This episode needs little description. Thanks to Kelly and Tank Sears for their candid and sometimes raw emotion in this conversation as they share the reality of the strain a myocardial bridge can put on a relationship, a marriage, a family. Yes, we'll cover the health portion of the surgery and Kelly's amazing recovery after a less than vacation like visit to Greece to see Dr. Kofidis, but it's the perseverance and trust that both she and her husband demonstrated in getting not only the appropriate health care but how they held it together as spouses in a truly challenging time. And that's not to mention the kids in the mix too. The strength of their love was challenged and the good news... there's a happy ending.

Chapter Summaries

(00:00) Uncovering a Myocardial Bridge and More

Kelly shares her heart health journey during COVID-19, navigating medical uncertainties and challenges with her husband Tank.

(08:22) The Battle for a Diagnosis

A patient's struggle with persistent symptoms dismissed by medical professionals, leading to independent research and emotional toll.

(21:23) Navigating Medical Challenges With Family

Family's challenges with loved one's health, frustrations with American healthcare, seeking treatment abroad, and finding hope in a doctor's potential solution.

(28:20) Family Support Through Medical Challenges

Family decisions during a health crisis, logistics of overseas medical trip, emotional toll, importance of new experiences, involving children, and realization of decisive action.

(41:24) Navigating Medical Challenges and Marriage

Perseverance and communication are crucial in maintaining a strong relationship through medical challenges, as shown by a couple's experience with treatment abroad.

(48:55) Shared Stories Finding Validation

Shared experiences and storytelling on the podcast validate and connect listeners, bridging understanding and offering support.

This intro requires few words. We have a friend with a huge podcast and radio audience. 170 stations strong and he gave us the courtesy of interviewing me to help us get our stories told and raise the awareness for the MB condition. Dr. Ronald Hoffman, the longest running physician hosted radio show in syndication on 170 radio stations had no idea what a Myocardial Bridge was. He wanted to know and he wanted his audience to know once he took a look at the book. He gets it and he understood it well enough that he wanted to help us share it to his audience. He saw the value to both his listeners as well as the doctors that listen to his Intelligent Medicine radio show and podcast. With the deepest gratitude, I cannot thank him enough. We're making noise, we're getting traction and we're saving lives in our collective effort to continue to keep getting the word out. Thank you Dr. Hoffman for your interest to host me on "Intelligent Medicine Podcast"!

The interview on his podcast is in this link: https://drhoffman.com/rethinking-heart-health-uncovering-myocardial-bridges/

You can find out more about Dr. Ronald Hoffman by visiting his website https://drhoffman.com/

Navigating the intricate journey of living with a myocardial bridge is no small feat. This episode, I open up about the emotional rollercoaster of coping with myocardial bridges and stress the undeniable importance of patience, understanding, and self-advocacy. Heart procedures are anything but predictable, and while some, like the recently unroofed, find hope in successful outcomes, each person's path is uniquely challenging.

Let's continue to build a supportive network for those affected by myocardial bridges, underscoring the power of shared stories and experiences. No one should feel isolated on this path, and I encourage you to join the community of those who have shared their stories on the podcast. If you're aware of doctors that might make a great guest, please share their contact information with me as well. I'll connect with them. Strengthening our collective resolve through awareness, positivity, and gratitude we'll continue to push the pace of getting this disease recognized as symptomatic and life threatening. Together we can foster hope and understanding in our community.

You can email me directly at jeff@hearmenowstudio.com

You can find the interview with Dr. Ronald Hoffman on the "Intelligent Medicine" website HERE