House Calls - Case #02 Athena

2024/10/29

Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast

Key Insights

Why did it take so long for Athena to receive a correct diagnosis for her condition?

Athena experienced symptoms starting at puberty, around age 11 to 13, but was misdiagnosed multiple times. She was formally diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) at age 28, after 15 years of symptoms and 7 years from her first medical consultation.

Why did Athena feel a deep sense of shame and isolation when dealing with her condition?

Athena internalized shame and guilt from the onset of symptoms, especially after a doctor misdiagnosed her condition as a result of poor hygiene. This reinforced her worst fears about her body and pushed her into isolation.

Why did Athena decide to become an advocate for people with HS?

Athena found empowerment in talking to other patients and sharing her story. By being the first to open up, she created a safe environment for others to connect and share their experiences, which is crucial for breaking the isolation and stigma around HS.

Why did Athena's story have a significant impact on the HS community?

Athena's story resonated deeply with many people who had similar experiences. Her bravery and honesty helped others feel seen and understood, and even led to a doctor diagnosing a patient with HS after listening to the episode.

Why has Athena's condition improved so much recently?

Athena is on a combination of medications, including a new biologic and spironolactone, which have significantly reduced her symptoms. She has also undergone surgeries to remove HS and has lost 125 pounds, which has improved her overall health and energy levels.

Why has Athena's weight loss had a positive impact on her life?

Losing 125 pounds has given Athena the ability to move her body in ways she couldn't before, increased her energy levels, and reduced the stress of medical appointments. She feels more confident and is now more active with friends and family, creating a life that fulfills her.

Chapters

Athena Giorgolini battled Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) for 15 years, starting with pimple-like abscesses during puberty. At 21, a doctor misdiagnosed her condition as a perianal abscess due to poor hygiene. A decade later, after another misdiagnosis of MRSA, a young doctor finally correctly identified her condition as HS.

Athena experienced HS symptoms since puberty (around 11-13 years old).
She was initially misdiagnosed with a perianal abscess and later with MRSA.
The correct diagnosis of Hidradenitis Suppurativa came at age 28.

Shownotes Transcript

In this bonus episode, we introduce Symptomatic: House Calls. Throughout Season 3, we will reconnect with past guests to get updates on how they’ve been managing their conditions and how their lives have changed since appearing on the show.

For our first House Call, we revisit Athena from Season 1, Episode 2. As a young teenager, Athena began experiencing painful, pimple-like abscesses that were misdiagnosed for years.

Spoiler alert in case you haven’t listened to this episode…

Athena was eventually diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory condition. Join host Lauren Bright Pacheco as she catches up with Athena to hear exciting life updates and her latest experiences living with HS. Discover the challenges she’s faced, the progress she’s made, and the significant moments that have shaped her life.

See omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

House Calls - Case #02 Athena 18:18 Share