MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories Medical Mysteries - "17 Doctors"
6 snips
Sep 15, 2025 A mother witnesses her son collapse in pain during a hockey game, igniting a quest for answers. During the COVID lockdown, they navigate confusing medical hurdles as various doctors struggle to diagnose him. A dental visit reveals a surprising narrow palate issue, but the real breakthrough comes when AI helps uncover tethered cord syndrome. Hope ignites as they explore the possibility of surgery, leading to a journey filled with mystery and determination.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
First Collapse In The Backyard
- Caroline watched her four-year-old Andrew suddenly collapse in pain while playing in a bouncy house and scream loudly without an obvious injury.
- The pain episodes recurred over days, briefly eased with Motrin, and left her unsettled enough to seek dental and medical opinions.
Palate Expander Partially Helped
- An orthodontist found Andrew's palate too narrow and recommended a palate expander to improve breathing and sleep.
- After the expander, Caroline saw improvement in Andrew's mood and daytime energy, suggesting partial symptom relief.
Seventeen Doctors, No Answer
- Over roughly a year, Andrew saw many specialists: pediatrician, neurologist, ENT, and others without a unifying diagnosis.
- Caroline felt frustrated as doctors treated individual symptoms while the family's appointments multiplied.