Ask The Patient Advocate

Do you ever feel like your gut symptoms are dismissed because “nothing shows up” on tests?Have you been told your digestive issues are “just stress”—without any real solutions?What if your brain and your gut are having a conversation that your doctor isn’t hearing?In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli welcomes Christina Unger, a nurse practitioner, yoga teacher, and medical technologist specializing in microbiology. Together, they explore a misunderstood and deeply personal topic: Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs)—including IBS, functional dyspepsia, and more.Christina breaks down the science behind the gut-brain connection, explains why traditional testing often comes up short, and introduces powerful mind-body treatments like yoga, diaphragmatic breathing, and gut-directed hypnotherapy.You’ll learn:Why over 40% of the global population has a DGBIWhat happens when stress throws your gut off balanceHow the vagus nerve, microbiome, and nervous system all play a roleWhat holistic, evidence-based options exist beyond just medicationHow to advocate for yourself when you’re told “it’s all in your head”Whether you're newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or just trying to make sense of persistent gut issues, this episode will validate your experience—and give you tools to move forward.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Christina:Sunshine Yoga and Digestive Healthhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-unger-85007b29/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Have you ever wondered if your family’s medical history could hold the key to your future health?Have you lost a loved one to cancer and questioned whether you’re at risk, too?What if one test could empower you with life-changing information—would you take it?In this powerful episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Holly Sabo, a hospital administrator, advocate, and BRCA1 previvor who made the brave decision to undergo genetic testing after losing both her mother and grandmother to ovarian cancer.Together, they unpack:What genetic testing actually is—and why it’s not just for cancer riskWho should consider it and whenWhat happens after a positive result (hint: there are options)How to advocate for yourself and your family with this knowledgeWhy sharing your results could save lives, not just your ownHolly’s story is one of grief, empowerment, and action—and it just might be the nudge you or a loved one need to start asking the right questions.🧬 You deserve answers. You deserve options. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Holly:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokengene.store/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-sabo/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Have you ever left a doctor’s office with more questions than answers?Has your diagnosis felt incomplete, or just flat-out wrong?What do you do when you're told you have a rare disorder—but given no treatment plan, no resources, no hope?If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining things. In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine from Pathway Patient Advocates explore the frustrating, often isolating experience of being misdiagnosed or left in limbo with a rare condition.They break down:Why misdiagnoses happen more often than you thinkThe emotional toll of not being believedHow a private patient advocate can help uncover missed connectionsWhat steps to take when your care plan doesn’t make senseAnd most importantly, how to feel empowered, supported, and hopeful againWhether you’re living with a rare diagnosis, feel like something’s been missed, or just want a second set of eyes on your care—you deserve answers. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward — one step at a time.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

