In this episode of Pineal Stories, we welcome Michael Blomberg, our first guest from Europe. Michael, a 52-year-old father and IT professional from Sweden, shares his journey from the first signs of unexplained dizziness to navigating the country’s healthcare system and searching for answers about his symptomatic pineal cyst.

Michael candidly describes the life changes brought on by his condition—panic attacks, vertigo, and daily pain—and the mental strain of living with symptoms that are often dismissed. He also explains how Sweden’s public healthcare system both supports and challenges patients seeking specialized treatment, including his attempts to connect with neurosurgeons across Europe.

Despite the struggles, Michael speaks about resilience, the importance of family, and the support he’s found through patient communities. His story highlights both the personal toll of symptomatic pineal cysts and the hope that comes from connection and persistence.

Key Topics Discussed

• Michael’s first symptoms and panic attacks while driving and working.
• Challenges in Sweden’s healthcare system, including wait times and access to specialists.
• The emotional and family impact of chronic dizziness and pain.
• Experiences seeking second opinions from neurosurgeons in Sweden, Norway, and Germany.
• The financial and emotional costs of considering surgery abroad.
• Coping strategies, community support, and the shift from “living life” to “surviving life.”

About Michael Blomberg

Michael is an IT professional living in a suburb of Stockholm, Sweden. A father of three and part of a blended family, he balances his professional work with daily challenges caused by a pineal cyst. He has become an advocate within Scandinavian patient groups, working to raise awareness and provide community support for others navigating similar paths.

In this eye-opening episode of Pineal Stories, we hear from Paxton, a 14-year-old whose life has been shaped by watching his mother navigate the challenges of living with a symptomatic pineal cyst. With a rare combination of honesty and empathy, Paxton speaks candidly about the emotional weight, day-to-day adjustments, and misunderstood realities faced by families supporting someone with a chronic, often invisible illness.

Through his own words, Paxton gives voice to the children and teenagers who live this experience—balancing school, friendships, and their own emotions while adapting to the unpredictable changes in a loved one’s health. He describes moments of frustration, deep concern, and unwavering love, offering a perspective rarely heard in medical or patient advocacy discussions.

His story is a powerful reminder that chronic illness affects entire families—not just the patient—and that empathy, communication, and awareness are essential for healing and support.

🎙️ Episode 7: “Emily E"

Welcome to Pineal Stories, the podcast that gives voice to those living with symptomatic pineal cysts — a condition often dismissed, misunderstood, and under-researched.

In this powerful episode: Emily shares her story of struggling to understand what was happening, quick action and an incredible timeline!

🧠 You will hear many more stories like this in this series. These are not rare cases. These are people. And their voices matter.

🔍 In This Episode:

• Personal account of worry and fear over symptoms and sick leave from work
• Symptoms and patterns, many of which are shared across patient experiences
• The return of Fun Mom!

💡 Resources & Links:

• Visit our website: pinealstories.com
• Learn more about pineal cyst symptoms and advocacy
• Share your story or contact us: pineal.stories@gmail.com

🎵 Credits:

Music: "What I Waited For" by Kikoru – Licensed via Epidemic Sound

📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday