I talk openly about fear, loss, and the layers of pain connected to my brother, my father, and my mother, and how this release felt different from anything I’ve experienced before. Instead of days of emotional rebalancing, I found myself grounded almost instantly, as if something I’d been holding onto for far too long finally let go.

This episode reflects on what it means to feel safe in your body with another person, to lean into grief without being consumed by it, and to notice the quiet, powerful shift that happens when you begin to truly process and release what you’ve been carrying.

Listener discretion advised: This episode includes discussion of grief, family loss, and emotional processing.

I begin by reflecting on how this session differed from my first, including subtle but meaningful changes in the pre-session environment and the clinical check-in process. I share the follow-up questions my care team asked based on what I experienced in the days between sessions.

This session also marked a dosage increase, moving from 45mg to 55mg, which opened the door to a noticeably different internal landscape. I describe what surfaced once the ketamine was administered: the themes, sensations, and insights that emerged, and how they connected to my ongoing work with medical trauma, grief, and nervous-system regulation.

As always, this episode is offered through both a personal and professional lens, bridging lived experience with clinical and performance-psychology perspectives for practitioners, patients, and anyone curious about how ketamine-assisted therapy can support healing in the context of injury, illness, and loss.

This episode is intended for educational and storytelling purposes only and does not replace professional medical or mental health care. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any treatment decisions.

This episode is intended for educational and storytelling purposes only and does not replace professional medical or mental health care. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any treatment decisions.

Medical & Mental Health Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and experiences shared reflect personal perspectives and do not replace consultation with a licensed physician, mental health professional, or other qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, mental health concern, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical or mental health advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please contact your local emergency services immediately.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Shay and Clancey as they share their lived experiences navigating the complex and often evolving dynamics of caregiving and support. Their conversation offers valuable insights into building and sustaining an effective support system, including the importance of well-organized medical documentation, establishing clear and consistent communication channels, and engaging in difficult but necessary discussions surrounding power of attorney and shared decision-making.

They also offer meaningful insights into what supported them both as a couple and as individuals, ensuring that Heather received the care she needed while Danny, as a caretaker, was supported as well.

I’m deeply grateful to be able to curate and share this information with you, and I’m excited for all that this season of the podcast will bring to our community. As always, if there are topics or episodes you’d like to hear, please don’t hesitate to reach out; I’d love to hear from you.

Medical Disclaimer

The content shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views, experiences, and opinions expressed are based on personal experience and research and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical care.

I am not a medical doctor, and nothing shared on this podcast should be interpreted as medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you heard on this podcast.

Listening to this podcast does not establish a patient–provider relationship. Any decisions regarding your health should be made in collaboration with your medical team.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact emergency services immediately.

I go into more detail about:

• When I first noticed the hernia

• How I made the decision to move forward with surgery

• The conversations I wish I had with my surgical team beforehand to help reduce the traumatic impact

If you or your loved one has experienced a hernia post-op, feel free to share in the comments. I genuinely believe the current data doesn’t fully reflect how common these can be after abdominal surgeries, especially open-abdominal procedures. Much love to you all!

Unfortunately, the in-patient stay following my hernia repair turned out to be the most difficult hospital experience I’ve had, leaving me feeling unexpectedly helpless. In this episode, I break down what happened during that stay and contrast it with what made my best in-patient experience so positive. I also share practical recommendations to help you, and your loved ones, advocate more effectively and potentially avoid similar challenges.

As always, I’m sending you all so much love as you continue navigating this space. You are not alone!

Now, for this episode, recorded on the doorstep of my next surgery, which is a hernia repair and endometriosis excision, I open up about one of the most universally frustrating parts of the American healthcare experience: insurance. From endless phone calls and pre-authorization delays to the emotional toll of waiting for approval just to receive the care you need, this episode explores the hidden stressors that accompany our medical journeys.

As I share my own recent experience navigating an insurance and pre-authorization nightmare leading up to my surgery tomorrow (10/27/2025), my goal is to validate what so many of us feel but rarely talk about: that medical trauma doesn’t begin or end with the procedure itself. It’s woven through every frustrating, exhausting interaction we have with a system that too often forgets we are more than just dollar signs.

If you’ve ever felt unseen or overwhelmed by the bureaucracy that stands between you and your healing, I hope this episode helps you feel a little less alone.

Also, to be clear, this episode isn’t about bashing anyone. It’s about acknowledging the shared struggle on all sides and finding empathy for everyone involved in navigating a system that’s just as overwhelming for those working within it as it is for those trying to access care.

• Her second IVUS experience: what it was like being awake vs. fully sedated, the pros and cons of each approach, and the benefits of seeking a second opinion from Dr. Peter Stratil

• Why renal angioplasty can be a viable treatment option for NCS that many don't know about

• How endometriosis, not May-Thurner Syndrome, was the main source of her pelvic pain

The road to an NCS diagnosis can be long and filled with exhausting testing to determine whether major surgery is truly the right step. Kat’s story offers not only clarity, but also empowerment. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or still searching for answers, we hope this episode helps you feel less alone and more informed.

MCAS is a complex and often misunderstood condition, and for many in our community, it presents as a comorbidity that can make an already challenging path even harder. Lilly opens up about:

• The specific symptoms that led her to suspect something more was going on

• The diagnostic process she went through to finally get answers

• The medications, supplements, and strategies she currently uses to manage her MCAS

While MCAS can be a life-long condition, Lilly’s story is one of resilience and empowerment. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or still searching for answers, we hope this episode helps you feel less alone and more informed.

Below is additional information Lilly shared during the episode to support your journey navigating MCAS and vascular compressions:

• Phone Application: InTolerApp
• Test to request: Tryptase (blood) & 24-hr urine collection
• Medications: Cromolyn Sodium 10mg (prescription), Pepcid AC, multivitamin, and Clartin or Zyrtex (OTC)

• Supplements: DAO enzyme, vitamin C
• Cookbooks: Search "low histamine diet cookbooks" to find different recipes that appeal to you
• Article: Kirk, C. (2023). The Important Role of the Lymphatic System and Mast Cell Involvement in Nutcracker Syndrome and other Abdominal Vascular Compression Syndromes

If you have any questions or would like to share your own story, feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you so much for listening!

I’m also thrilled to introduce Dr. Brooke Rundle (she/they), a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in Colorado. Dr. Rundle brings deep experience with IFS and joins me to explain what IFS is, how it works, and why it can be such a powerful tool for those of us facing complex and chronic medical conditions.

In addition to our conversation, I share vulnerable moments from my personal experience using IFS both before and after my kidney autotransplants, as part of my journey with NCS. My hope is that this episode shines a light on a therapeutic approach that has been truly transformative for me.

If you're interested in learning more, here are some helpful resources related to Dr. Rundle and IFS:

• Dr. Rundle’s website – for those seeking IFS therapy in Colorado

• IFS Institute Directory – to find an IFS therapist near you

• The Somatic IFS Workbook – especially helpful for those living with chronic pain

• Rocky Mountain Equality – Free therapy for uninsured LGBTQ+ folks in Colorado (3 months of access through Rocky Mountain Equality)

I hope this episode brings value to your journey. Sending big hugs and lots of care your way!

The specific techniques I discuss include:

• Goal-Setting (2:55)

• Self-Talk (16:20)

• Relaxation (28:46)

• Imagery/Visualization (45:48)

To support your mental journey, here are some helpful resources:

• Diaphragmatic Breathing Demonstration

• Pain Management Relaxation/Imagery

• Healing Relaxation/Imagery

• Loving-Kindness Meditation (Compassion)

Although this podcast series is specifically centered on NCS, the mental strategies discussed can be valuable for anyone navigating chronic illness. If you know someone who could benefit, I encourage you to share this episode with them.

The Three-Phase Model of Injury breaks down our experiences into the following stages:

• Phase I: Reaction to Injury
• Phase II: Reaction to Rehabilitation
• Phase III: Reaction to Return to Life

The Stress-Injury Model (discussed at timestamp 31:15) explores the various factors that influence how we cognitively process our diagnoses. These include:

• Personality

• Medical History

• Coping Resources

My hope is that this episode provides a strong foundation to help you better understand why these diagnoses can feel so overwhelming—and to reassure you that your struggle is valid and shared. In the next episode, I’ll dive deeper into specific interventions and tools you can use during both the pre- and post-operative phases of your journey.

Sending you all so much love.

If there are other medications that I didn't mention in this episode that worked wonders for you, please drop them in the comments so we can have a running list of medications others can ask for in their respective doctor's appointments.

Anti-anxiety:

• Buspirone: 10mg, 3x daily
• Clonazepam: 0.5mg, as needed

Anticonvulsants:

• Gabapentin: 300mg, 3x daily

Muscle Relaxers:

• Methocarbamol: 500mg, as needed

• Tizanidine: 2mg, as needed

• Cyclobenzaprine: 10mg, as needed

Pain Medication:

• Oxycodone: 5mg, as needed

Stool Softeners, BABY!

• Colace (or off brand) w/ stimulant laxative

Personally, when my vascular symptoms first began—before we even knew they were vascular-related—I started to notice a decline in my dental health as well. Now that I’m on the other side of my kidney autotransplant, I’m starting to connect the dots. That major decline in my oral health was likely the result of several vascular compression complications: reduced blood flow to my teeth, side effects from medications, malnourishment due to appetite issues and frequent vomiting, and even radiation exposure.

