What happens when the caregiver becomes the patient? In this powerful conversation with Carolyn, a nurse with over 40 years of experience, we pull back the curtain on what it's like when healthcare professionals find themselves on the other side of the stethoscope.

Carolyn shares her raw, unfiltered experience dealing with debilitating hand pain that woke her up at 2 AM with what she describes as "a 20 on a scale of 1-10." Despite her extensive medical knowledge, she found herself navigating the same frustrating maze of specialists, contradictory diagnoses, and months-long wait times that many patients face. Her conscious decision not to reveal her nursing background during appointments offers a fascinating glimpse into how healthcare providers might experience treatment differently than ordinary patients.

The conversation dives deep into the patient experience from a unique dual perspective. Carolyn explains why even healthcare professionals need to advocate for themselves, seek second opinions, and question treatments that don't feel right. After initially being diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and scheduled for surgery, further testing revealed no nerve impingement—highlighting why blind trust in a single medical opinion can sometimes lead patients down unnecessary paths.

Beyond medical insights, Carolyn reveals how she maintains balance through prayer, music, and line dancing despite her physical limitations, and shares her journey as an international author writing under the name AKA Gentry. Her story reminds us that behind every white coat is a human being who may be fighting their own health battles while caring for others.

Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone navigating the medical system, this episode offers valuable wisdom on being educated about your condition, empowered to use your voice, and engaged in your treatment. Subscribe now and join our community as we continue exploring the human side of healthcare!