Podchaser Logo Rate on Podchaser

Episode 20

full
Published on:

11th Oct 2022

Patient Stories: A Huge Shock for an Ultramarathon Runner with Back Pain

While it’s obviously hugely beneficial to hear from the experts when it comes to specific medical problems, looking to the patient files for anecdotes and poignant stories is often equally powerful.

That’s why this episode of Your Doctor Friends is something a little different! Today, we welcome our first-ever patient guest, Jerry Cropsey, who originally visited Dr. Jeremy over five years ago with pain in his right shoulder blade.

As an ultramarathon runner who had suffered several orthopedic injuries over the years, Jerry was sure the source of his pain was musculoskeletal. However, despite several visits to his physical therapist and after undergoing various other treatments, nothing helped.


Today, Jerry shares his unexpected journey from ultramarathon to triple bypass surgery and back, thanks to the timely advice he received from his physicians and the information and support he received from organizations like the Ironheart Foundation, an online community for endurance athletes dealing with heart disease.


This remarkable case study highlights the importance of trusting your instincts, heeding your doctor’s advice (even if it seems strange at the time), and leaning on the support of a like-minded community.


To hear what Dr. Jeremy calls one of the most interesting patient stories he has heard as a physician, you won't want to miss today’s episode!


Topics discussed in this episode:


  • The BACKstory behind Jerry’s shoulder blade pain (excuse the pun!)
  • An unexpected journey from chiropractor to cardiologist
  • The fear and uncertainty that accompanies a triple bypass surgery 
  • Support groups and resources for athletes affected by heart disease
  • Steps Jerry took to transition safely from heart surgery to 50K
  • How Jerry influenced his family members to get tested
  • Our key takeaways from Jerry’s story
  • The importance of trusting your gut and seeking a second opinion
  • Rapid fire: that first shower after surgery, Colorado weather, and more!


For heart disease education, support, and athletic inspiration, visit the Ironheart Foundation.


Looking to connect with individuals impacted by cardiac disease? Join the Ironheart Connect Facebook Group.


Watch HEART: Flatline to Finish Line for an unvarnished look at some of the struggles that athletes with heart conditions go through daily.


Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 


Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!


(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)


Connect with us:

Join our Facebook group – Friends of Your Doctor Friends

@your_doctor_friends (IG, TikTok)

Your Doctor Friends Podcast (YouTube)

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Your Doctor Friends

About the Podcast

Your Doctor Friends
The show that teaches you to sniff out the garbage and answers all the questions you wish you could call or text your doctor friend. Don't get caught in endless web search spirals and stop scouring social media for health answers. Let us be your doctor friends!

About your hosts

Jeremy Alland

Profile picture for Jeremy Alland
Dr. Jeremy Alland is a sports medicine physician at Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH, a renowned, consistently top-10 nationally-ranked orthopedic practice in Chicago, IL. In addition to a busy clinical practice, he serves as the head primary care team physician for the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Dogs, as well as a team physician for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Fire Soccer Club. An avid athlete, Dr. Alland played collegiate baseball for DePauw University before pursuing medicine and enjoys golfing, basketball and stand-up paddleboarding. He lives in a suburb of Chicago with his wife, Katie, two children, Olive and Logan, and their goldendoodle, Archie. He never thought he would have a podcast, but has found it insanely fun and is excited to bring fun and approachability to the most common questions we hear as doctors.

"Work Hard + be kind" -The Alland Kitchen Wall

Julie Bruene

Profile picture for Julie Bruene
Dr. Julie (Julia if we’re being formal, Julia Rose if she’s in trouble) Bruene is a sports medicine physician at Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH, a renowned, nationally-ranked orthopedic practice in Chicago. She serves as a team physician for the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, and DePaul University. Aside from her obvious interests in sports and medicine, she is a true crime obsessive and is a total sucker for rescued cats. She lives in Chicago with her husband and partner-in-crime, Adam, and with several of the aforementioned rescued cats. We don’t need to get into specifics about the exact number here. She likes when people are kind to one another and when animals dress up like other animals. Rock over London, rock on Chicago.