About this episode

Victoria and Michael provide a raw update on the challenges faced after a major spinal surgery, discussing complications and the importance of self-advocacy in patient care.

Send us Fan Mail One minute we’re hearing, “You can go home,” and the next we’re being warned that leaving in the wrong condition could mean paralysis. That whiplash sets the tone for a raw, honest update from Victoria and Michael after a major spinal surgery that turns into a week of complications, extreme pain, and a crash course in what patient safety really looks like when you’re the one in the bed. We talk through the surgery and the aftermath: blood pressure dropping dangerously ...

People in this episode

Host: Victoria

Guest: Michael

Topics covered

• surgery
• patient safety
• self-advocacy
• health complications
• spinal surgery

More episodes of A Contagious Smile Podcast

• What If The Real Boundary Is Love · July 20, 2026 · 45 min
• This Is What It Takes with Michael Mackniak and Victoria Cuore with special guest Daniel Ryan Cotler. Healing Loudly After Narcissistic Abuse · July 16, 2026 · 57 min
• Somebody Has To Say It Podcast: Are Our Words Making Us Meaner Than We Think with Mike Macknaik and Victoria Cuore · July 14, 2026 · 49 min
• What Legacy Are You Really Building · July 13, 2026 · 49 min
• BRAND NEW PODCAST SOMEBODY HAS TO SAY IT WITH VICTORIA CUORE AND MIKE MACKNIAK · July 9, 2026 · 49 min
• When The Likes Fade, The Truth Stays · July 9, 2026 · 52 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the A Contagious Smile Podcast podcast page.