Organize 365 Podcast

653 - Advocating For Your Own Medical Needs

May 12, 2025
Sarah Hart Unger, a pediatric endocrinologist and co-host of the Best of Both Worlds podcast, shares her surprising journey from marathon runner to facing a medical emergency. During a race, she experienced a life-threatening condition, Arrhythmic Cardio Myopathy, which transformed her understanding of health and fitness. Unger discusses the importance of advocacy within the healthcare system, maintaining personal medical records, and the invaluable support from her family during her hospital stay. Her experience highlights the need for preparedness and effective communication in medical crises.
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ANECDOTE

Unexpected Cardiac Event Story

  • Sarah Hart-Unger experienced a sudden cardiac arrhythmia during a half marathon leading to hospitalization.
  • She required an implanted defibrillator after a week in hospital and numerous tests identified arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
ADVICE

Use Notes and Manage Expectations

  • Write down your questions during hospitalization to avoid forgetting them when no one is available to answer.
  • Accept that diagnosis may take time and expectancy management is critical during complex illness.
INSIGHT

Value Trends Over Single Lab Results

  • Trends in lab results matter more than individual readings for assessing health status.
  • A stable abnormal level may be less concerning than a rising trend from a normal baseline.
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