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Private Notes
Experts say the heroin epidemic, which is a growing problem nationwide, is largely spurred by people who first become addicted to prescribed opiate pain medications. As the pills become more expensive and harder to obtain, people move on to the cheaper and more potent high that heroin can provide. Cynthia Scudo, grandmother of twenty, shares the story of hip pain that ended with a nine-year addiction to heroin.
Often misunderstood and under-diagnosed, borderline personality disorder is a serious mental illness that leaves those affected struggling to control emotions and maintain healthy relationships. Amy Allison shares the story of the life she achieved as a high-functioning professional while her personal life was in turmoil.
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that presents in early childhood or adolescence with the first symptoms often being involuntary movements, or tics. Peter Morrison was diagnosed when he was 10 years old, and he shares his story of overcoming the personal and social challenges caused by the syndrome. He’s joined by his mother Susan, who provides her perspective as a parent.
Can you really die of a broken heart? Research says that indeed you can die from Broken Heart Syndrome, also known as Takotsubo and Stress Cardiomyopathy. But with quick medical intervention, the condition can be completely reversed. Maryann Murray shares her story of how stress suddenly turned her into a cardiac patient.
Life expectancy for people with Down Syndrome has increased over the last 30 years – from 25 years old in 1983 to 60 years old today. While Down Syndrome carries certain health issues and risks, people with Down Syndrome and their families are moving beyond the limitations of this disability. Patient and Special Olympic medalist Frankie Antonelli and his mother Debbie share what their family has done to help Frankie reach his full potential.
In any given year, nearly 21 million American adults are diagnosed with a mood disorder. Our patient Brittany DiCapua shares her story of mental and physical symptoms that appeared suddenly and inexplicably in a very special “mystery diagnosis.”
With the increase of chronic diseases such as Type II Diabetes, the need for kidney transplants is on the rise. Both deceased and live donors are needed, and our experts shed light on the organ transplant process. Karen Scott Gledhill was shocked in her early 20’s to find out she had a rare genetic kidney disorder. Fortunately, her life was saved by a deceased donor, and then again many years later by the life-giving gift of her brother Tom Scott, who joins her to share their story.
Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems—particularly in young children. Our patient Yvette Reynolds shares her personal story about her daughter's dangerously high lead levels and how it could have been prevented.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that is known as the “great imitator” because many of its symptoms can mask themselves as other disorders. Our patient Shanelle Gabriel thought her symptoms were a result of her busy college schedule—until a moment of vanity took her to see her doctor.
More than 10 million women in the U.S. struggle with Endometriosis. Our patient Ruta Biteman shares her journey of the pain she experienced throughout her life, and the challenges that she experienced in getting effective care, help, and hope.
