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

In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Pineal Stories, we meet Nicole, a 35-year-old from Waiehu, Maui, whose life has been profoundly impacted by a pineal mass. Pre-surgical but optimistic, Nicole shares her 15-year journey from her first debilitating symptoms in 2009—migraines, vertigo, visual disturbances, and fatigue—to the challenges of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and passed between specialists.

Nicole opens up about losing her career as a florist, adapting to part-time caregiving, and coping with daily limitations in basic self-care. She details frightening episodes, including syncope, seizure, and prolonged vertigo, alongside the emotional toll of isolation and uncertainty.

Throughout her story, she emphasizes the critical importance of doctors who listen, the life-changing discovery of an online support community, and her growing hope in pursuing surgery with Dr. Patel—one of the few neurosurgeons specializing in symptomatic pineal cysts. Nicole also discusses possible links between the pineal gland, melatonin, immune system regulation, and her autoimmune conditions, calling for more research and awareness.

This episode is a raw, inspiring reminder of the resilience required to navigate complex, often misunderstood medical conditions—and the hope that comes with finally being heard.

In this groundbreaking episode of Pineal Stories, we sit down with two of the most pivotal figures in the movement toward recognizing symptomatic pineal cysts: Dr. Sunil Patel, Chair of Neurosurgery at the Medical University of South Carolina, and his longtime PA, Jared Nix. Together, they’ve evaluated and operated on hundreds of patients whose lives were deeply affected by pineal cysts—many dismissed by the medical community until they found their way to MUSC.

Dr. Patel shares how one unexpected recovery changed the trajectory of his career and sparked a quest to understand why some pineal glands grow, why they might become symptomatic, and what the gland might actually be producing. Jared Nix provides insight into what it's like to walk with patients from intake to follow-up, sharing moving stories of transformation and cautious hope.

This episode covers:

• The origin of Dr. Patel’s interest in pineal cysts
• The surgical risks and outcomes of over 300 cases
• How families often see improvements before patients do
• The challenge of moving the needle in the broader medical community
• Honest reflections on uncertainty, responsibility, and the limits of current science

You’ll also hear from Kelly, a former patient, and host Michael, as they reflect on their personal experience—from crisis to recovery—and the profound impact of this team’s work on their family.

This conversation is honest, emotional, and essential listening for anyone living with—or treating—symptomatic pineal cysts.

The Day Before – Emily K’s Story

Emily K is just 19 years old, and tomorrow she will undergo surgery to remove her pineal gland. In this emotional pre-op interview, Emily opens up about her experience living with a symptomatic pineal cyst, her long journey to find answers, and what it feels like to face a surgery few doctors acknowledge — but that could finally give her relief.

This is a rare and powerful conversation recorded the day before her life changes.

We’ll reconnect with Emily in a follow-up episode after her surgery to hear how recovery goes and how her symptoms evolve.

🎙️ Episode 3: “Dina"

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, Dina shares her story of struggling to be heard, impact on her family and eventual resolution with even just a touch of mic-dropping victory in the office of a neurosurgeon who had once dismissed her.

🧠 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 years-long medical dismissal
• Symptoms and patterns, many of which are shared across patient experiences
• The emotional toll of being ignored by the medical system
• A well-deserved victory lap

💡 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

Follow, rate, and review to help us reach more people — because the truth deserves a mic.

🎙️ Episode 1: “Kelly A Part 2"

Welcome to part 2 of the premiere of Pineal Stories, the podcast that gives voice to those living with symptomatic pineal cysts — a condition often dismissed, misunderstood, and under-researched.

In this episode, we continue to share our story wherein were told these symptoms were “unrelated” or “irrelevant,” while we knew better from our own experience. From chronic headaches and dizziness to blurred vision and overwhelming fatigue to horrific delusions — this is what the medical textbooks aren’t saying.

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

🔍 In This Episode:

• Personal account of years-long medical dismissal
• Symptoms and patterns, many of which are shared across patient experiences
• The emotional toll of being ignored by the medical system
• Why this podcast exists — and what’s ahead

💡 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

Follow, rate, and review to help us reach more people — because the truth deserves a mic.