Also, she started writing her own story and adding famous historical figures who also had migraine. Was Alice in Wonderland actually an aura.....?

Just to throw something intriguing into this episode, I can reveal that we also talk poison.....and children.....and somewhere you will find the Bible.

So - you are more than welcome to listening in on this fresh episode!

As a bonus gift for my devoted listeners - here is a Christmas story written by Al Andrews which I by permission was granted to read.

It is short, it is one of my favourites and in someway describes how life can be :-)

Now, sit down in your favourite chair, make some Swedish Glögg and listen for a few minutes. If you like it - don´t be a spoiler but tell your friends to listen to it as well!

In this thrilling episode, meet dr Karin Dembrower who uses artificial intelligence to detect breast cancer more efficiently than with humans alone.

Published in Lancet. First hospital in the world using the technology in this way.

Listen to this exciting work, but also what Karin thinks of AI in the future, how her coworkers have reacted to it....and how they now have no waiting list for the first time ever!

A big Thank You to everyone who is listening and continues to listen to the new episodes. You never know what the next episode will deal with ……

This time - meet Erwin Lindén! A physiotherapist whose exercises I’ve seen on social media make me strain my muscles just watching them.

But that’s not why he’s here. Working at a back surgery clinic - what is his role? What does he think about surgery for back pain?

We also talk about the Narrative. Mumbo jumbo or something tangible? Dose response - is that only about pain pills or could you talk about exercise in this matter too?

If you get pain when exercising, should you continue or just rest?

This and a lot more is covered or at least touched upon in this episode.

Being an integral part of his pod Tyngre Rehab, Erwin this time is the invited guest in my pod. I am so happy he said yes, and you will be happy you listened to him!

For anyone interested in pain and it’s treatment. Or interested in anything randomly not related to pain. Because that’s how my episodes are. You never know what will hit you. 

THANKS for listening in 2022 and keep going next year!

As a bonus gift for my devoted listeners - here is a Christmas story written by Al Andrews which I by permission was granted to read.

It is short, it is one of my favourites and in someway describes how life can be.

Now, sit down in your favourite chair, make some Swedish Glögg and listen for a few minutes. If you like it - don´t be a spoiler but tell your friends to listen to it as well!

This time it’s a single one - that’s me talking. Although I give you a hint why I am not particularly fond of seminars, leadership lectures, social media quotes and even TED talks, this is not the main issue at hand.

No, I will give you a small glimpse of the intriguing world working with people. Three out of hundreds of patients I meet every year, but they give a special story I think is both enlightening and interesting. Told by me. 

And I talk about Alaska. And why should listen to other episodes.

Come jump right in and join me!

Running the company PixelPappa which wants their coworkers to work from home. By the way please excuse the barking dogs - Í´m working from home. 

He does not believe in personality tests before you hire people.

He helps teenagers from weapons and gangs back to society.

He makes blind kids use Spotify.

He thinks healthcare has something to learn.

He…..well, just listen! These are very well spent 45 minutes! And as always, you can always turn up to the insight episode in case you want a shorter episode. But first - this one!

Well, if you thought that was just a bit too difficult to digest - here is the shorter recap! And of course with some perks to it. My own very strange stories to bind it together. Some things you could do to help yourself. And it´s not really that hard.

And a short, short marketing thing about the next episode.

So you really would miss out if you didn’t listen to this one. Take your 15 minutes now and do it ;-)

He is a physician - a neurologist and pain specialist. So we will talk a bit about neurology and pain. On Ukraine’s journey from being “non-scientific” to having journals, publishing papers and implementing pain knowledge in medical education.

But Volodymyr is also Ukrainian. And Ukraine is at war. Hear what he says about this. How is life, for real? 

And at the end he will tell us how he would like us to support the cause in Ukraine. Probably not the way you think.

This is a very interesting episode of Outsmart the pain - don’t miss out!