I felt this topic deserved its own episode because dental health is yet another area that can be affected by vascular compressions—often without us even realizing it. And while I know you have a lot on your plate, don’t forget to keep up with your bi-annual dental checkups. Staying proactive can go a long way in helping to mitigate the dental effects of these complex conditions.

As mentioned in this episode, I use the Sweetguard nightguard (lower, 2mm option). While they are middle of the road as far as price goes, I have truly enjoyed this product as it doesn't feel like I have something in my mouth at night; it doesn't impact my sleep quality. Here's the link for those interested: https://sweetguards.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooDa4Sq_RPJh4vxys5Nfwa-zHNz8-NFMOoAJe9Qmj2wJRgiaecr

Tracey is not only a longtime friend and colleague, but also someone who really did her homework when I invited her to join us. She took the time to research Nutcracker Syndrome and brings both foundational and specialized knowledge to the table. Here’s a quick overview of what we cover in this episode:

• The difference between a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a Nutritionist—and why it’s important to work with an RD
• Feeding tubes and when they’re considered
• Gaining weight as a possible way to help increase the fat pad between the aorta and the SMA
• Nutritional strategies for before, during, and after NCS surgery
• How to find a RD + tips for navigating insurance + red flags to watch for when vetting an RD

• Key lab values to keep an eye on

If you’re interested in working with Tracey, you can reach her on Instagram at @rupp.nutrition or by email at ruppnutrition@gmail.com.

As mentioned in the episode, here are a few additional resources to help you find a Registered Dietitian in your area:

• https://www.eatright.org/ – The official website of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• https://www.healthprofs.com/country-selector – Choose which country in which you are located. Then click the “Nutritionist/Dietitian” link on the main navigation pane. From there you can insert your zip code, making sure you are looking for someone with an “RD” credential.  
• You can also check with your insurance provider to see which RDs are in-network
• Or ask your specialist/primary care doctor for a local RD referral they trust. 

As a friendly reminder, nothing on this show, including this episode, is providing you with medical advice. Rather, I simply share my lived experience navigating the vascular compression space + some of the things I have learned from the conversations with various doctors. Dr. Kelle Oberle is my hormone specialist; she is wonderful. In our conversation yesterday, which is what I detail in this episode, we explored the relationship with hormone health and endovascular--how our hormones do play a role as it regards vascular integrity. I hope this information helps you feel more empowered to navigate this journey in the best way that suites you. If you have any thoughts, please don't hesitate to drop a comment on this episode to help continue the conversation.

As always, you are welcome to share your lived experience in the comments + notes ways in which we can better advocate for ourselves in this space. Because I refuse to continue to just be a number. Big hugs to us all!

As a friendly reminder, I am also a sport psychology professor. Prior to becoming a professor, I worked in an applied setting doing mental performance consulting with injured athletes. While NCS is not a sport-specific injury, the research pertaining social support within that space applies here. In this episode, I provide more specifics on how the social support person's personality, history of stressors, and coping mechanisms might interact with that of the NCS patient's. What you can do to act as a buffering effect for the NCS patient. And, in what ways you can approach the conversation on how best to support the NCS patient. As always, if you have questions and/or additional information to share, please leave a comment.

• Flights:
  • Angel Flights: https://angelflightwest.org/
  • Angel MedFlights: https://angelmedflight.com/
  • Lifeline Pilots: https://lifelinepilots.org/patient-information/service-area/
  • Mercy Medical Angels: https://www.mercymedical.org/request-assistance
• Hotels/Housing:
  • The below option were the more financially affordable options provided to me for my stay at UWHealth in Madison, WI; thus, these will not be applicable to you if you are not consulting and/or having surgery at UWHealth. 
    • Best Western Plus InnTower Madison: 2424 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin, 53726
    • Restoring Hope Transplant House: http://www.restoringhope.org/

As always, if you have other recommendations that I did offer on this episode and/or want to offer details on financially affordable options when visiting another NCS surgeons, please drop those tidbits in the comments! Big hug!

Please keep in mind that this is based on my own experience during my inpatient and post-op journey with UWHealth in Madison, WI. I encourage anyone with additional advice or tips to share their thoughts in the comments. These episodes are just the beginning of a larger conversation, and I hope we can all contribute to it! Sending big hugs to everyone! :)

In this episode, I will provide some details on the nuclear medicine scan. I discuss what it is, why it's used for NCS, and the ins-and-outs of the scan from start to finish. Overall, it's a fairly easy scan that I felt was the easiest to complete; however, there are some things I shared in this episode that I wish I would have known before I arrived. I hope this is helpful for you! If you listen and note that your experience was different from mine, not hesitate to leave a comment on this episode to share how your scan was different. Big hugs!

As always, if you have additional information to share, you are more than welcome to leave those in the comments! I would love to hear about your lived experience and how it might have differed from mine. Big hugs to us all!

