Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast - Episode 22: Mila

Introduction

In episode 22 of Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast, host Lauren Bright Pacheco delves into the compelling and emotional journey of Mila Clark. Diagnosed at an unusually young age with type 2 diabetes, Mila's story highlights the struggles of misdiagnosis, the stigma surrounding chronic illness, and the resilience required to seek accurate medical care. This detailed summary captures the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from Mila's episode.

Mila's Background

Mila Clark is portrayed as a vibrant and driven individual whose passion extends beyond her professional life. "Mila's energy is unmistakable. She's driven, always one step ahead, and her passion for her work is contagious," Lauren Bright Pacheco describes (00:53). Outside of work, Mila is an avid gardener. “I am a total plant lady, so I love being out in my terrace garden... I love being out in nature despite the fact that I live in, like, the fourth largest city in America,” Mila shares (02:00).

Her deep-rooted connection to nature traces back to her childhood, spending significant time with her grandmother tending to a giant mint bush. These fond memories underscore her nurturing and attentive personality (02:39).

The Onset of Symptoms

Mila began experiencing troubling symptoms around the age of 25. Initially dismissing them as mere signs of stress and a demanding job, she felt constantly tired, thirsty, and unwell despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “I was in the best health of my life physically, but I just feel awful. I feel really tired all the time,” Mila recounts (05:07). Her partner, recognizing the severity of her condition, urged her to seek medical attention (06:08).

Struggle with Diagnosis

Mila's first visit to the doctor led to an alarming discovery: her blood sugar levels were dangerously high. “Your blood sugars are extremely high. They are through the roof,” the nurse informs her (10:12). Shocked by the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes at such a young age, Mila felt judged and misunderstood by her healthcare provider. “This is a lot of judgment... I had all of these questions, but I felt too ashamed to ask them in that moment,” she admits (11:14).

Her initial efforts to manage the condition were strenuous but ineffective. Despite rigorous exercise and meticulous tracking of her diet, Mila's A1C levels barely dropped by 1 percentage point after three months, leading her doctor to question her adherence to the treatment plan (16:44). This skepticism exacerbated Mila's feelings of frustration and shame.

Impact of Misdiagnosis

Over the next few years, Mila's struggle intensified. Misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes, her treatment efforts were in vain, leading to worsening health and mental exhaustion. “I was at the point where I'm worse, working my hardest... I was exhausting myself and not eating enough,” Mila explains (15:54). The social stigma surrounding her condition manifested in hurtful comments and misunderstandings, further isolating her (18:48).

Correct Diagnosis and Relief

Determined to find answers, Mila sought a second opinion from a specialist endocrinologist, Dr. Artie Thangadu. Through comprehensive testing, Mila was correctly diagnosed with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA), a slow-progressing form of type 1 diabetes (27:32). This revelation provided the clarity she desperately needed. “When I learned that the way to get your diagnosis confirmed was a blood draw like I had taken a million times, I was so mad because I was like, just double checking could have changed the trajectory of my health overall,” Mila reflects (30:12).

Building Community and Advocacy

Embracing her new diagnosis, Mila launched "Hangry Woman," a blog and social media platform to document her experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges. “I have found that I'm not alone... they're just looking for somebody who understands and who's not going to judge,” Mila shares (34:32). This community has become a source of support and accountability, helping Mila navigate her condition while empowering others to seek the help they need.

Future Hopes and Conclusion

Dr. Thangadu emphasizes the need for a more empathetic and patient-centered approach to diabetes care. “I hope that we move to a more empathetic, patient-centered approach to diabetes with more access to specialists,” he states (36:43). Mila echoes this sentiment, advocating for individuals to fight for their health and seek multiple opinions if necessary. “Fight for yourself... don't stop pushing,” she urges (37:42).

Mila's story is a powerful testament to the importance of accurate diagnosis, the impact of medical stigma, and the strength found in community support. Her journey from misdiagnosis to advocacy offers valuable insights into the complexities of chronic illness and the relentless pursuit of health and well-being.

Notable Quotes

• Mila Clark (00:09): "I was really confused, and I was like, I don't know what just happened, but I know that's not normal."

• Lauren Bright Pacheco (00:53): "Nearly half of all Americans suffer from some chronic illness, and many struggle for an accurate diagnosis."

• Katie (03:31): "We've just lived so close that it's almost like we're siblings."

• Mila Clark (17:44): "You are not doing what you're telling me you're doing."

• Dr. Artie Thangadu (28:14): "Diabetes is the most expensive chronic condition that we facing as a country."

• Mila Clark (37:42): "If something feels off, it's probably off."

Conclusion

Mila Clark’s episode on Symptomatic sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges of chronic illness misdiagnosis and the enduring human spirit required to overcome such adversities. Her advocacy through "Hangry Woman" not only provides her own solace but also serves as a beacon for others navigating similar medical mysteries. This episode underscores the critical need for empathetic healthcare practices and the profound impact of community support in managing chronic health conditions.