Functions and Importance Cardiac and Pulmonary Regulation: The left vagus nerve primarily innervates the heart, while the right focuses on the lungs, though both contribute to overall regulation. Digestive System Support: It promotes digestion by increasing blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract and stimulating enzyme release. Mental Health and Inflammation: The vagus nerve influences mood, anxiety, and stress by connecting to brain areas that regulate emotions. It also modulates inflammation, reducing pro-inflammatory molecules. Enteric Nervous System Connection: Acting as a bridge between the brain and the "second brain" in the gut, the vagus nerve ensures coordination of digestive processes. Vulnerability to Injury Due to its extensive pathway, the vagus nerve is prone to injury from trauma, surgery, infections, tumors, or certain medical conditions. Common causes include: Trauma: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries affecting the neck or chest. Surgical Complications: Procedures in the neck, chest, or abdomen can unintentionally damage the nerve. Medical Conditions: Disorders such as gastric ulcers, reflux, or tumors may affect the nerve. Infections like Lyme disease or meningitis are also potential causes. Idiopathic Cases: Sometimes, the cause of vagus nerve injury remains unknown, requiring further investigation. Symptoms of Vagus Nerve Injury Injury symptoms depend on the severity and location of damage and may include: Cardiovascular: Rapid or irregular heartbeat, blood pressure changes. Digestive: Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or difficulty swallowing. Voice and Throat: Hoarseness, voice changes. General: Anxiety, depression, or excessive sweating. Diagnosis and Management Diagnosing vagus nerve damage involves imaging, nerve conduction studies, and blood tests to assess functionality. Early detection is crucial for effective management and preventing complications. Prompt medical intervention can improve symptoms and enhance quality of life. Understanding the vagus nerve’s anatomy and functions underscores its significance in maintaining overall health, aiding healthcare professionals in diagnosing and addressing related dysfunctions.

    17 min
  3. 26 NOV.

    Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

    Our guest this week is Christine James.  Christine is a mother to two daughters, 19 and 23, a nurse of 8 ½ years and now a chronic pain patient.  She was happy to take the time to speak with us in order to bring awareness to a rare and largely unknown disease: CRPS or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. As a nurse she worked in the fields of home health, acute medical, psych, long term care, dialysis; and has floated to many other units within hospitals. She has worked at the bedside and have also held supervisory positions. Passionate about her career as a nurse, she hopes to get well enough to work again. In her 20’s she was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the spine. Over the course of many years she went through many procedures and treatments due to lumbar disc herniations to include six back surgeries- one of which resulted in permanent damage to her L-5/S-1 nerve root resulting in permanent right foot drop, and one of which was a fusion of L-5/S-1 using four screws and two rods. After walking 10 years with foot drop and working as a nurse the instability and condition in her right ankle caused constant swelling and pain which led her to seek further treatment. It was found that her joint was arthritic and the bones were collapsing out of position. Her Achilles tendon was also found to be too tight. On March 11, 2024 she underwent a right Achilles tendon release, tendon transfer to improve foot drop.  Three weeks later the symptoms of CRPS were recognized by her surgeon and she was diagnosed on April 8, 2024. Due to her foundation of knowledge as a nurse and due to her drive to get better, she joined multiple social media platforms in search of how to find the treatment she needed and through that process she also began helping others learn about this disease. When she is feeling healthy, she enjoys many creative hobbies, gardening, and is an avid concertgoer. She has two cats, & lives with her boyfriend in Michigan.  They are currently struggling to make it through this difficult time with her health. Financial issues have become bad enough that she sold personal items, used food pantries, and started a gofundme. She is currently active in Facebook groups and has a TikTok account that she uses to network with others that have CRPS, chronic pain, and chronic illness. ​She is grateful to participate in the online community in any way to bring awareness and understanding to CRPS sufferers.

    40 min
  4. 19 NOV.

