UnabridgedMD
Bringing Hope, driven by science. Isabelle Amigues, MD, is a physician scientist with a speciality in rheumatology. She has trained both in Paris, France as well as Columbia University, in New York City. At age 40, in the midst of an existential crisis, she was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer. A timely meeting with a non-traditionally trained practitioner taught her a different approach to disease. She experienced the power of meditation, visualization, energy healing and love. Her journey through cancer inspired her to learn more about these alternative approaches, and now that she has studied many of them she has integrated them into her own practice of medicine. Dr. Amigues is the author of multiple book chapters and scientific articles in rheumatology. She is the founder and CEO of UnabridgedMD.
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From Pain to Possibility: Cliff’s PMR Journey to Remission with Dr. Isabelle Amigues
In this hope-filled episode of the UnabridgedMD Podcast, Dr. Isabelle Amigues sits down with Cliff—a former patient—to trace his journey from sudden, debilitating pain and months of uncertainty to full remission and a return to the life he loves. After being dismissed and delayed elsewhere, Cliff found UnabridgedMD, received an accurate diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), and followed a clear, compassionate plan: calm the “fire” of inflammation, treat decisively, and taper safely. Within a few months he was off steroids, symptom-free, and cleared to travel to Africa—proof that partnership, precise listening, and a treat-to-target mindset can change everything.
💡 Show Notes — Topics Covered:
The First Signs: Sudden, severe morning pain and stiffness in hands, shoulders, and hips; difficulty lifting arms or walking; classic PMR pattern.
Temporary Relief, No Plan: Prednisone erased symptoms—but primary care tapered rapidly without next steps; NSAIDs did nothing.
The Missing Piece: Months of delays and “arthritis” labels despite negative serologies; wife suspects PMR from research and advocates for a rheumatology referral.
Getting Seen—Fast: UnabridgedMD schedules Cliff within a week (then next-day); Dr. Amigues listens to the story, confirms PMR approach, and sets a remission goal.
Treat the Fire, Then Taper: Short-term steroids to control inflammation plus a disease-modifying plan; thoughtful, stepwise taper off steroids and then other meds.
Full Remission & Freedom: By February 2025, Cliff is off all meds, symptom-free, and cleared for Africa travel vaccinations—no relapse.
Partnership Over Paternalism: Why listening to patient narratives (and even patient research) matters; doctors as guides, patients as partners.
Life After Pain: Retiring the business, reclaiming energy, and re-prioritizing what matters—time, travel, and health.
Practice Model Insight: How more time in a direct-care setting supports precise diagnosis, fewer meds, and better outcomes.
Hope for Others: Many inflammatory conditions can reach remission with the right plan; don’t give up and don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion.