Nicole: 15 Years of Symptoms, Sti...
Explicit
Nicole: 15 Years of Symptoms, Still Fighting for Care.
Explicit

Pineal Stories by Michael and Kelly Ables

Episode notes

In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Pineal Stories, we meet Nicole, a 35-year-old from Waiehu, Maui, whose life has been profoundly impacted by a pineal mass. Pre-surgical but optimistic, Nicole shares her 15-year journey from her first debilitating symptoms in 2009—migraines, vertigo, visual disturbances, and fatigue—to the challenges of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and passed between specialists.

Nicole opens up about losing her career as a florist, adapting to part-time caregiving, and coping with daily limitations in basic self-care. She details frightening episodes, including syncope, seizure, and prolonged vertigo, alongside the emotional toll of isolation and uncertainty.

Throughout her story, she emphasizes the critical importance of doctors who listen, the life-changing discovery of an online support communit ... 

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Keywords
pinealbraintumorstoryoutreachadvocacyMental HealthmisdiagnosisRare brain conditionsChronic illnessMedical awarenessMedical podcastpineal cystbrain healthneurosurgerypatient storiesmedical advocacy