Bendy Bodies with Dr. Linda Bluestein

In this episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein welcomes Dr. Ilene Ruhoy, a board-certified neurologist and environmental toxicologist, for an in-depth discussion on brain fog, cognitive dysfunction, and chronic fatigue in conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and dysautonomia. Dr. Ruhoy shares insights on the immune system’s role in neurological symptoms, the impact of mast cell activation, and the role of treatments like peptides, IVIG (intravenous gammaglobulin), plasmapheresis, and immune modulators. They also discuss the hidden effects of histamine on the brain, how sensory sensitivity contributes to fatigue, and the role of regenerative medicine in connective tissue healing. This episode is packed with cutting-edge research and practical solutions for improving cognitive function and energy levels. Takeaways: Brain Fog & Fatigue Are Linked to Immune Dysfunction: Cognitive dysfunction in conditions like EDS, MCAS, and POTS is often tied to inflammatory responses and immune dysregulation rather than just histamine alone. Plasmapheresis & IVIG Can Help Some Patients: For severe cases, plasmapheresis removes inflammatory mediators from the blood, and IVIG helps regulate immune function, leading to cognitive and fatigue improvements. Histamine Plays a Complex Role in Brain Function: While histamine can trigger symptoms in MCAS patients, it also has neuroprotective effects, making antihistamine overuse a potential issue for some. Sensory Sensitivity Increases Cognitive Load: Many people with EDS and related conditions experience hypersensitivity to light, noise, and smells, which can overwhelm the nervous system and worsen fatigue. Regenerative Medicine May Support Connective Tissue Repair: Peptides, stem cell therapy, and targeted immune modulation are promising areas of research to help strengthen connective tissue and reduce systemic inflammation. Connect with YOUR Hypermobility Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/. Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/. Learn more about Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! Learn about Dr. Ilene Ruhoy Instagram: @IleneRuhoyMDPhD TikTok: @IleneRuhoyMDPhD Podcast (YT): @Unraveledpod Twitter: @RuhoyMD Bluesky: @ruhoy.bsky.social Keep up to date with the HypermobilityMD: YouTube: youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Twitter: twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd Facebook: facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast Blog: hypermobilitymd.com/blog Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, delves into the intricate connections between the immune system and hypermobility disorders with Dr. Kara Wada. A quadruple board-certified physician and Sjogren's patient, Dr. Wada shares her expertise on mast cell activation syndrome, autoimmunity, and the role of inflammation. Discover holistic approaches to managing these conditions and gain valuable insights into the latest research and treatments. Don't miss the special hypermobility hacks at the end! Takeaways: Interplay Between Immune System and EDS: The immune system plays a significant role in hypermobility disorders, with conditions like mast cell activation syndrome and autoimmunity frequently seen in patients with EDS. Differences in Allergy and Mast Cell Activation: Allergy involves the immune system's memory of proteins, whereas mast cell activation syndrome can be triggered by various factors, often without the presence of traditional allergies. Inflammation's Role in Chronic Conditions: Chronic inflammation is a core issue in many modern diseases, including EDS and autoimmune disorders. It's the body's prolonged response to injury or infection that can lead to various health issues. Impact of Hormones: Hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, significantly influence immune system functioning and can affect conditions like POTS, often seen in EDS patients. Holistic and Lifestyle Approaches: Managing EDS and related conditions can benefit from holistic approaches, including anti-inflammatory diets, regular movement, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques such as meditation and journaling. Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/.   This episode is sponsored by EDS Guardians. If you want to learn more, check them out here: https://www.edsguardians.org/    Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.🎧 Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/.        Learn more about Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓 Learn about Kara Wada: Website: https://www.drkarawada.com/ Instagram: @immuneconfidentmd Youtube: @drkarawada Keep up to date with the HypermobilityMD: YouTube: youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Twitter: twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd Facebook: facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast Blog: hypermobilitymd.com/blog Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, hosts a captivating conversation with Lara Bloom, President and CEO of the Ehlers-Danlos Society. Lara shares her journey in advocating for rare diseases, the progress made in Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and the upcoming updates in diagnostic criteria. Tune in to learn about the challenges, successes, and future directions in EDS research and patient care. Takeaways: Global Progress: The Ehlers-Danlos Society has significantly advanced global awareness and research on EDS and HSD. Diagnosis Challenges: Misdiagnosis and lack of understanding among doctors persist; re-education efforts are ongoing. Bloom's Journey: Lara Bloom's path from volunteer to CEO highlights the impact of lived experience in advocacy. Diagnostic Criteria Update: The 2017 criteria for hypermobile EDS will be revisited by 2026, involving extensive research and collaboration. Movement and Self-Care: Regular physical activity is crucial for managing EDS and HSD symptoms, as emphasized by both Bloom and Bluestein. Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/.   This episode is sponsored by EDS Guardians. If you want to learn more, check them out here: https://www.edsguardians.org/    Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.🎧 Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/.        Learn more about Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓 Learn about Lara Bloom: Website: https://www.larabloom.com/ Twitter: @larabloom Instagram: @lara.bloom Youtube: @LaraBloom Keep up to date with the HypermobilityMD: YouTube: youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Twitter: twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd Facebook: facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast Blog: hypermobilitymd.com/blog Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back, every Bendy Body! In this special episode, I wrap up season four and share exciting plans for season five. Join me as I reflect on our journey, from focusing on high-risk populations like dancers and gymnasts to diving deep into medical topics. Listen in for gratitude-filled shoutouts from our wonderful listeners as I read their heartwarming reviews! See you soon for Season 5! Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/.    Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them..🎧 Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/.     YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would it look like if people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome finally had a true medical home? In this episode of Bendy Bodies, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Dr. Ina Stephens and Dr. Dacre Knight to share the story behind the newly launched University of Virginia Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Center, how it came to be, why it was urgently needed, and what makes it fundamentally different from traditional models of care. The conversation explores the power of integrative, multidisciplinary care, the consequences of fragmented systems, and why early recognition, especially in pediatric patients, can profoundly change lifelong outcomes. Dr. Stephens and Dr. Knight discuss what patients can expect when seeking care at UVA, how research and clinical care are being built together, and why clinician education is essential to closing long-standing gaps in EDS care. The episode also features a major announcement: a new collaboration between Bendy Bodies and the UVA EDS Center, uniting global patient education with academic medicine to help reshape how connective tissue disorders are understood, taught, and treated worldwide. For anyone searching for what meaningful progress in EDS care could look like, this conversation offers a glimpse of what’s possible. Takeaways: EDS care is most effective when it’s coordinated, not scattered across disconnected specialties. Early diagnosis, particularly in children, can prevent years of physical and emotional harm. An “EDS home” model helps reduce gaslighting, burnout, and fragmented care. Academic medicine is beginning to catch up, creating space for evidence-informed, compassionate treatment. Education itself is a form of care, benefiting both patients and clinicians navigating complex conditions. Find the episode transcript here. Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Want more Dr. Dacre Knight? https://x.com/knidac Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www\.bendybodiespodcast\.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www\.human-content\.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is one of the most misunderstood, and underrecognized, conditions in modern medicine. In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Dr. Lawrence Afrin, one of the world’s leading experts on mast cell disease, to unpack why MCAS is so often missed, why tryptase alone is not enough to diagnose it, and how this condition may be driving chronic inflammation, neurologic symptoms, psychiatric symptoms, and even hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) in some patients. They talk about why MCAS can look completely different from one person to the next, how mast cells influence nearly every system in the body, and why so many patients are told “nothing is wrong” despite being profoundly unwell. We also explore emerging treatments, including GLP-1 medications, and what the future of MCAS research may hold. If you or your patients live with complex, multisystem symptoms that don’t fit neatly into one diagnosis, this conversation may change how you see everything. Takeaways: MCAS rarely looks like classic allergy, which is why it’s so often overlooked. Normal tryptase does not rule out mast cell disease, despite what many clinicians believe. Chronic multisystem inflammation is the biggest red flag for MCAS. MCAS may help explain hypermobile EDS in some patients, not as a genetic collagen defect but as an immune-driven process. New therapies are discussed, offering real hope for improved quality of life. Find the episode transcript here. Want more Dr. Lawrence Afrin? http://www.aimcenterpm.com Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www\.bendybodiespodcast\.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www\.human-content\.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Dr. Eric Singman, a neuro-ophthalmologist who lives at the intersection of the eyes, the brain, and the complex symptoms so many people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome experience. They dig into why EDS patients often struggle with vision even when everything looks “normal,” why convergence problems and visual fatigue are so common, and how conditions like POTS, mast cell activation, Chiari malformation, and cervical instability quietly affect how we see. They also talk about dry eye, visual snow, glare sensitivity, elevated intracranial pressure without papilledema, and why so many EDS patients are sent down expensive treatment paths that may not actually help. This conversation is part science, part myth-busting, and part reality check for anyone who’s been told their symptoms don’t make sense. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, confused, or overwhelmed by eye and vision issues in connective tissue disorders, this one’s for you. Takeaways: Normal eye exams don’t mean your vision problem isn’t real, especially for people with EDS. Many vision symptoms in EDS are collateral damage, not primary eye disease. Convergence issues are often blamed, but fatigue, cognition, and neck instability may be the real drivers. Dry eye in EDS is more complex than “use drops”, especially with mast cell involvement. The neck may be the missing piece in vision, brain fog, headaches, and reading difficulty. Find the episode transcript here. Want more Dr. Eric Singman? https://www.umms.org/find-a-doctor/profiles/dr-eric-lowell-singman-md-1881654804 Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www\.bendybodiespodcast\.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www\.human-content\.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this expansive and deeply affirming conversation, Linda Bluestein and Shimi Kang explore a powerful idea: true healing comes from connection, not control—especially when living with chronic pain, nervous system dysregulation, or complex, overlapping conditions. They unpack the neuroscience of emotional regulation and why chronic pain so often disrupts attention, focus, and cognitive flexibility—issues frequently labeled as “brain fog” or misattributed solely to mood or motivation. The discussion also dives into the growing recognition of overlap between neurodivergence and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, exploring how sensory sensitivity, pain, autonomic stress, and dopamine dysregulation may be biologically intertwined. The conversation examines how constant tech stimulation and dopamine overload can further impair resilience, focus, and emotional regulation, particularly in already taxed nervous systems. They also explore emerging research on psychedelic-assisted therapies, including how substances like psilocybin may help unlock stored trauma, shift pain pathways, and support nervous system recalibration. From the culture of medicine to the lived experience of chronic illness, they name the often-unspoken role of shame in blocking connection, care, and recovery—inviting listeners to rethink how we relate to our bodies, our brains, and what it truly means to heal. Takeaways: How chronic pain and nervous system stress impair focus, attention, and executive function The emerging connection between neurodivergence (e.g.; ADHD, autism, dyscalculia, dysgraphia etc.) and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes Why dopamine overload—from phones, apps, and constant stimulation—can worsen pain and emotional regulation How psychedelic-assisted therapies may help release stored trauma and alter pain pathways Why unspoken shame in medicine and chronic illness interferes with healing and connection Why whole-person healing requires honoring the brain–body–nervous system connection Find the episode transcript here. Want more Dr. Shimi Kang? https://x.com/drshimikang https://www.instagram.com/drshimikang/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/drshimikang/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfqNKUKkxgM8M7Psn2f8fPA https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshimikang/?originalSubdomain=ca Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www\.bendybodiespodcast\.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www\.human-content\.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your chronic pain, bloating, or fatigue wasn’t in your head, but in your blood vessels? In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with vascular surgeon Dr. Robert Hacker, who’s on the front lines of diagnosing and treating complex conditions like MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome), Nutcracker Syndrome, May-Thurner Syndrome, and pelvic venous congestion syndrome, conditions that disproportionately affect women and often go undiagnosed for years. Together, they dive into the frustrating diagnostic delays, the overlap between vascular compression and syndromes like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and EDS  (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), and how new surgical approaches are offering hope. Whether you're navigating chronic pelvic pain, unexplained GI