In a dance designed for two, what happens when the music stops for one? This week Jer and Tay go OG FGF mode. After introducing the newest member of the team, Haeley, Jer delves into the complex world of conjoined twins, particularly focusing on the rare and heartbreaking scenario where one twin dies but the other lives. We explore the various types of conjoined twins and the medical intricacies involved, from shared organs to separate sensations. Modern medicine offers some the possibility of separation, yet for others, like the famed Abby and Brittany Hensel, separation is not a viable option. To cap it all off, a small exploration of the meaning of Glass Child Syndrome. Not a kid that’s fragile, but a kid who feels like people see right through them. 

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Sometimes, the world we see isn't just defined by light and shadows, but by the stories we tell and the voices we hear. Mara Hutchinson offers the fellas a candid glimpse into her life with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a rare eye disease that affects the retina. She’s lived a journey marked not just by challenges but also by profound resilience. Mara delves into how navigating the world with a white cane (or white stick, depending who you ask) is more than an exercise in mobility—it's a statement of independence and identity. In the wrap, the boys keep the visual disorders going with prosopometamorphopsia. If Picasso was a sociopathic god who designed people, he might have envisioned something like “propsy” as Jer puts it.

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Life is a storyboard, and every chapter counts, especially those we write in advance. Karine Diedrich, the Director of Advance Care Planning at the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) unravels the threads of advance care planning—a blueprint for future healthcare that aligns deeply with one's values and wishes. Karine explains the crucial distinctions between a living will and advance care directives, spotlighting the importance of the Platinum Rule: treating others with the dignity they define. In the Wrap Up the fellas take a deep dive under the surface of the ocean to explore the possibilities of age reversal. In 2023, Dr Joseph Dituri challenged himself to spend 100 days in a habitat located 30 feet underwater. Scuba Steve would be proud, but Brian isn’t impressed.

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In the analog corners of Utah, Libby Slem navigates the digital age with a Luddite's charm and a warrior's grit, facing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This isn't your everyday pain; it's a journey through a rare nerve disease that transforms every facet of life, from motherhood's joys and trials to the heart's metallic beats, courtesy of an atrial septal defect. Libby's candid conversation unfolds the layers of CRPS, beyond the pain to the diagnosis stages, and the sheer impact on her personal and parenting life. With humor and gravity, she delves into the challenges of seeking support in a world barely scratching the surface of understanding chronic pain.

Our recent chronic pain episode

For more info on CRPS

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Isobel's journey isn't just about battling Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS); it's a deep dive into resilience and self-discovery amidst the challenges of chronic illness. Facing skepticism and navigating a world not built for her, she shares the highs and lows of her path to recovery. Isobel walks the fellas through her mission to challenge the status quo by using her TikTok as tool to spread awareness about accessibility (or lack thereof) in London. Isobel's story is a clarion call for awareness and understanding, proving that embracing one's identity can be the first step toward meaningful change.

Be sure to follow Isobel on TikTok: @is0bellywelly

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Forget everything you thought you knew about the birds and the bees because this episode dives deep into the world less spoken of, yet equally vital: anal health. Dr. Gary Bucher, a pioneer in HIV medicine and an advocate for HPV-related disease awareness, illuminates the shadowy misconceptions surrounding HPV and its implications beyond the cervix. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Bucher demystifies HPV's widespread impact, champions the life-saving power of High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA), and advocates for the critical need for HPV vaccinations. From dissecting the groundbreaking Anchor Study to debunking myths about anal cancer detection and prevention, this conversation is a beacon of enlightenment in the often-overlooked field of anal health.

Mommy Has A Lump In Her Bum Episode

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Who knew that a backache could lead you on a journey through the depths of sorrow and the heights of artistic creation? Meet Rhonda, a spirited soul entangled in the web of chronic pain and depression due to a misdiagnosed herniated disc. But Rhonda's story isn't just one of suffering; it's a testament to the transformative power of art. In this episode, she unveils her "Deep Cuts" series, an artful exploration of human resilience amid trauma. With each stroke and collage, Rhonda navigates the tumultuous waters of grief, using her canvas as both a shield and a vessel. Her journey is not just about battling physical pain; it's about confronting the emotional storms and finding solace in creation.

Links: Rhonda's art, Cuts and Paste Gallery, Rhonda's Instagram (@littlebitsofpaperbigart)

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In a world where health meets digital narrative, Dr. Mike Lang and Kristy Wolfe turn the mic to the unsung heroes of healthcare: storytelling. This episode dives deep into the heart of healthcare, illuminated by the guiding lights of digital storytelling. Dr. Lang, a filmmaker and health researcher, along with digital storyteller and photographer Kristy Wolfe, unveil the transformative power of digital storytelling in the realm of health and wellness. Storytelling not only provides therapeutic relief but also fosters meaningful behavior change. From the intimate corridors of personal health journeys to the broader landscape of healthcare practices, the duo discusses the profound impact of digital narratives. This conversation is a testament to the belief that every patient, caregiver, and healthcare provider has a story worth telling—a story that can change minds, heal hearts, and bridge the gaps between us.