If you don´t have time for the long one - try this one, it´s only 10 minutes. And if you like it, why don´t give the others a try?

Next week - another regular show. On a serious matter. Pain. Ukraine. 

His motto being ‘love and respect’ - are these just empty words? How does this work for his employees? How does he work with difficult issues?

He also said Ullared. And then I said omg. Want to know why?

Join me in this episode of Outsmart the pain!

If you haven’t listened to the last episode about energy you can listen to this short recap to get a glimpse! And I even make a connection to persistent pain. And it’s not ‘lack of energy’ or anything else that obvious.

Making you curious? Just 15 minutes of insight. You can do it. 

Energy is on everyone´s mind right now. In Sweden, there is a lot of politics involved in dealing with high prices and what to do about it.

But from a non-political view - what is it all about? How are the prices set? What on earth do the Amish have to do with horse power? And how can all energy on earth be nuclear?

Many questions answered in this episode. Everyone interested in energy really needs to listen to this one! Without politics involved :-)

What can be done if "everything has been tried" ? And what can be done in society in the future to get things going, and going better?

This is the last episode for Season 2 - thank you for listening! It has been a great pleasure having you, and I am looking forward to next season starting in August. Today you will get a little teaser on what is there waiting for you.

Have a splendid summer and please tell your friends to listen to this pod!

Why are some people not getting better in their pain although healthcare is throwing them all different kind of medication?

And society itself, does it do enough in the fight against pain? Well, that was of course a rhethorical question, but what to do about it?

This and a lot more in today´s episode.

Be my guest!

When medication is not the whole solution, or any solution at all, what can you do about your pain (or actually any other condition as well) ?

What is the true problem when not reaching the treatment goal?

We talk about what the psychologist can do. Is there a "golden" therapy like cognitive behavioural therapy, or ACT, or anything else? And how did it all start, actually? 

Why does Rikard not like when we tell the patient to lose weight?

What was that thing about Mozart.....?

You will definitely enter a new world of thinking if you join me in this episode. Since we had so much to talk about, my interview will actually be divided in two parts. This is the first one, next one next week!

Could be that pain - jumping around the body. Getting worse after that surgery that was supposed to help. Or something else.

Could be the patient. Or at least the doctor (or relatives) think something crazy is going on, because s/he is describing something which can not be understood.

Could be the doctor. Why on earth does s/he recommend weight loss when it has nothing to do with my pain?

I will explain why it seems hard to explain, and how to actually do it. And what to do about it. With true patient stories that also are crazy, but then it is probably because I am the one to tell them. 

Come join me! And send me mail commenting on it!

This time I talk with Henrik, an oncologist and professor who developed the Stockholm 3 test, which seems to revolutionize the prostate cancer screening possibilities in Sweden. That is why he won the award "cancer researcher of 2022".

But we do not only talk about this, but about prostate cancer in such. 

I had no idea prostate cancer is well abundant in the Western world, but is also the most common cancer in some countries in Africa. And very rare in Asia. We don´t know why. 

Why does pain not seem to be a big problem any more regarding prostate cancer? Why did Henrik succeed at his current hospital? And what is he talking about with hospitals in Malaysia?

He plays golf; I said you should not hire someone with a low handicap. And I also said you shouldnt recruit a researcher for clinical work. He did not flinch. 

Follow me in this very interesting episode of Outsmart the pain!

The most important thing about this subject is to be able to reason if it is right or not. And not all people - including health care personel - do this reasoning. They already made up their minds. And if a patient "wanting" to take pills, and the health care "refusing" presciptions - how can they eventually understand each other?

Through information. And hopefully this episode will shed some light on things or at least raise some interest. Even including a very practical morphine-based example to show how you need to think in two completely different directions depending on the situation.

Also, a short teaser on next week´s episode with Henrik Grönberg, a professor and oncologist who was awarded "cancer researcher of the year 2022", who will talk about prostate cancer.

If you have 20 minutes to spare - join me in this episode!

Sometimes it works, maybe not perfect but it is better than not taking the pills. And we are satisfied with that.

But then there is pill shaming.

The own feeling that ”this is not good”. And on top of this the surroundings - that is relatives, friends, coworkers and so on, experts on their own who say you should not really take the medication.

In this episode, Carin Hjulström and I talk about the chapter in Överlista smärtan/Outsmart the pain, about medication and the passage about pill shaming.

This is a kind of a two-part medication episode where I next week will continue with my own thoughts, recommendations and patient examples. So be sure to listen to this one to get ahead of next week´s talk as well!

As always, I am so grateful you listen to my pod. Follow me, and tell your friends to listen as well!

I noticed people enjoy these strange stories...so why not make a short episode about this today?

There are some sad stories, so keep out of this episode if you don´t want to hear it today. But I also tell you about the guy who tried to swallow a pair of glasses, and about the one who thought I was trying to find an axe in his leg.

Whether you like it or not - let me know at karsten@karstenahlbeck.com!

If you like it - make sure to tell your friends to listen as well.

Come join me.

Episode image: photo by Kate Stone Matheson on Unsplash

Sometimes there is pain related to a covid infection. What type of pain is that? Who suffers from it (at who seem not to get it)? How is it treated?

Listen to a this shorter episode when I go through how to deal with it. As always, in an as easy way as possible so you won´t get tired listening to me....

Spread the word, and tell people to listen to Outsmart the pain as well!

Be well and prosper.

Although his life has been rough, he now seems to be a very positive and happy guy, adapting very well to situations encountering him. And uplifting stories like this is just what I like to share.

So my talk today will be about Darwin. And Försäkringskassan. How in the world will I make that connection with the last episode? Tune in and listen!

I spice it up with a talk about what makes patients come to our clinic and who are refused...and what the recipy for success is (...or failure) !

A patient story about an eye which hurt....but still didn´t. 

I also have a special shoutout ..... Join me and listen!

And what did that physician do when they could not find anything wrong, more than the severe pain? He sent a referral to the pain clinic. 

Carin´s thoughts about this whole process, the feedback from readers and why she has to re-read her own book many times, you will hear in this episode. Together with some thoughts of my own.

Later on there will be episodes on the contents in the different chapters of "Outsmart the pain" (Överlista smärtan) but today you have the opportunity to see what happened in the beginning.

I wish you a pleasant listening, and I am very thankful for each and everyone who takes of your precious time to listen to this. Take care!

(picture by Gabriel Liljevall)

I will have a "mini-series" together with Carin Hjulström, my co-author in "Outsmart the pain" (Överlista smärtan). We will talk about the different chapters in the book, digging a bit deeper or getting a broader scope. Who knows.

Don´t worry - you don´t need the book or having read it! You will still find the episodes interesting I am sure!

Today I will give you a hint on what we will talk about. My talks with Carin will be a little now and then, but we will start next week!

But in case you are (and I like more personal touches in podcasts), this is a short glimpse into my own journey and how I became a doctor.

What did Texas have to do with it? And what happened to me wanting to be an eye doctor?

Only 20 minutes. You can do it!

Listen to this short episode and see if it makes you wanting to listen to others!

Tell your friends about this pod, and keep on listening!

COMPETITION time!

Write about this pod in any of your social media and tell me att info@karstenahlbeck.com and you can win Cattis´book in English!

She tells us about Facebook groups dragging people with pain down, therefore creating her own, positive and uplifting group.

She tells us about how to go about changing your brain and mindset when pain seems to have stopped it all. Among lots of other intersting stuff.

A very interesting episode even if you don´t suffer from pain. AND there is a COMPETITION! Link this episode (or just say something about the podcast itself) 

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-5eecz-11d844c

on your social media and tell us where you did so to info@karstenahlbeck.com, and you can win Cattis´book in English: "The invisible pain - my faithful companion" (valid for 2 weeks after publishing).

Also, there will be a short info about next weeks´program. What I didn´t tell you was that there will be a ....giveaway for that episode! You can get a book written by my next guest!

So listen to this one. And next week. And then continue on like that.

Welcome!

He does not seem to be afraid to say what he thinks, and although some comments are well concealed within his humour we do cover surgery, opioids, research.....

What is VOMIT? Why are people treated as drug addicts and not adults when using opioids, although it is us in health care who started their treatment? What is all this rubbish in research he is talking about? 

We are being a bit provocative, but hopefully our talk makes your thoughts gather inside your head. And as for myself - I could listen to this kind of English forever. Not mine that is, but mr Aldington´s.

Join me for another great episode which I hope you will enjoy!

This time I talk about Medical Myths, where Simon Körösi tells us about his facts regarding sleep, coffee, pregnancy, PAIN, and other things.

And you also get a teaser of upcoming episodes!

I am happy to have you here - keep listening and tell your friends and colleagues to do as well!

How dangerous is coffee? Can pregnant women eat sushi.....and can you see what gender the child will be just by the shape of the belly?

Is it dangerous to wake someone up who is sleepwalking? This and many more things are covered.

Maybe not busting myths but getting into a very enlightning episode about something as serious as suicide, we also talk about.

But Simon´s own story is interesting enough - being around 30 years old, he has started a maternity clinic in Africa....and he has actually been involved in the Nobel Prize as well. 

This is an episode you can´t miss! 

Simon says.....and you need to listen.

We also talked about how to work with this, and what you can do yourself. I share my thoughts on how this can relate to someone having persistent pain. And I present an upcoming guest, a former "little chap" who will visit this pod in episode 9, as well as next guest (episode 7) who will crush some medical myths among other things.

As I write this, we just passed 2000 downloads! I am so happy to have you with me and hope you continue to listen!

Happy listening.

Why could the Swedish armed forces be a good first employer for a young person?  How do you train soldiers that freeze during action because of the stress? And what in the world is "conduct after capture"?

Niclas tells us about how stress brings out both the best and the worst of us. And that you never can be neutral at your workplace; you can maintain the athmospere, but that´s something different.

We talked about the imbalance between your resources and demands, how to be in the green or yellow zone but not get into the red one. 

I even outed myself a bit, saying how I sometimes feel as head of department, and we talked about management.

And finally I got to ask the question I have been waiting for so long - do psychologists always evaluate people around them? Should I be afraid of this dinner guest....?

Jump right in and join me in this exciting episode!

In the next episode in a week from now, we will meet a psychologist who has been working with the Swedish Armed Forces as well as health care personel in the midst of the pandemic. You can´t miss that. Either.

I am so happy to have you here. Spread the word. 

I had a very interesting talk covering why women might be better surgeons than men, why hospitals actually have made patients more sick and that the system actually is too expensive than necessary. But also about getting an AI emergency room answer in 8 seconds and how to deal with patients who are complaining. 

And why does not that orthopedic procedure solve all pain problems? Do we expect too much from the MRI scans? 

This and much more in this episode interesting for everyone including physicians and managers. 

And - if you spot my Monthy Python reference and tell me at karsten@karstenahlbeck.com  you can be the lucky one getting a signed copy of my book (randomly chosen)! Valid until next guest is visiting my show :-)

Few minutes. Less work. Just listen for a while!

Famous and rewarded for his audio book reading, he enlights us about this. And btw, which musical sounds like throwing 10 basketballs into the orchestra ditch?

He was diagnosed with prostate cancer by coincidence, he tells us his story. He founded a school in Africa for children who lost their parents in AIDS. Stefan also wants to make a movie about rhino poaching (tjuvjakt). He has a lot to say about politics in Sweden including the covid strategy. Do I let him speak or do I tell him to be more modest? Is my own ceiling high enough? You want to listen to this, and also next week’s Insight episode if you want my comments on it!

