Summary of "Nobody Should Believe Me" – Case Files 17: Rady Children’s Part 1

Podcast Information:

• Title: Nobody Should Believe Me
• Host/Author: True Story Media
• Episode: Case Files 17: Rady Children’s Part 1
• Release Date: April 24, 2025

1. Introduction to Case Files 17

In Case Files 17: Rady Children’s Part 1, hosted by Andrea Dunlop of True Story Media, the focus shifts to a deeply troubling lawsuit involving Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. Co-host Dr. Bex leads the discussion, providing comprehensive research and insights into a case that echoes previous investigations into Munchausen by Proxy abuse.

2. Background of the Case: Madison's Medical Journey

Madison, born in 2003 via in vitro fertilization after her parents, Dana Gasquet and William Meyer, faced multiple unsuccessful attempts, entered the narrative as a healthy, active child. However, her life took a turn during her preteen years when she began experiencing persistent knee and shoulder issues.

Andrea Dunlop remarks:

"The beginning of a story with some obstetrical complications and a premature birth is just absolutely ubiquitous." (04:08)

3. Medical Diagnoses: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, CRPS, and POTS

Madison was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), a condition characterized by hyperflexible joints, which led to multiple shoulder dislocations starting from an intensive surf camp injury. This condition set the stage for a cascade of medical complications:

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Diagnosed after ongoing pain post-surgeries, Madison's pain remained unresponsive to standard treatments, necessitating invasive procedures.

  Dr. Bex explains:

  "CRPS... is typically localized to the area of injury, but in Madison's case, it began to affect her whole body." (10:08)

• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Diagnosed in the summer of 2018, this condition caused significant dizziness and rapid heart rate upon standing, further debilitating Madison.

4. Escalation of Medical Interventions

Despite multiple surgeries and treatments, Madison's condition worsened, leading to invasive interventions:

• Inpatient Pain Programs: Madison was admitted for severe, unrelenting pain, leading to her transfer between Kaiser Permanente facilities in San Diego and Los Angeles.

• Nutritional Support: Central venous catheters and jejunal (NJ) tubes were placed to manage malnutrition and feeding difficulties, raising concerns about potential abuse.

Shailen Nienow highlights:

"The escalation in GI is a big piece and is very concerning." (43:37)

5. Role of Child Abuse Pediatrician

Dr. Shailen Nienow, a fellowship-trained child abuse pediatrician at Rady Children’s Hospital, became involved when Madison's case was flagged for potential abuse. Her expertise is crucial in evaluating the legitimacy of the medical conditions versus potential inflicted harm.

Andrea Dunlop emphasizes:

"Child abuse pediatricians are not the ones going out and hanging a shingle... People don't want to see the child abuse business." (47:24)

6. Concerns and Patterns Suggesting Possible Munchausen by Proxy

The narrative draws parallels to previous cases, notably the Kowalski v. Johns Hopkins All Children's lawsuit. Key concerns include:

• Atypical Presentation: Madison's rapid decline despite appropriate medical interventions raises red flags.

• Inconsistent Symptoms: The emergence of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures and vision loss, which were not corroborated by medical examinations, suggests potential manipulation of symptoms.

Andrea Dunlop notes:

"The layering of a bunch of conditions... it certainly stands out about this story." (33:50)

7. Notable Quotes

• Dr. Bex:

  "CRPS... in Madison's story, the Ehlers Danlos becomes more of the story." (10:08)

• Shailen Nienow:

  "Child abuse pediatricians... can be very different in perspective." (46:52)

• Andrea Dunlop:

  "If you consider it a bias that we believe that child abuse is real... we are not getting anywhere." (48:25)

8. Conclusions and Next Steps

Case Files 17: Rady Children’s Part 1 sets the stage for a detailed exploration of Madison's case, highlighting the complexities of diagnosing and managing rare medical conditions intertwined with potential abuse. Andrea Dunlop and Dr. Bex commit to a multi-episode deep dive, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation and awareness of the signs indicative of Munchausen by Proxy.

Andrea Dunlop concludes:

"We will be covering it in two, in this first four part series and then continuing coverage as this whole story unfolds." (04:23)

Listeners can anticipate further revelations and expert analyses in the subsequent parts of this case file, aiming to shed light on the devastating impact of such abuse and the challenges faced by medical professionals in uncovering the truth.

Key Takeaways:

• Madison's case involves a complex interplay of legitimate medical conditions and suspicious symptom escalation.
• The involvement of a specialized child abuse pediatrician underscores the severity and potential abuse within the case.
• The podcast meticulously dissects the timeline and medical interventions, drawing attention to patterns that may indicate Munchausen by Proxy.

Notable Resources Mentioned:

• Andrea Dunlop’s book, The Mother Next Medicine, Deception and Munchausen by Proxy.
• Contact for case queries: hello@obodyshouldbelieveme.com

This summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the podcast episode for those who have not listened to it, capturing all essential discussions, insights, and expert opinions presented by Andrea Dunlop and Dr. Bex.