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Episode Summary
What happens when a healthcare professional knows something is seriously wrong—but repeatedly hears that everything looks normal?
In this episode of the Empowered Nutrition Podcast, Erin talks with Tina Musselman, MA, LPC, RD, CLT, a registered dietitian and licensed professional counselor who spent eight weeks searching for answers after developing severe gastrointestinal symptoms caused by Cyclospora.
Tina describes the watery diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, bloating, weight loss, profound fatigue, brain fog, and emotional disconnection that disrupted nearly every part of her life. Despite multiple medical appointments, imaging studies, laboratory tests, stool tests, medications, and empiric antibiotics, she still did not have an explanation for her symptoms.
After being told that she may have developed post-infectious IBS and might need to wait months to recover, Tina continued looking for answers. Additional stool testing ultimately identified Cyclospora, allowing her to return to her healthcare team and receive targeted treatment.
Erin and Tina discuss why Cyclospora can be difficult to identify, how persistent gastrointestinal illness affects far more than digestion, and why appropriate testing and respectful self-advocacy matter when symptoms remain unexplained.
They also explore the difference between advocating for yourself and trying to manage an illness without medical care—and why patients and practitioners benefit from approaching difficult cases collaboratively.
Episode Highlights An Illness That Affected Every Part of Life
Tina explains how her symptoms extended beyond diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. She experienced severe fatigue, difficulty concentrating, loss of motivation, weight loss, and a sense of being disconnected from her family, work, and daily life.
Eight Weeks Without an Answer
Before Cyclospora was identified, Tina underwent repeated evaluations that included primary care and gastroenterology appointments, bloodwork, abdominal imaging, multiple stool tests, medications, and several courses of antibiotics.
When "Everything Is Normal" Does Not Match How You Feel
Tina shares the emotional impact of having significant, life-altering symptoms while conventional evaluations failed to provide an explanation.
Cyclospora Can Resemble Other Digestive Conditions
The symptoms of Cyclospora may overlap with food poisoning, post-infectious IBS, and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Symptoms can also fluctuate, which may make the infection harder to recognize.
The Importance of Appropriate Stool Testing
Additional stool testing identified Cyclospora after Tina's earlier evaluations had been unrevealing. Erin and Tina discuss why the testing method and the organisms included on a test can influence what is—or is not—detected.
Targeted Treatment Made the Difference
Once Tina had a diagnosis, she was able to receive treatment directed at Cyclospora. She began noticing improvement early in the treatment process, although rebuilding her health and gut function took longer.
The Gut-Brain Connection Is More Than a Concept
As both a dietitian and counselor, Tina had taught patients about the relationship between digestive health, mood, cognition, and energy. Experiencing a serious gastrointestinal illness gave her a new understanding of how profoundly gut dysfunction can affect a person's mental and emotional well-being.
Self-Advocacy Should Be Collaborative
Advocating for yourself does not require rejecting conventional healthcare or assuming that you know more than your medical team. It can mean documenting your symptoms, asking thoughtful questions, seeking another opinion when appropriate, and continuing the evaluation when your health is not improving.
Recovery May Continue After the Infection Is Gone
Tina also discusses the longer process of recovering after prolonged gastrointestinal illness and repeated antibiotic exposure. Eliminating an infection and fully restoring digestion, energy, nutritional status, and microbial balance are not always the same thing.
About Tina Musselman
Tina Musselman, MA, LPC, RD, CLT, is a registered dietitian and licensed professional counselor with more than two decades of experience helping individuals navigate nutrition, digestive health, behavior change, and the psychological dimensions of wellness.
Her personal experience with Cyclospora deepened her commitment to listening carefully to patients, validating their experiences, and helping people advocate for appropriate evaluation when persistent symptoms remain unexplained.
Resources Mentioned
- Tina Musselman and The Pointe
- Tina's personal account of her experience with Cyclospora
- Information about Cyclospora and cyclosporiasis
- Comprehensive stool testing
- GI-MAP testing
- Food-safety guidance and current public-health notices
- Thrive digestive and gut-health services
Important Note
Persistent or severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other complications. Seek prompt medical care for signs such as inability to maintain hydration, fainting, confusion, blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain, high fever, or symptoms in a medically vulnerable person.
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
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