This resonated with me. I lost my brother over 12 years ago and it was devastating… but it’s his light that keeps me motivated to leave a legacy he’d be proud of. As someone who values health and wellbeing as an important testament to our autonomy … I’m inspired by your journey- so appreciative that there are trailblazers like you here in this space. 💗🌱
I’m so sorry for your loss Lana. Carrying your brother’s light and turning that into purpose is incredibly powerful. I’m truly honored and grateful to hear that my journey resonates with you. It means a lot to be seen that way, and I deeply appreciate your kind words.
Absolutely - and I’m so glad Kristina introduced me to you.
“There was no time to explain, no space to educate, and no room to truly connect.”
That one hit me like a tuning fork. I felt the same way at the end of my own career - depleted, disillusioned, and certain there had to be another way to live.
Your story, Sara, is bold and beautifully told. I left my job too - and my country. My husband and I now slow travel full time, and write about the questions that still follow us.
Thank you so much for your kind message. It means a lot to hear that line resonated with you, it's a feeling many of us share but rarely name. Leaving medicine wasn’t easy, but like you, I knew there had to be a different, more sustainable path. I admire the intentional way you’ve chosen to live. Sending you and your husband my best wishes.
This is beautiful thank you Kristina and Sara 🙏🏽 As a fellow MD, I can affirm that sometimes the best healing is through sharing your own stories and I truly see my words as medicine! Glad to share my voice on Substack with such powerful voices.
I think the reason the woman you cited had so much better care for her ovarian cancer--and why she recovered, is precisely because she thought of it herself! And then she demanded it, or created it.
I'm so sorry your mom never got that level of care.
And I'm so sorry for what you went through as a result of losing your mom.
I too have noticed that problem with healthcare.
But a few times, I was fortunate.
I was diagnosed in high school (~1970) with a painful inflammatory musculoskeletal disease.
Initially I was laid up in bed, unable to walk, for an entire summer, 2 1/2 months. But ironically, that was, I believe, actually caused by another problem, and was only sciatica.
The Dx doesn't really account for all the problems I've had along the way.
(Ankylosing Spondylitis)
In the next few years, I had a few more episodes where I got laid up for much shorter periods (3 days to a week), but I eventually learned how to avoid that. I haven't actually been laid up in bed since.
10 years later, in 1980, I was awakened one night by severe muscle spasms in my mid-back. I wasn't able to go back to bed, it was too painful to even try to lay down.
I had just started back to college when that happened, after a 7 year absence. I was also working full-time while attending college full time.
That scenario has repeated every night since, for over 45 years. Pain wakes me up after a maximum of 2 hours of sleep.
When it started, for the first 5 years, I got by the best I could with warm showers and over the counter analgesics. (I cannot tolerate aspirin or NSAIDs.)
In 1985, when I was in 2nd year of grad school ( I studied medicine & neuroscience), I reached a point where I couldn't deal with the pain any more.
I didn't have health insurance (because I was on Fellowship), so I went to the Student Health Clinic.
The next year is a long story, but I was advised to leave school to get a job with benefits (healthcare) so I did. (The doctors had planned expensive & extensive surgery, which they ended up not doing.)
At any rate, I ended up seeing a pain mgmt doc who started as a Psychiatrist. Because of that, he was just as concerned about me living a rewarding, fulfilling life as he was at treating my pain with meds!
Unfortunately, I had to move after a few years (for job), and it took a number of years to find another doctor like him, but eventually I did. He helped me to "have a life," even though every day was filled with excruciating pain.
(In addition to severe muscle spasms, which by now have spread down my legs to feet--mostly just extensor muscles, I also have pain in muscle attachments. There are a few places that are chronic, but at any time, any joint can flare up & become unusable due to inflammation of muscle attachments (estheitis).
As long as i get my "2 hours of sleep," I'm good!
(I tell my wife that often.)
And I've since learned to treasure the time I'm awake during the night. I accomplish thinking that is different from any other time, and sometimes I learn new things (I read, watch TV History & Discovery channels, etc).
But, I have been very fortunate in my my life. I am truly blessed.
I have truly lived a life that is "larger than life," and I know it's because of my attitude, but it would NOT have been possible without these 2 doctors that I was fortunate to meet. They emphasized "quality of life" AND helping to manage severe pain.
(Unfortunately, the 2nd doctor has been unavailable to me since 2010, and he has since acquired Parkinson's Disease. He cannot practice any more, so I feel for him. I know how dedicated he was.)
I am "just getting by" with regard to pain management, but I AM getting by.
This "opioid crisis" has been especially difficult for patients (like me) with intractable chronic pain.
Especially in the town where I live, but I digress.
This is about how blessed I am, and my life!
And how doctors like YOU are so needed. I hope your attitude and philosophy will affect other doctors, and cause them to follow in your footsteps!
I have many talents which I have developed for the purpose of helping others.
I'm now a Copywriter, and I recently focused my niche. Specifically, I'm using all my training, experience and my God-given "superpowers" (empathy & sincerity) to write for Healthcare, Medical Device & Biotech firms.
I'm advertising myself as the Renaissance Copywriter on LinkedIn.
My diverse expertise sets me apart from others (along with my positive and non-judgemental attitude.)
I also write on my 2 substacks, the first is Jeffro's Wellness Insights.
I still love helping people, it's my primary mission in life!
So, I first want to thank you for being so generous by practicing your trade of "whole people" medicine, and sharing your wisdom, and all the other things you're doing.
(Unfortunately, at this time I cannot afford to be a paid subsciber to your "inner circle" of people who get a preview to your book.)
But, if it's free, I'll subscribe to your Substack.
The bottom line is ...
If you EVER need any help with writing, or any other skills I have, please, please contact me, I would be excited to help you!
I want everyone to know about your "whole person" approach to medicine & health!
Thank you so much for your incredibly generous and heartfelt message. I truly felt your words and I’m deeply moved by your resilience, your attitude, and the way you've turned such intense personal challenges into a life of service and purpose.
Your story is powerful. The way you've navigated pain, uncertainty, and systemic shortcomings in healthcare is inspiring. I’m especially touched by your recognition of the doctors who made a real difference in your life. That kind of care is what we need more of, and it’s exactly what I hope to contribute through my work.
I also really appreciate you taking the time to connect so personally with what I shared about my mom. Losing her the way I did continues to fuel my commitment to changing how we approach health. Your empathy means a lot.
Regarding the book, we are currently accepting a small group of readers into our Advance Reader Copy team, people who are genuinely interested and committed. We’ve had a few disappointing experiences in the past sharing the manuscript and never hearing back, so we’re being more intentional this time. But your message left no doubt in my mind, you’re exactly the kind of person I’d love to have on board. Please feel free to add your details to the ARC list. I'd be honored to have your feedback and perspective on the book!
And as for your offer to help with writing, thank you, truly. We’ll definitely keep your contact on file for future projects. Your energy and passion are contagious.
Wishing you continued strength, creativity, and healing, and above all, those precious two hours of sleep you cherish.
Correction - Venice Italy was not the site of Bezos wedding because of a brilliant show of resistance by the local residents due to the damage it would do to the tourism industry in Venice
Thank you so much Charisse. I just read your comment on the Advance Reader Copy team list and I can totally relate. I’d love to stay in touch, and we’ll definitely keep you in mind. Excited to hopefully have you as one of our early readers soon!
This resonated with me. I lost my brother over 12 years ago and it was devastating… but it’s his light that keeps me motivated to leave a legacy he’d be proud of. As someone who values health and wellbeing as an important testament to our autonomy … I’m inspired by your journey- so appreciative that there are trailblazers like you here in this space. 💗🌱
I’m so sorry for your loss Lana. Carrying your brother’s light and turning that into purpose is incredibly powerful. I’m truly honored and grateful to hear that my journey resonates with you. It means a lot to be seen that way, and I deeply appreciate your kind words.
Absolutely - and I’m so glad Kristina introduced me to you.
“There was no time to explain, no space to educate, and no room to truly connect.”
That one hit me like a tuning fork. I felt the same way at the end of my own career - depleted, disillusioned, and certain there had to be another way to live.
Your story, Sara, is bold and beautifully told. I left my job too - and my country. My husband and I now slow travel full time, and write about the questions that still follow us.
Thank you so much for your kind message. It means a lot to hear that line resonated with you, it's a feeling many of us share but rarely name. Leaving medicine wasn’t easy, but like you, I knew there had to be a different, more sustainable path. I admire the intentional way you’ve chosen to live. Sending you and your husband my best wishes.
This is beautiful thank you Kristina and Sara 🙏🏽 As a fellow MD, I can affirm that sometimes the best healing is through sharing your own stories and I truly see my words as medicine! Glad to share my voice on Substack with such powerful voices.
Thank you Anney!
Dear Sara Redondo, MD:
I so value your attitude and expertise!
I think the reason the woman you cited had so much better care for her ovarian cancer--and why she recovered, is precisely because she thought of it herself! And then she demanded it, or created it.
I'm so sorry your mom never got that level of care.
And I'm so sorry for what you went through as a result of losing your mom.
I too have noticed that problem with healthcare.
But a few times, I was fortunate.
I was diagnosed in high school (~1970) with a painful inflammatory musculoskeletal disease.
Initially I was laid up in bed, unable to walk, for an entire summer, 2 1/2 months. But ironically, that was, I believe, actually caused by another problem, and was only sciatica.
The Dx doesn't really account for all the problems I've had along the way.
(Ankylosing Spondylitis)
In the next few years, I had a few more episodes where I got laid up for much shorter periods (3 days to a week), but I eventually learned how to avoid that. I haven't actually been laid up in bed since.
10 years later, in 1980, I was awakened one night by severe muscle spasms in my mid-back. I wasn't able to go back to bed, it was too painful to even try to lay down.
I had just started back to college when that happened, after a 7 year absence. I was also working full-time while attending college full time.
That scenario has repeated every night since, for over 45 years. Pain wakes me up after a maximum of 2 hours of sleep.
When it started, for the first 5 years, I got by the best I could with warm showers and over the counter analgesics. (I cannot tolerate aspirin or NSAIDs.)
