The Queen with One Bean: Turning Nutcracker Syndrome into a Lifesaving Gift

In this episode of Let's Talk Transplant, Michael Lollo sits down with the remarkable LJ, also known as the "Queen with One Bean". A certified psychic recognized as "Psychic of the Year" in 2022 and the current American Miss National Mrs. 2024, LJ shares her harrowing and inspiring health journey.After suffering from a spinal injury and severe abdominal pain, LJ was diagnosed with Nutcracker Syndrome—a condition where the left renal vein is compressed like a nut in a nutcracker. Facing a nephrectomy to relieve her pain, LJ made a groundbreaking decision: rather than just discarding the kidney, she fought to donate it, becoming a pioneer in donating a kidney due to Nutcracker Syndrome.In this episode, we discuss:LJ’s 16 surgeries and her struggle to get a proper diagnosis.The life-changing "LRVT" surgery and the decision to donate her kidney at Weill Cornell.Her partnership with the National Kidney Registry (NKR) to launch the Nutcracker Centers of Excellence, which has already established 10 centers to help patients cure their condition through donation.LJ’s dual life as a psychic medium and how she uses her intuitionWhy self-advocacy is critical when navigating the medical system.Support the show