What does it really mean to live with an invisible illness like Lupus?How do you advocate for yourself when doctors aren’t listening?And how do you turn personal pain into purpose—especially for the next generation?In this powerful episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli is joined by Semi Watson—a Lupus warrior, children's book author, and founder of Light for Lupus. Diagnosed after a traumatic health crisis, Sammy shares her decade-long journey with Lupus, the challenges of being heard in the healthcare system, and how she transformed that experience into a mission to educate and empower young people with chronic illness.From breaking down complex symptoms in kid-friendly language to advocating for patient-provider communication, Sammy’s story is one of hope, resilience, and redefining what it means to live boldly with chronic illness.🎯 In this episode, we explore:How to talk to your doctors when they aren’t listeningThe difference between pain and discomfortWhy saying “no” is a complete sentence in healthcareThe story behind her children’s book “Luna and the Tiny Superhero”How Light for Lupus is changing lives one young patient at a timeWhether you're a patient, caregiver, or simply someone looking to better understand chronic illness, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered, informed, and not alone.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Semi:https://www.instagram.com/lightforlupus/https://lightforlupus.com/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Have you or a loved one ever wondered: “Should I consider a clinical trial?”Do clinical trials feel confusing, intimidating, or even risky?Could they actually be a turning point in your care—or someone else’s?In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borelli and Christine demystify the world of clinical trials—what they are, who they’re for, and how they can open doors to life-changing care when traditional options fall short.We break down the most common fears and misunderstandings, from the word “experimental” to insurance concerns, and walk you through what really happens behind the scenes. You’ll also hear how private patient advocates play a crucial role in helping families understand, access, and enroll in trials that fit their unique needs.Whether you're facing a diagnosis, exhausted from limited treatment plans, or simply curious about cutting-edge options, this episode is your guide to the hope, help, and healing that clinical trials can offer.🎯 What You’ll Learn:What clinical trials really are (and what they’re not)How to find out if you're eligible—and how to enrollWhy insurance may cover more than you thinkWhat to ask your doctor (and what they may not know)How private patient advocates simplify the entire processWhether you’re just starting treatment or you’re years into your journey, this episode is your reminder: you always have a choice, and your voice matters.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward — one step at a time.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Have you ever been told your pain is “just part of being a woman”?Do doctors brush off your symptoms, making you feel unheard—or even gaslit?What if what you're experiencing is more than "just bad periods"?In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Nicole Notar, founder of Endo Excision For All, who shares her deeply personal—and all-too-familiar—journey with endometriosis.From years of misdiagnosis and dismissal, to finally receiving life-changing excision surgery, Nicole turns her struggle into a mission to empower others. Together, we break down the medical gaslighting so many patients face, the critical difference between ablation and excision surgery, why insurance barriers are leaving patients behind, and how you can advocate for the care you deserve.Whether you're wondering if you might have endometriosis, struggling to get a diagnosis, or looking for the right care path—this episode is your roadmap, your validation, and your voice.🎙️ Inside this episode:The shocking truth about how long it takes to get diagnosed with EndoWhy so many providers still misunderstand the diseaseThe financial and systemic barriers to excision surgeryRed flags to watch for when choosing a providerHow to get support through advocacy, mentorship, and private patient advocates🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward — one step at a time.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Nicole:nicole@endoexcisionforall.orghttps://endoexcisionforall.org/https://www.instagram.com/endoexcisionforall/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolenotar/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

What if your doctor just doesn’t feel right—but you’re afraid to make a change?Is it okay to switch your oncologist… even in the middle of cancer treatment?Will asking for a second opinion offend your care team—or empower your recovery?In this deeply honest and empowering episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine tackle one of the most sensitive—but most important—questions in cancer care: When is it okay to change your oncologist? (Spoiler: It’s always okay.)💬 In this episode, we explore:Why patients feel afraid or guilty for switching doctorsRed flags that suggest it’s time to get a second opinionWhen during your treatment journey you can make a changeHow to find the right oncologist for you—not just your diagnosisThe critical role of private patient advocates in helping you feel heard, supported, and confidentWhether you’re just starting treatment or you’re years into your journey, this episode is your reminder: you always have a choice—and your voice matters.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward — one step at a time.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Has your insurance ever denied a treatment you desperately needed?Did you feel stuck, overwhelmed—or forced to pay out-of-pocket?What if we told you… a denial isn’t the end of the road?In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine break down the confusing and emotional reality of insurance denials—and more importantly, what you can do about them.💡 You’ll learn:Why insurance denials happen (and how often they’re fixable)The real reasons behind denied claims—and how to spot themHow to appeal the decision (yes, you have the right!)Steps to take before you ever pay a denied billHow a private patient advocate can take the weight off your shouldersWhether you're facing a recent denial or just want to be prepared, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and tools to fight for the care you deserve. Don't give up—get informed.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward — one step at a time.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Have you ever wondered if your DNA could hold the key to better healthcare? Heard of genetic testing but unsure if it’s right for you—or how it even works? Curious about precision medicine but confused by all the buzzwords?In this enlightening episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine break down everything you need to know about genetic testing and precision medicine—from what it is, to who it’s for, to how it can potentially change the course of a diagnosis or treatment plan.🔍 In this episode, we’ll explore:What genetic testing actually is (and what it isn’t)How precision medicine tailors treatment to your unique DNAThe risks and limitations you should consider before testingWhat to do with results that leave you with more questions than answersHow a private patient advocate can help you access, understand, and act on genetic insights✨ Whether you're managing a rare disease, facing unanswered medical questions, or just want to take a more proactive role in your care—this episode is your roadmap to understanding the power (and complexity) of personalized medicine.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward — one step at a time.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com