    Integrative Neurology with Dr. Alexander Zubkov

    This week we discuss the field of Functional Neurology with Dr. Alexander Zubkov.  Stroke care is complex and does not stop when a patient is discharged from the hospital.  As a Functional Neurologist, Dr. Zubkov offers comprehensive follow-up for Stroke care, and focus on prevention through health and wellness.  According to his online presence, these are the benefits of such tailored medical care: Benefits of Integrative Neurology and Functional Medicine Identify the root cause of your illness Decrease excessive inflammation Balance your brain Reversal of cognitive decline Improve your overall health State of the art laboratory testing Nutritionist evaluation Short and long-term health planning Physician-grade supplement   Dr. Zubkov believes that we are facing an epidemic of unhealthy lifestyles and environments, but there is hope for change. You have the power to make positive changes in your life, and it doesn't have to be a sacrifice of joy and fun. With one voice and one mind, we can learn to eat real food, exercise, and rest to achieve radiant health. While crisis care is excellent in acute cases, the current model of healthcare fails in preventing and treating chronic diseases. However, since the early 90s, there has been a wealth of rock-solid studies proving that many chronic illnesses are preventable. The problem is that the abundance of information can lead to confusion, without the specific context for each individual. Core Beliefs: Dr. Zubkov knows that each person is unique, and it's not enough to simply tell them what not to eat. By understanding their personal story and history, teaching them, and backing up strategies with proper laboratory assessments, we can make meaningful changes towards a healthier life. So don't lose hope - you have the power to improve your health and wellbeing. Dr. Zubkov founded Mind Body Neurology, PLLC to help patients to recover from neurological diseases through holistic approach.

    36 min
  5. 5 NOV.

    Staying Healthy as a Veteran

    This week we are talking once again with Dan "Dry Dock" Shockley on "Staying Healthy as a Veteran"  For Veteran's Day this year we are featuring Dan because even though he has been dealt a hard blow with a hereditary colon cancer gene he is not letting that slow him down one bit!  As a matter of fact he is thriving and advocating for others around the globe as a hereditary colon cancer ambassador!  Here is some more about Dan:   ​Dan Dry Dock Shockley, retired U.S. Navy veteran; Operation Desert Storm; Enduring and Iraqi Freedom veteran and a hereditary colon cancer WARRIOR.  The U.S. based Colon Cancer Alliance featured his journey for their Veterans Day blog. The below url provided for your reading pleasure: https://www.ccalliance.org/blog/prevention/dan-drydock-shockley-colon-cancer-warrior-forges-on Also, in honor of Rare Cancer Day, 30 September, the NORDpod featured him as a special guest. The below url provided for your listening pleasure: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6cJJwWXEp34wD8ulFBXNQu?si=m6_V8YwJRwqEAWxXzTp3Cw&utm_source=native-share-menu&dl_branch=1  Additionally, he has been a regular contributor to the UK based Rare Revolution team. They recently invited me to be part of their National Patient Advocate Day campaign. My input can be viewed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CSwmNDwjuLQ/?utm_medium=copy_link In closing, here's his latest article which was featured by the Montreal based, RareDIG Organization. https://www.raredigmcgill.com/HORD/Season-Four

    32 min
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À propos

PodcastDX is an interview based weekly series. Guests share experience based medical insight for our global audience.  We have found that many people are looking for a platform, a way to share their voice and the story that their health journey has created. Each one is unique since even with the same diagnosis, symptoms and the way each person will react to a diagnosis, is different. Sharing what they have experienced and overcome is a powerful way our guests can teach others with similar ailments. Many of our guests are engaging in self-advocacy while navigating a health condition, many are complex and without a road-map to guide them along their journey they have developed their own. Sharing stories may help others avoid delays in diagnosis or treatment or just give hope to others that are listening. Sharing is empowering and has a healing quality of its own. Our podcast provides tips, hints, and support for common healthcare conditions. Our guests and our listeners are just like you- navigating the complex medical world. We hope to ease some tension we all face when confronted with a new diagnosis. We encourage anyone wanting to share their story with our listeners to email us at info@PodcastDX.com ​

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