🎙️ Episode 7: “Emily E"

Welcome to Pineal Stories, the podcast that gives voice to those living with symptomatic pineal cysts — a condition often dismissed, misunderstood, and under-researched.

In this powerful episode: Emily shares her story of struggling to understand what was happening, quick action and an incredible timeline!

🧠 You will hear many more stories like this in this series. These are not rare cases. These are people. And their voices matter.

🔍 In This Episode:

• Personal account of worry and fear over symptoms and sick leave from work
• Symptoms and patterns, many of which are shared across patient experiences
• The return of Fun Mom!

💡 Resources & Links:

• Visit our website: pinealstories.com
• Learn more about pineal cyst symptoms and advocacy
• Share your story or contact us: pineal.stories@gmail.com

🎵 Credits:

Music: "What I Waited For" by Kikoru – Licensed via Epidemic Sound

📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday

In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Pineal Stories, we meet Nicole, a 35-year-old from Waiehu, Maui, whose life has been profoundly impacted by a pineal mass. Pre-surgical but optimistic, Nicole shares her 15-year journey from her first debilitating symptoms in 2009—migraines, vertigo, visual disturbances, and fatigue—to the challenges of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and passed between specialists.

Nicole opens up about losing her career as a florist, adapting to part-time caregiving, and coping with daily limitations in basic self-care. She details frightening episodes, including syncope, seizure, and prolonged vertigo, alongside the emotional toll of isolation and uncertainty.

Throughout her story, she emphasizes the critical importance of doctors who listen, the life-changing discovery of an online support community, and her growing hope in pursuing surgery with Dr. Patel—one of the few neurosurgeons specializing in symptomatic pineal cysts. Nicole also discusses possible links between the pineal gland, melatonin, immune system regulation, and her autoimmune conditions, calling for more research and awareness.

This episode is a raw, inspiring reminder of the resilience required to navigate complex, often misunderstood medical conditions—and the hope that comes with finally being heard.

In this groundbreaking episode of Pineal Stories, we sit down with two of the most pivotal figures in the movement toward recognizing symptomatic pineal cysts: Dr. Sunil Patel, Chair of Neurosurgery at the Medical University of South Carolina, and his longtime PA, Jared Nix. Together, they’ve evaluated and operated on hundreds of patients whose lives were deeply affected by pineal cysts—many dismissed by the medical community until they found their way to MUSC.

Dr. Patel shares how one unexpected recovery changed the trajectory of his career and sparked a quest to understand why some pineal glands grow, why they might become symptomatic, and what the gland might actually be producing. Jared Nix provides insight into what it's like to walk with patients from intake to follow-up, sharing moving stories of transformation and cautious hope.

This episode covers:

• The origin of Dr. Patel’s interest in pineal cysts
• The surgical risks and outcomes of over 300 cases
• How families often see improvements before patients do
• The challenge of moving the needle in the broader medical community
• Honest reflections on uncertainty, responsibility, and the limits of current science

You’ll also hear from Kelly, a former patient, and host Michael, as they reflect on their personal experience—from crisis to recovery—and the profound impact of this team’s work on their family.

This conversation is honest, emotional, and essential listening for anyone living with—or treating—symptomatic pineal cysts.