THANK YOU for having the courage and stamina to listen to my episodes. For a short review, or if you´re new here and want to see what it´s all about - you came to the right place!

I make a very short tour through my episodes. Also, I do a follow-up with someone who said her pain was so much better after 30 years and only a couple of months´treatment at a pain clinic. Could this still be true? See what I found out.

Please tell your friends to listen as well, and if you have any comments - please drop me a line at karsten@karstenahlbeck.com.

I wish you a splendid New Years Eve and the very best 2022 to come!

See you on Jan 9, 2022 for the start of season 2 .....

It is short, it is one of my favourites and in someway describes how life can be.

Now, sit down in your favourite chair, make some Swedish Glögg and listen for a few minutes. If you like it - don´t be a spoiler but tell your friends to listen to it as well!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Among a lot of things. And Paul thinks I do a good thing hosting this podcast. Bless his heart.

I talked to Michael Wiander, who has managed to get 50000 young people to read his 600+ pages adventure books. And they did not even want to read books. Among writing books, Michael also is a chef, a musician and a chessplayer at elite level. And he calls himself a disaster....

I will give a short glimpse of the last episode, but actually turn his advice and own journey into something the person with persistent pain can think of! But again, everyone can listen to Outsmart the pain. Its not about pain alone.

Merry listening!

But Michael Wiander writes childrens books without horror and fantasy. A mix of philosophy, action and adventure. Including things you can learn about the world. In 600 pages. For at least 12 parts. His greatest audience is -  the 11-year old boy who does not like to read !

How did he accomplish this , already reached 50 000 readers? What about him being an elite chess player? And a chef? And why does he say some people should not have become managers?

You really need to listen to this episode. You will broaden your own universe.

Jump right in!

This week I talk about my meeting with Hélène, a physio therapist with 40 years experience working with patients. With pain. 

Treat youself with 5 minutes of quality time!

Hélène Hallström will talk about her job within this field spanning from understanding the problem, research, back surgery, the everlasting question about whether TENS and acupuncture works or not.....among other things. And why did we mention Australia btw?

Jump in and enjoy!

Trust me - it is. Dr Michel Tagliati is a fascinating person to listen to. And we got to cover many different areas in one hour. So take 5 minutes now to see what it was all about!

Join me to find out!

And believe it or not - you will even find some connection with persistent pain in this episode. Come join me!

Sounds strange? Well then - come on in and listen and see what I mean by that.

Join me - I am sure you will not be disappointed!

But she has another very important story to tell. Only 15 years of age, she started a long journey with multiple surgeries for a tumour. When she was cured but still got pain, no one told her about persistent pain. It has affected her, but she told noone about it. 

Now, 30 years later she learned about persistent pain by coincidence....and finally got better! 

Join me and listen to this episode; I am sure you will enjoy it!

Now, he works with paintoolkit.org. Has not seen a doctor or pain medication since. He has become an honourary member of the British Pain Society. He still has pain.....but it does not stop him from anything.

How is this possible? Join me in this episode to find out who Pete is, and what he did - and still does!

But that was not always the case. She tells us about her hard journey through a period without any energy being a full time working mom with three children. What are her suggestions to anyone slowly losing his or her grip? She also tells us about her thoughts abuout social media and which place it should have in our lives. Among other things.

So join me in episode 4 !

Hedvig Söderlund is a professor in psychology and has been active at Uppsala University where she was in charge of Uppsala Memory Lab until the fall 2019. She has spent almost 20 years in human memory research and its organisation in the brain. She has investigated memory, alcohol, depression and also aging and sex differences. Her main interest is the hippocampus!

Now she has started her own company Brain of Sweden and has recently published a book in Swedish - Den utbrända hjärnforskaren.

One in five people suffer with persistent pain, many in silence. It’s time to end the stigma and raise awareness. Listen to alter your perspective and ignite your curiosity. And to just to lift your spirits with off-pain topics as well!