Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast - Episode Summary
Episode: House Calls - Case #13 Alisha
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Host: Lauren Bright Pacheco
Guest: Alicia Bridges
Knowledge Cutoff: October 2023
Introduction
In Episode #13 of Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast, host Lauren Bright Pacheco welcomes back Alicia Bridges for a special "House Calls" segment. This episode revisits Alicia’s ongoing journey with psoriasis, offering updates on her health, personal growth, and advocacy efforts since her initial appearance on the show.
Alicia’s Battle with Psoriasis
Alicia Bridges introduces her long-standing battle with psoriasis, diagnosed at the tender age of seven. She describes the early symptoms as “itchy, flaky, brown, crusty patches of dry, inflamed skin” that “cracked, bled,” and felt like her body “was being attacked by ants” (00:07). Despite seeking medical help from her grandmother and doctors, it took over two decades to find an effective treatment.
Struggles and Frustrations
Throughout her journey, Alicia experimented with various treatments—topicals, oral medications, and tar treatments—all of which provided only temporary relief. Her frustration led her to a period of despair where she felt resigned to living with the condition indefinitely. “I just remember being like, I'm going to have this condition for the rest of my life and there's nothing that I can do about it” (01:13). This sentiment caused her to withdraw from seeking further medical assistance for about two years.
Finding Hope with Dr. Wiseman
A turning point in Alicia’s story occurred when she began speaking at National Psoriasis Foundation events. It was at one such event in Atlanta, Georgia, that she met Dr. Wiseman. Dr. Wiseman offered Alicia a biologic treatment that transformed her condition. “She gave me my first biologic and it cleared me up about 80%. And let me tell you, I was as happy as can be” (01:49). This treatment provided the long-awaited relief Alicia had been seeking, significantly improving her quality of life.
Ongoing Challenges and Mental Health
Despite the physical improvement, Alicia acknowledges that living with psoriasis continues to present challenges. Recently, she faced concerns about maintaining her treatment due to losing her job and the subsequent worry over insurance coverage. “There’s always something even when things are going good” (11:06). Additionally, Alicia delves into the mental health aspects of her condition, revealing her struggles with social anxiety stemming from years of feeling judged and rejected because of her appearance.
Personal Growth Through Stand-Up Comedy
Alicia has channeled her experiences into stand-up comedy, a field demanding vulnerability and resilience. She explains, “I've learned to kind of be charismatic and to understand how to connect with people in a meaningful, authentic, and deep way” (07:38). Comedy has become a therapeutic outlet for her, allowing her to confront fears of judgment and rejection head-on. Even when performances don’t go as planned, Alicia emphasizes the importance of resilience: “There’s no reason to feel shameless. There’s no reason to be embarrassed” (09:08).
Advocacy and Impact on Others
Alicia’s openness about her condition has had a profound impact on others. She shares how listeners have reached out to express how her story has inspired them. Additionally, she volunteers at Camp Discovery, a camp for children with skin diseases, providing mentorship and support. “So it’s such a blessing to connect with them in such a meaningful, productive way” (12:25). Her advocacy efforts underscore the importance of community and shared experiences in managing chronic illnesses.
Future Endeavors and Personal Interests
Looking ahead, Alicia is embracing new passions and interests. She has taken up playing the violin to reconnect with her childhood and delved into plant care, even authoring a book titled Dig Deeper: A 21-Week Guide to Self-Discovery Through Plants. In her book, she intertwines her journey with psoriasis and her upbringing amidst parental substance abuse, highlighting how caring for plants has facilitated her personal growth.
Conclusion
Alicia Bridges’ story is a testament to resilience, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of finding the right medical treatment. Her journey from despair to advocacy offers invaluable insights into living with a chronic illness. As she continues to navigate the challenges of maintaining her treatment and explores new personal interests, Alicia remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for others facing similar struggles.
Notable Quotes:
- Alicia Bridges (00:07): “My entire body was covered with itchy, flaky, brown, crusty patches of dry, inflamed skin. It cracked, it bled. It sometimes felt like my body was being attacked by ants.”
- Lauren Bright Pacheco (03:06): “Your episode is one that many people reference when they talk about the courage of someone coming forward and being so honest and open about their struggles with their health.”
- Alicia Bridges (04:10): “Self esteem and confidence and self worth are universal themes that you really have to own and focus on in your life outside of chronic illnesses.”
- Alicia Bridges (07:38): “I’ve learned to kind of be charismatic and to understand how to connect with people in a meaningful, authentic, and deep way.”
- Alicia Bridges (09:08): “This is only 10 minutes. This is not going to make or break my career.”
- Alicia Bridges (10:11): “It's really about not putting your value in the hands of other people.”
Timestamp Key:
- 00:07 – Introduction of Alicia’s initial diagnosis
- 01:13 – Alicia’s feelings of hopelessness
- 01:49 – Meeting Dr. Wiseman and starting biologic treatment
- 04:10 – Importance of self-acceptance
- 07:38 – Alicia’s venture into stand-up comedy
- 09:08 – Overcoming fear of rejection in comedy
- 10:11 – Realizing the importance of self-worth independent of others’ opinions
- 11:06 – Current challenges with maintaining treatment
- 12:25 – Advocacy work and impact on others
Note: This summary excludes non-content sections such as advertisements, intros, and outros to maintain focus on the core discussion between Lauren and Alicia.