symptoms, or fainting episodes, this conversation breaks down the misunderstood links between your veins, nerves, and connective tissue—and what to do about them. Takeaways: MALS isn’t rare, it’s rarely diagnosed. Dr. Hacker explains the symptoms and scans to look for when your gut symptoms don’t match the tests. Why so many women are misdiagnosed with IBS or anxiety. Pelvic venous congestion, Nutcracker Syndrome, and May-Thurner often mimic more common conditions—but require totally different treatments. The surprising connection between vascular compression and POTS. It’s not just nerves, your veins might be compressing in ways that worsen dysautonomia. Surgery isn’t a silver bullet, but it can be life-changing. Dr. Hacker shares what makes a good surgical candidate and how his team helps patients navigate workup and recovery. When your connective tissue works against your vascular system. Hypermobility and EDS can make vascular compression more likely and more complicated to treat. Find the episode transcript here. Want more Dr. Robert Hacker? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlvascular/ Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Go to Cozy Earth now for a Buy One Get One Free Pajama Offer from 1/25-2/8! Yes, go to cozyearth.com they are doing a BOGO pajama promo. Just use my Code: BENDYBOGO Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www\.bendybodiespodcast\.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www\.human-content\.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Office Hours episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein tackles some of the most challenging questions from our listeners and dive deep into the overlooked intersections of hypermobility, surgical complications, and neurodiversity. What happens when five rectal prolapse surgeries fail? Dr. Bluestein breaks down why so many surgical interventions fall short for people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and what you must consider before your next procedure, including essential imaging, anesthesia concerns, pelvic floor support, and mesh alternatives. Then, she explores a lesser-known but increasingly discussed connection: how vision dyspraxia and dyscalculia often go hand-in-hand with hypermobility, and why challenges with balance, motor planning, and even math might be far more physical than we think. Plus, you'll hear my own hypermobility hack for surviving the dreaded shampoo bowl at the salon. Whether you're navigating chronic pain, misunderstood learning challenges, or a body that just won’t follow the rules, this episode is packed with the nuanced insight you’ve been waiting for. Takeaways: Why rectal prolapse surgeries often fail in HEDS and the exact workup to request before considering another one. The real risks of mesh, sutures, and tension-based surgical repair in connective tissue disorders. How vision dyspraxia and convergence insufficiency can disrupt learning and quality of life and why they’re so common in EDS. Dyscalculia explained: not just a math issue, but a brain-body mismatch often missed in neurodiverse bendy bodies. Two hypermobility hacks worth stealing including a genius way to get your hair washed without neck pain. Find the episode transcript here: https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/rectal-prolapse-dyscalculia-dyspraxia-the-connective-tissue-connection-office-hours-ep-177/ Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www\.bendybodiespodcast\.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www\.human-content\.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with Lara Bloom, President and CEO of The Ehlers-Danlos Society, for a revealing look behind the curtain of the Society’s ambitious global roadmap to 2026. What will it take to finally change the trajectory for people with EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes) and HSD (Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders)? Why have progress and awareness lagged for so long? And what is happening right now around the world that could shift everything? Together, they unpack the systemic obstacles still tripping up patients, from years-long diagnostic delays and rampant misinformation to critical gaps in research, policy, and clinical education. Lara shares the driving force behind her vision for global change and the monumental international effort unfolding to move EDS and HSD into the spotlight they’ve long deserved. If you’ve ever wondered why the system feels stuck, or what it might take to finally break through, this conversation offers rare insight and genuine hope. Takeaways: Lara reveals why global alignment across policy, education, and clinical care could be the missing key to major breakthroughs for EDS and HSD. The episode exposes the hidden consequences of misdiagnosis and why early recognition, especially in children, may be more urgent than most clinicians realize. Linda and Lara dig into how outdated terminology and dismissive provider attitudes continue to shape patient experiences in ways few talk about openly. Lara shares how her personal journey fuels her global leadership and why patient voices are becoming impossible to ignore in research, advocacy, and policy. The international symposium and roadmap point toward real momentum, but lasting change will require unprecedented collaboration across borders and specialties. Find Episode Transcript here: https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/the-roadmap-that-could-change-eds-forever-with-lara-bloom-ep-176/ Want more Lara Bloom? Website: https://www.larabloom.com/ Twitter: @larabloom Instagram: @lara.bloom Youtube: @LaraBloom Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Linda's favorite powdered Vitamin C Product: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd/list/3PBOYTJKW5YIX?ref_=aipsflist Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www\.bendybodiespodcast\.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www\.human-content\.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this info-packed episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with cardiologist Dr. Alexis Cutchins, an expert in pelvic venous disease (PVD) and POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), to tackle one of the most misunderstood vascular conditions in complex patients. From treatment options and expected outcomes to what really happens after embolization procedures, they unpack the physiology and the myths. Plus, they dive into GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, long COVID symptom overlaps, heat intolerance, and why certain movement strategies backfire for patients with hypermobility, POTS, and other connective tissue conditions. They also trade tips on hydration, travel, pelvic support, and how to build movement back into your life, even when your nervous system fights you at every step. Takeaways: Dr. Cutchins explains how PVD impacts the whole body, causing fatigue, pelvic pain, and even mimicking other disorders. Weight loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide can help, but only in the context of a larger strategy that considers joint instability, hormonal shifts, and gut function. They discuss how patients with PVD or dysautonomia are especially sensitive to warm environments and what that teaches us about blood flow and pressure regulation. From favorite exercises to subtle red flags, they explore how to reintroduce movement without triggering crashes or setbacks. Compression, salt loading, movement timing, and cooling tools can turn a nightmare trip into a manageable one. Want more Dr. Alexis Cutchins? Find the episode transcript here. https://www.instagram.com/drcutchins/ https://youtube.com/@DrCutchins?si=pNvR2A6eFOL4vS9m Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www\.bendybodiespodcast\.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www\.human-content\.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think EDS and pregnancy is a straightforward conversation? Think again. In this jam-packed Office Hours episode, I dig into everything I wish someone had told me and everything I’ve since learned from patients, research, and my own pregnancies. From racing heart rates and failed epidurals to postpartum complications and misunderstood mental health shifts, we’re laying it all out. We explore rapid labor, prolapse risk, anesthetic resistance, dysautonomia flares, pelvic floor fragility, and why some babies bruise easier than doctors expect. Whether you're prepping for pregnancy, navigating birth, or recovering afterward, this is your roadmap for a more informed journey. Takeaways: Pregnancy with EDS or HSD isn't automatically high-risk, but it comes with specific concerns like tissue fragility, anesthesia resistance, and prolapse that OBs may overlook. Labor can be rapid and unpredictable in people with connective tissue disorders, making delivery planning (and backup plans) especially important. Local anesthetics may not work as expected, so communicating prior resistance to meds like lidocaine is crucial for anesthesia teams. Postpartum recovery often takes longer, with higher risk of complications like joint instability, slow healing, and mental health shifts, including postpartum depression. Medical students with EDS should choose specialties with pacing and physical demand in mind, considering how residency schedules and procedures might affect long-term career sustainability. Find the episode transcript here. Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www\.bendybodiespodcast\.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www\.human-content\.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Professor Tara Renton, a globally recognized expert in orofacial pain, to explore the nuanced world of facial pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and migraine disorders. Together, they unpack why so many patients suffer from persistent facial, jaw, or head pain despite “normal” scans and what magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) can reveal that traditional imaging might miss. They also dig into local anesthetic reactions, the limitations of pain scales, and how to distinguish between healthy vs. unhealthy pain. . Takeaways Professor Renton explains how magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) can detect nerve irritation that typical MRIs may miss, especially in TMJ and facial pain cases. You’ll hear how migraine-related nerve dysfunction can present as jaw pain, facial burning, or unexplained dental sensitivity without classic migraine symptoms. They explore how patients with conditions like mast cell activation may react to preservatives or delivery mechanisms in numbing agents, even if allergy tests are negative. The conversation questions whether traditional 1-to-10 pain rating tools capture the lived experience of chronic nerve or facial pain and what alternatives might help. Dr. Bluestein and Professor Renton discuss how to recognize pain that signals normal healing versus pain that points to long-term nerve dysfunction or central sensitization. Find the episode transcript here. Want more Professor Tara Renton? Website: https://orofacialpain.org.uk/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKw1La6H5Dw Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-renton-a5999018/?originalSubdomain=uk Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www\.bendybodiespodcast\.