Medical Stories

09/03/2025

On a scale of 1 to 10, Andrea, a Maryland resident, described her unexplained abdominal pains as a 15.

But despite her symptoms, it took her nearly two years to get diagnosed, as nearly every doctor she saw dismissed her issues.

Andrea has exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a condition in which the pancreas doesn’t produce enough enzymes to help the body properly digest food.

Along with her husband, Jonathan, Andrea shares how she was tenacious about finding out what was ailing her, and the methods she’s using today to provide some relief from her excruciating pain.

Watch Andrea's story here: https://tinyurl.com/mxxk6nv5

Featuring renowned expert: ​​Andres Gelrud, MD, Director, Pancreatic Disease Center, Miami Cancer Institute.

You can help Andrea and so many others with rare diseases by COMMENTING and SHARING this post it for awareness.

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08/22/2025

In Florida, Ellen began experiencing recurring headaches and debilitating symptoms. After seeking answers, she discovered she had chronic migraines.

Every day brings new challenges for Ellen, but with her husband and daughter by her side, she finds strength to keep going.

And to learn more about Ellen’s experience, watch her story here:
https://tinyurl.com/5ys4x749

Do you or someone you know have a story like Ellen’s? Share it in the comments below and help raise awareness.

08/20/2025

Chronic migraine involves frequent or long-lasting headache and migraine episodes that can change day to day or even hour to hour, making it hard to distinguish where one ends and another begins.

It’s important to note: migraines are more than just bad headaches. While the term includes both headaches and migraines, they’re different.

Headaches, like tension-type headaches, are usually uncomfortable but don’t disrupt daily life much. Migraines, on the other hand, directly affect the brain and can be severe enough to interfere with your routine.

Learn more about these conditions and how to manage them by clicking the link below.

Chronic migraine is a condition that causes frequent migraines and headaches. This condition can create serious disruptions in your life, but it’s often treatable.

08/18/2025

“I didn’t even know it was a possibility to get my life back.”
– Ellen, who suffers from chronic migraines

In Florida, Ellen was experiencing recurring headaches and debilitating symptoms after her daughter was born. After seeking answers, she discovered she had chronic migraines, a complex and often misunderstood neurological condition.

Every day brings new challenges for Ellen, but with her husband and daughter by her side, she finds strength to keep going.

And you can watch Ellen’s full story here:
https://tinyurl.com/5ys4x749

With millions of people diagnosed with chronic migraines around the world, it’s time to shed light on their stories and struggles.

Do you or someone you know have a story like Ellen’s? Share it in the comments below and help raise awareness.

08/15/2025

“With my whole life of dealing with sickle cell, I feel like it's led me to this point. I'm really ready to just step into who I am and go out into this world and do what I was put here to do.”

Since he was 3 years old, Walter has been dealing with excruciating pain as a result of being born with a rare form of sickle cell disease. Today, the 29-year-old Richmond resident is ready to share his story of perseverance and how he learned to lean on his family during times of crisis.

Watch Walter's journey on Medical Stories here: https://tinyurl.com/kuj5m9f3

08/11/2025

“The first time I can remember me having anything serious happen was when I was 3 years old. I remember missing a lot of school. I spent weeks in the hospital as an 8-year-old.”

Walter has been dealing with the physical and emotional effects of sickle cell disease since he was a child. Now 29 years old, he's learned how to manage the disease with the help of his family, who “poured love into me when I didn't have it to pour for myself.”

Watch more of Walter's inspiring perseverance here: https://tinyurl.com/kuj5m9f3

08/06/2025

An overactive bladder (OAB) causes sudden urges to urinate and can lead to incontinence, affecting around 33 million Americans.

OAB happens when bladder muscles contract involuntarily, creating frequent urges even when the bladder isn’t full. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, it's more common in women post-menopause, possibly due to estrogen loss.

But OAB can affect anyone at any age. Its unpredictable symptoms may limit social activities and impact quality of life, causing emotional distress.

Fortunately, treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve outlook.

To understand more about OAB, click the link below.

Overactive bladder affects how often you p*e and your urgency. Causes include abdominal trauma and infection. Treatment includes behavioral changes and medications.

08/04/2025

“I would just sit there and think, ‘How can I take care of this problem? Should I go see a doctor? How do I talk to a doctor about this? Is this normal? Is this something I could fix?’”
– Denise, diagnosed with OAB and FI

For months, Denise from Florida dealt silently with unusual symptoms, like frequent bathroom accidents, sudden urges, and a sense that something just wasn’t right.

Eventually, a visit to her doctor revealed she was living with two undiagnosed, but treatable, conditions: overactive bladder (OAB) and f***l incontinence (FI).

Determined not to let these problems control her life, Denise and her supportive husband, Rick, started on a journey toward regaining control. With the right medical guidance, support system, and treatment, Denise found a path back to the life she missed.

To learn more about Denise’s journey, go here:
https://tinyurl.com/4tf7yhbm

Do you have a story like Denise’s or know someone who does? Comment below!

07/31/2025

After working as a private chef for over a decade, Lori felt her passion was in danger when she began experiencing difficulty swallowing food. She was eventually diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic inflammatory condition.

Thankfully, by identifying her specific triggers, Lori has found a way to live with EoE, and still pursue her passion as a chef.

Check out Lori’s full story here: https://shorturl.at/GV5Tj

Medical Stories would also like to thank the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. (NORD) for advancing research and supporting those afflicted with this disease.

07/29/2025

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune condition where certain white blood cells build up in your esophagus, causing inflammation and trouble swallowing.

Often triggered by foods, allergens, or acid reflux, it can lead to discomfort and food getting stuck.

Experts now recognize EoE as a major digestive health concern. Ongoing research promises better diagnosis and treatment options.

To understand the symptoms and impact of EoE, you can click the link below.

Learn more about the causes and treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis — a digestive disease caused by an allergic reaction.

07/28/2025

“The doctor never really explained to me that I had a chronic illness that wasn’t curable.”
– Lori, who was diagnosed with EoE

Lori, from North Carolina, has spent over a decade working as a private chef. One day, she began experiencing difficulty swallowing, a concerning symptom that threw her career into jeopardy.

After trying different medications, she was eventually diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic inflammatory condition.
The path to diagnosis and management was long and filled with lots of challenges.

But thanks to the support of her husband, Matt, and a dedicated medical team, she is able to continue her culinary career while offering support to others affected by EoE.

You can watch Lori’s full story here: https://shorturl.at/GV5Tj

Medical Stories would also like to thank the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. (NORD) for advancing research and supporting those afflicted with this disease.

07/24/2025

Even though it affects millions of women, there are many widespread myths about menopause, according to the Mayo Clinic.

To help dispel those myths, Medical Stories hears from 55-year-old Jennifer, who speaks about some of those myths, including how she received menopause hormone therapy, and in the process, learned how much false information there is about the treatment.

Watch Jennifer's story right here: https://youtu.be/vWRCljxn84Y

Featuring renowned experts: Mary Jane Minkin, MD, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, and Sharon Malone, MD, Chief Medical Advisor, Alloy Women's Health.

Please COMMENT or SHARE if you're a woman, or you have a loved one in your life, who has dealt with menopause.

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