In this episode, I take a deep dive into all things kidney autotransplant—the surgery I personally opted for. As of this recording, I’m three months post-op. My surgery took place on December 19, 2024, at UW Health in Madison, WI, with Drs. Foley and Phillips, with Dr. Foley as the primary surgeon on my case.

In the first half of this episode, I break down what a kidney autotransplant is and why someone might choose this route. I also explore alternative surgical options for those who may not find transplant surgery to be the right fit. Along the way, I take a side-quest into the way surgeons often cite "success percentages" without fully explaining what those numbers actually represent—and why they can be misleading. Many patients don’t return to their original surgeon when a surgery fails, meaning those failure cases often go unreported. This is why I strongly advise steering clear of surgeons who use these stats to bolster their own egos rather than providing a full picture of the risks and outcomes (12:54 - 18:55 time stamp).

In the second half of this episode (starting at the 21:26 time stamp), I dive into the kidney autotransplant journey in detail. I walk you through the process of securing an in-patient appointment at UW Health, the surgery itself, and what you can expect—from anesthesia to the in-patient experience. I also share some unexpected aspects of my own recovery. My hope is that this information helps you (a) ease any anxiety you might have and (b) equip you with the right questions to ask your surgical team, so you can make the best decision for your own health.

Thanks for tuning in—I hope you find this episode insightful!

In the previous episode (#5), I shared my lived experience with the venogram. In this episode, we take a deeper look into the renal hilar block (RHB). I discuss not only what the RHB is and why it's performed but also provide a detailed account of my experience—from start to finish.

Along the way, I explore the subjective nature of the RHB and the foundational concerns it raises about the test itself. As always, this is my personal experience, and I invite you to share yours in the comments so we can continue the conversation. I also encourage you to keep researching and learning from others—be sure to check out the NCS Facebook group for more information on this topic.

My goal in sharing these details is to help ease any anxiety you might have about this step in the process. In my experience, this procedure was a walk in the park compared to others I’ve undergone on my NCS journey.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to share your own experience in the comments—whether it aligns with mine or differs. And if you're looking for more insights, I highly recommend checking out the NCS Facebook group. It’s an incredible resource filled with valuable knowledge that may answer questions I haven’t covered here.

Before we get into the heart of the discussion, we take a brief detour to talk about insurance—how your plan (or lack thereof) can impact not only the questions you ask but also whether you even have the flexibility to shop around for doctors. As you may already know, navigating the American medical system can be incredibly challenging.

To help, I’ve created an Excel spreadsheet with key questions to ask your doctor. While these questions were created after my in-person autotransplant (AT) appt, and some are specific to that, there are others that are general enough to ask some of your other doctors along the way--for those not pursuing the AT route. You can find it on the NCS Facebook page under the “Files” folder (uploaded on 11/14/2024). I hope this resource, along with our discussion, proves useful to you!

As always, I’d love for this podcast to be a space where we continue the conversation. This is just my personal experience—so drop a comment with yours, or reach out to me on social media @doc_serdner if you have any questions!

As many of you might already know, navigating the world of vascular compressions can feel like a joke—especially if you've been diagnosed with Nutcracker Syndrome. Out of my five-doctor team, only two even knew what NCS was. That’s exactly why I hope this podcast can provide some insight into the steps you can take to move from point A to point B on this journey.

My own path began with my beloved GYN, Dr. Olga Muldoon, who referred me to an interventional radiologist. That’s where I was diagnosed with both May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) and NCS. But please remember—there’s no single way to reach a diagnosis and then embark on the journey. Some of you listening may have discovered your condition through a completely different route, and I love that.

My hope is that by sharing my journey, I can help you find a possible next step and offer guidance on what you can do in the meantime to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible.

Enjoy the episode!

From diagnosis to treatment options, and all the nitty-gritty details in between, this episode sheds light on what it’s really like to navigate life with NCS. Whether you’re personally affected, a caregiver, or just curious about rare vascular conditions, this episode hopefully has something valuable for you. While I will touch on some treatment options in this episode, I will provide more details on these treatment options in later episodes for those who are curious to know the ins-and-outs of these procedures. Stay tuned!

As mentioned in the episode, here's the link to my Medical Detectives podcast episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3QjRbTXWerZ6HWwvIzNnsO?si=8fc4e367af6b4fe3

I hope you enjoy!

I’m so glad you’re here. But if you’ve just been diagnosed, suspect you might have NCS, or are a loved one of someone navigating this condition, I also want to say—I’m sorry you have to be here. NCS is not an easy diagnosis, and my heart goes out to you. Sending you all a big hug as you embark on this journey.

This quick episode will give you a glimpse of what to expect from this podcast. You'll get to know me a little better and learn more about what’s to come. My goal is to make sure you never feel alone in this experience.

If you have any specific questions or topics you'd like me to cover, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on Instagram: @doc_serdner.