Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast - Detailed Summary of Episode "Case #19: Jose"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast
- Host: Lauren Bright Pacheco (iHeartPodcasts)
- Episode: Case #19: Jose
- Release Date: October 15, 2024
1. Introduction to Jose Torres and His Struggle
Lauren Bright Pacheco opens the episode by posing a thought-provoking question about battling an unseen enemy within the body. She introduces Jose Torres, a young man whose journey through a mysterious and debilitating illness exemplifies the frustrations many face in obtaining an accurate medical diagnosis.
Notable Quote:
“How terrifying would it be to fight an unknown enemy, one you didn’t recognize and didn’t see coming?” – Lauren Bright Pacheco [00:48]
2. Early Signs and Initial Response
Jose begins recounting the onset of his symptoms, which included unexplained bleeding and intense abdominal pain. Despite these alarming signs, he initially dismissed them, attributing the blood to a possible stomach bug.
Notable Quotes:
“None of the treatment was working. It got to the point where I was actually, Daddy, give me nutrition through a tube.” – Jose Torres [00:09]
“It was hard because obviously anyone knows that if you see blood, it’s not a good thing at all.” – Araceli Torres [00:21]
3. Impact on Daily Life and Mental Health
As symptoms persisted, Jose's daily life was severely impacted. He struggled to attend college classes, maintain his part-time job, and continue his passion for boxing. The constant fatigue and restroom urgency made even routine activities daunting.
Notable Quotes:
“My lowest point was having that sinking feeling of, my life is never gonna be the same.” – Jose Torres [00:38]
“He was getting skinnier and skinnier and skinnier… it was very difficult.” – Araceli Torres [09:39]
4. Seeking Medical Help and Initial Diagnosis
After months of deteriorating health, Jose's mother, Araceli, became concerned enough to seek medical attention. Hospital visits became frequent as doctors conducted various tests, leading to an initial diagnosis of Crohn's disease.
Notable Quotes:
“He didn't like to talk about restroom issues… it was very difficult to communicate due to the lack of understanding.” – Jose Torres [06:46]
“We rushed to the hospital.” – Araceli Torres [08:24]
5. The Misdiagnosis and Its Consequences
The initial diagnosis of Crohn's disease left Jose feeling hopeless. The prescribed treatment lacked effectiveness, leaving him feeling stuck and unsure about his future. Araceli expressed the gravity of the situation, fearing for her son's life.
Notable Quotes:
“Crohn's disease, which, you know, that's incurable. So getting hit with that at that age, it was just instantly like, oh, what now?” – Jose Torres [09:54]
“I feel like I was losing him.” – Araceli Torres [08:45]
6. Obtaining a Correct Diagnosis
Determined to find answers, Jose and his mother pursued a second opinion at a specialized pediatric gastroenterology center. This led to a revised diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, offering a clearer path for treatment.
Notable Quotes:
“They reran all the tests… and they actually came back with a different diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.” – Jose Torres [14:00]
“This is the team I can trust, and let's see what happens here.” – Jose Torres [14:07]
7. Treatment Journey: Medications and Second Opinions
With the new diagnosis, Jose began a regimen of medications that provided temporary relief. However, the lack of a sustained treatment plan left him managing symptoms without significant improvement. Araceli emphasized the drastic dietary changes required to manage his condition.
Notable Quotes:
“If you eat something that makes you not feel well, don’t eat it again.” – Jose Torres [11:29]
“I wanted just a way to make sure it wouldn't flare up.” – Araceli Torres [12:39]
8. Surgery and Recovery
When medications failed to provide lasting relief, surgery became inevitable. Jose underwent a three-part surgical procedure, including a total colectomy and the creation of a J pouch, to manage his ulcerative colitis. Dr. Brian Bosworth, Jose's gastroenterologist, played a pivotal role in this phase, offering both medical expertise and emotional support.
Notable Quotes:
“The entire large intestine… So again, at 19, me and my mom were sitting there, you know, having to make the decision…” – Jose Torres [24:12]
“It was like a friend… very comforting.” – Jose Torres [27:48]
“You have to keep going. There has to be some kind of bright light at the end of all of this.” – Araceli Torres [23:44]
9. Support System and Personal Growth
Throughout his ordeal, Jose's mother, Araceli, remained his steadfast support. Her dedication included living in the hospital with him during his most challenging times. This unwavering support was crucial in helping Jose navigate the physical and emotional turmoil of his illness.
Notable Quotes:
“It meant the world because growing up, I was raised by my grandparents… she was there.” – Jose Torres [25:45]
“He wanted to share with the kids, he wanted to see them. He went for years just trying to see how they progressed…” – Jose Torres [32:28]
10. Current Life and Advocacy
Following successful surgeries and recovery, Jose transitioned to maintaining his health through regular checkups. He channeled his experiences into advocacy, working with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. His role as a counselor at camp programs for children with inflammatory bowel disease underscores his commitment to supporting others facing similar challenges.
Notable Quotes:
“It was one of the worst things that have ever happened to me. Ended up being such a blessing…” – Jose Torres [34:14]
“He knows he's making an impact both in other patients and for himself too.” – Dr. Brian Bosworth [35:20]
11. Expert Insights
Dr. Brian Bosworth provides valuable insights into the differences between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plans that address both physical and mental health aspects of living with these chronic conditions.
Notable Quotes:
“Inflammatory bowel diseases are a spectrum of presentations of an autoimmune attack by your white blood cells on your intestines.” – Dr. Brian Bosworth [15:15]
“Patients with Crohn's and ulcerative colitis have a lower quality of life index than cancer patients do.” – Dr. Brian Bosworth [17:51]
12. Conclusion and Takeaways
Jose's story is a testament to resilience and the profound impact of a strong support system. Through his journey from misdiagnosis to successful treatment and advocacy, he illustrates the importance of perseverance, accurate medical evaluation, and community support for those battling chronic illnesses.
Notable Quote:
“Always have faith and hope. This is going to sound super cliche, but an attitude of gratitude goes a really long way.” – Jose Torres [35:48]
Key Lessons from Jose's Journey:
- Persistence in Seeking Answers: Despite initial misdiagnosis, continuing to seek medical opinions was crucial in obtaining the correct diagnosis.
- Importance of Support Systems: Araceli’s unwavering support played a vital role in Jose’s recovery and emotional well-being.
- Holistic Treatment Approaches: Addressing both physical symptoms and mental health is essential in managing chronic illnesses.
- Advocacy and Community Support: Engaging in advocacy provides purpose and helps others facing similar health challenges.
Additional Resources:
- Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation: For more information on Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, visit crohnscolitisfoundation.org.
- Contact the Show: Share your medical mystery or thoughts on the show by emailing Symptomatic@iHeartMedia.com.
Next Episode Preview: Lauren Bright Pacheco introduces the next episode featuring Kelly Dubois, whose severe heartburn and rapid weight gain led to a complex medical journey culminating in brain surgery. This episode delves into the challenges of diagnosing elusive health conditions and the profound impact on patients' lives.
Production Credits:
- Host: Lauren Bright Pacheco
- Executive Producers: Matt Romano & Lauren Bright Pacheco
- Post Production: James Foster
- Supervising Producer: Ciara Kaiser
- Writers: John Irwin & Diana Davis
- Editor: Ciara Spring
Closing Remarks: Lauren encourages listeners to rate and review the podcast, and to share their own medical mysteries. She signs off with a reminder to be well, highlighting the community and support that Symptomatic aims to foster.