Check out Common Language DST

Watch Vittorio's Digital Story

Find Kristy's work

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They say home is where the heart is, but what if too many hearts are left without a home? In a riveting dialogue with Zach Churchill, Opposition leader and MLA for Yarmouth, the boys dive deep into the complex world of homelessness and the urgent cry for affordable housing. As the fabric of Nova Scotia's societal needs unfolds, Churchill sheds light on the intricate dance between the high cost of living, the scarcity of government support, and the vital role of emergency shelters. This conversation doesn't just stay within the borders of Nova Scotia; it ripples out to challenge how we view the social determinants of health and the power of political will to foster change. Wrapping up the episode, the boys take a sharp turn, drawing on Robin Dunbar's eye-opening study from Oxford University. Boys night and brewski’s are not only for the boys, but it’s for your health! The fellas unpack the science behind laughter, endorphins, and the undeniable bond of friendship. It's clear that sometimes, the best medicine doesn't always come in a bottle, but sometimes it does. A bottle full of hops and bubbles. (But remember, sodie-pops are just as acceptable.) Whether it's a debate on affordable housing or the underestimated power of a pint with pals, this episode is an invitation to reconsider what truly makes a community thrive.

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Maybe it’s steroids? Maybe she’s born with it? Wait… no, she’s definitely born with it. It’s HAE. How fitting is it that Rare Disease Day falls on a fairly rare day, Feburary 29th! In this episode, the fellas sit down with Jordyn Campbell, who not only shares her eye-opening journey with hereditary angioedema (HAE) but also how she's punching back with advocacy and awareness. What the hell is HAE? Here’s the elevator pitch - your body decides to puff up like a balloon at the most inconvenient times, thanks to a rare genetic curveball. Welcome to Jordyn's world, where getting swole is just part of the daily routine, no gym membership needed. But there's more to her story than just coping with HAE. Through battles with misdiagnoses and the quest for the right treatment, Jordyn highlights the brighter side of her condition, including her impactful work with HAE Canada and finding unexpected joys in life's challenges. To cap it all off in the wrap-up, the boys are diving into a cheeky discussion about a recent study from plastic surgeons on the ideal male buttocks. Thankfully the Gen-Z consultant came high key came through to translate the science with a zero dose of cringe. The TLDR; This deep dive into male booty aesthetics fills a big ol' gap in the glow-up science, giving us the 411 on what's peak for the peach. These gems could pave the way for next-level booty sculpting moves, making sure bros walking into the OR can walk out feeling 100.

Stick around for the end of the show to hear Jordyn’s latest single “Hit and Run”

Key Takeaways

- Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic condition characterized by severe swelling of various body parts.

- Receiving a diagnosis for HAE can be challenging, with many individuals experiencing misdiagnosis or a lack of clear answers.

- Living with HAE can have a significant impact on daily life, including work, relationships, and sexual activity.

- Advocacy and raising awareness are crucial for individuals with HAE to receive proper care and support.

- The availability and coverage of different medications for HAE vary from province to province, leading to variations in treatment for patients.

- Finding the right drug for HAE patients can be complex, as different drugs work differently for each individual based on their gene mutation.

- The decision to have children when living with a hereditary condition like HAE involves considering the potential impact on the child's life and the parents' preparedness to handle the challenges.

- Genetic testing can provide valuable information for individuals considering having children, allowing them to make informed decisions about their family planning.

- HAE has not taken anything away from Jordyn's life, and she sees it as a part of her normalcy. It has given her confidence, the ability to help others, and a platform to share her experiences.

- Having a hereditary condition like HAE can shape one's perspective on life and provide a unique understanding and preparedness for the challenges it presents.

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In this heart-tugging episode, the fellas dive into a tale of resilience, love, and the complexities of kidney transplantation with one ultimate goal - finding a Kidney for our dear friend, Ellie. Ellie is a rockstar nurse battling kidney disease. She opens up about her journey through kidney failure, dialysis, and the quest for a second transplant after her first one has hit a rough patch. Ellie's story is nothing short of a rollercoaster. She sheds light on the emotional and logistical hurdles of finding a kidney match, all while juggling life with her superhero partner, Keegan, and contemplating the future of their family.

But it doesn’t end there! Jeremie then chats with Candice Coghlan from the Centre for Living Organ Donation, who brings her own kidney transplant tale and heaps of knowledge about the kidney-paired exchange program. Candice debunks transplant myths, giving us the lowdown on how we can play a part in this life-saving process.

To cap it all off, the boys share a laugh over a bizarre encounter with a patient simulation robot that's eerily reminiscent of a 10-year-old boy, because what's a deep dive into medical marvels without a touch of Chucky being sliced open over and over again before ultimately turning on his “care providers”?

Here’s the thing folks. This isn’t just another episode of Sickboy. This is a mission. Help us find a kidney for Ellie! For more information check out the links below.

Key Takeaways

- Kidney disease can have a significant impact on a person's life, requiring dialysis and potentially multiple kidney transplants.

- Finding a compatible donor for a kidney transplant can be challenging, especially for individuals with a high level of antibodies.

- Kidney disease can affect decisions about family planning, and options such as freezing eggs may be considered.

- The kidney-paired exchange program increases the chances of finding a compatible kidney for transplantation.

- Donating a kidney can save someone's life, and individuals can enter the program as directed donors or non-directed anonymous donors.

- Living with kidney disease can take away the ability to feel carefree, but it can also foster empathy for others.

- Nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare system and are often underappreciated and undervalued.

- Spreading awareness about the kidney donation program can help more people find suitable donors.

- The kidney paired exchange program allows people with living donors who are not compatible to find a suitable match through a national registry.

- Potential kidney donors go through a rigorous evaluation process to ensure they are healthy enough to donate.

- Living kidney donors can live healthy, normal lives with just one kidney.

In the event of a potential organ donor, please call (902) 473-2222 and have the on-call Donor Transplant Coordinator at the QEII paged.

Follow Ellie's story on Instagram: @kidneyforellie

Find more information on UHN Transplant:

- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAMBVV4rdvQTo14ts34phBg

- https://www.uhn.ca/Transplant

- Instagram: @givelifeuhn

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