In 1985, when I was in 2nd year of grad school ( I studied medicine & neuroscience), I reached a point where I couldn't deal with the pain any more.
I didn't have health insurance (because I was on Fellowship), so I went to the Student Health Clinic.
The next year is a long story, but I was advised to leave school to get a job with benefits (healthcare) so I did. (The doctors had planned expensive & extensive surgery, which they ended up not doing.)
At any rate, I ended up seeing a pain mgmt doc who started as a Psychiatrist. Because of that, he was just as concerned about me living a rewarding, fulfilling life as he was at treating my pain with meds!
Unfortunately, I had to move after a few years (for job), and it took a number of years to find another doctor like him, but eventually I did. He helped me to "have a life," even though every day was filled with excruciating pain.
(In addition to severe muscle spasms, which by now have spread down my legs to feet--mostly just extensor muscles, I also have pain in muscle attachments. There are a few places that are chronic, but at any time, any joint can flare up & become unusable due to inflammation of muscle attachments (estheitis).
As long as i get my "2 hours of sleep," I'm good!
(I tell my wife that often.)
And I've since learned to treasure the time I'm awake during the night. I accomplish thinking that is different from any other time, and sometimes I learn new things (I read, watch TV History & Discovery channels, etc).
But, I have been very fortunate in my my life. I am truly blessed.
I have truly lived a life that is "larger than life," and I know it's because of my attitude, but it would NOT have been possible without these 2 doctors that I was fortunate to meet. They emphasized "quality of life" AND helping to manage severe pain.
(Unfortunately, the 2nd doctor has been unavailable to me since 2010, and he has since acquired Parkinson's Disease. He cannot practice any more, so I feel for him. I know how dedicated he was.)
I am "just getting by" with regard to pain management, but I AM getting by.
This "opioid crisis" has been especially difficult for patients (like me) with intractable chronic pain.
Especially in the town where I live, but I digress.
This is about how blessed I am, and my life!
And how doctors like YOU are so needed. I hope your attitude and philosophy will affect other doctors, and cause them to follow in your footsteps!
I have many talents which I have developed for the purpose of helping others.
I'm now a Copywriter, and I recently focused my niche. Specifically, I'm using all my training, experience and my God-given "superpowers" (empathy & sincerity) to write for Healthcare, Medical Device & Biotech firms.
I'm advertising myself as the Renaissance Copywriter on LinkedIn.
My diverse expertise sets me apart from others (along with my positive and non-judgemental attitude.)
I also write on my 2 substacks, the first is Jeffro's Wellness Insights.
Jeffro55.substack.com
The 2nd is about teaching people how to program their subconscious to be successful at anything they desire.
BrainEngage.substack.com
I still love helping people, it's my primary mission in life!
So, I first want to thank you for being so generous by practicing your trade of "whole people" medicine, and sharing your wisdom, and all the other things you're doing.
(Unfortunately, at this time I cannot afford to be a paid subsciber to your "inner circle" of people who get a preview to your book.)
But, if it's free, I'll subscribe to your Substack.
The bottom line is ...
If you EVER need any help with writing, or any other skills I have, please, please contact me, I would be excited to help you!
I want everyone to know about your "whole person" approach to medicine & health!
(Sorry for the looooong comment!)
Sincerely,
>>"Jeffro"
Dear Jeffro,
Thank you so much for your incredibly generous and heartfelt message. I truly felt your words and I’m deeply moved by your resilience, your attitude, and the way you've turned such intense personal challenges into a life of service and purpose.
Your story is powerful. The way you've navigated pain, uncertainty, and systemic shortcomings in healthcare is inspiring. I’m especially touched by your recognition of the doctors who made a real difference in your life. That kind of care is what we need more of, and it’s exactly what I hope to contribute through my work.
I also really appreciate you taking the time to connect so personally with what I shared about my mom. Losing her the way I did continues to fuel my commitment to changing how we approach health. Your empathy means a lot.
Regarding the book, we are currently accepting a small group of readers into our Advance Reader Copy team, people who are genuinely interested and committed. We’ve had a few disappointing experiences in the past sharing the manuscript and never hearing back, so we’re being more intentional this time. But your message left no doubt in my mind, you’re exactly the kind of person I’d love to have on board. Please feel free to add your details to the ARC list. I'd be honored to have your feedback and perspective on the book!
And as for your offer to help with writing, thank you, truly. We’ll definitely keep your contact on file for future projects. Your energy and passion are contagious.
Wishing you continued strength, creativity, and healing, and above all, those precious two hours of sleep you cherish.
Warmly,
Sara
Correction - Venice Italy was not the site of Bezos wedding because of a brilliant show of resistance by the local residents due to the damage it would do to the tourism industry in Venice
What a wonderful post. I plan on being one of Kristina's success stories one day. I hope I get to be a beta reader for Sara's book.
Thank you so much Charisse. I just read your comment on the Advance Reader Copy team list and I can totally relate. I’d love to stay in touch, and we’ll definitely keep you in mind. Excited to hopefully have you as one of our early readers soon!