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www\.human-content\.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this raw and uncompromising conversation, Dr. Linda Bluestein and co-host Jennifer Milner sit down with Skylar Brandt, principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, for a gripping look at what it truly takes to perform at the highest level. Skylar pulls back the curtain on the physical and psychological demands of elite ballet—the toll it takes, the constant adaptations required to avoid breakdown, and the pressure of sustaining a career where your body, your art, and your livelihood are inseparably intertwined. She speaks candidly about navigating the challenges of less-flexible feet in an industry that glorifies extreme range, and why the dance world must rethink the “more is better” mentality. But one of Skylar’s most powerful messages is the importance of listening to your body—learning when to push, when to modify, and when to stop—wisdom that applies not only to dancers, but to anyone striving for longevity in a demanding field. This episode dives into the high-stakes intersection of artistry, athleticism, body awareness, and survival, offering a rare and riveting look behind the curtain of one of the world’s most unforgiving professions. Takeaways: Skylar reveals how elite performers balance on the edge of injury, often compensating in ways that hide the real damage. Despite growing awareness, the aesthetic of fragility still reigns and muscular dancers are often questioned, even sidelined. Jennifer and Dr. Bluestein challenge the outdated idea that power ruins grace and Skylar proves it’s possible to embody both. Skylar shares how her body learned to work around instability and what happened when those patterns stopped serving her. From pelvic stability to core engagement, Skylar’s journey shows how science-backed support can extend performance careers. Find the episode transcript here. Want more Skylar Brandt? Instagram: @skylarbrandt Want more Jennifer Milner? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.milner/?hl=en Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www\.bendybodiespodcast\.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www\.human-content\.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein brings on her producers to help unpack the hidden complications that can follow seemingly routine medical procedures. From the lingering effects of breast surgery to the controversial use of nitrous oxide, Dr. Bluestein explores how standard treatments can backfire, especially for patients with EDS, MCAS, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). She also dives into the surprising risks of cervical collars, and why something that feels stabilizing may actually worsen pain over time. If you’ve ever been told your symptoms “shouldn’t be happening,” this episode might finally connect the dots. Takeaways Dr. Bluestein explains how this commonly used sedative can trigger or worsen neurological symptoms in vulnerable patients and why you might want to avoid it. From scar sensitivity to chronic nerve pain, Dr. Bluestein explores the challenges many face but few anticipate. You’ll learn when collars are truly helpful and when they might prolong instability, weakness, and pain. This condition affects the nervous system in ways most clinicians miss. Dr. Bluestein breaks down how to recognize early signs and advocate for better care. Dr. Bluestein reveals the disconnect between standard protocols and what EDS/MCAS patients actually experience in the OR and during recovery. Find the episode transcript here. Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www\.bendybodiespodcast\.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www\.human-content\.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein brings on her producers to ask your most pressing questions about what it’s really like to live with and treat Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). From the pitfalls of internet misinformation to the hidden ways MCAS impacts medication tolerance, Dr. Bluestein shares her unique perspective as both a physician and a patient. With honesty and a touch of humor, she tackles everything from her least favorite diagnosis to how she manages confusing or contradictory advice. Whether you’re new to these conditions or deep in the weeds, this conversation brings clarity to complexity. Takeaways: Dr. Bluestein dives into why some patients need significantly more, or less, medication to stay under, and why it’s not your fault if things felt “off.” She explores how connective tissue disorders can affect everything from wound healing to joint positioning on the table. Learn how dysautonomia, MCAS, and EDS can complicate anesthesia depth and pain perception during and after surgery. Linda reflects on how emotional trauma and sensory overwhelm can turn recovery into a mental marathon and why that deserves more attention. From advocating for specific anesthesia plans to bringing your own blanket (really), Dr. Bluestein shares what patients can do to stay safer and more comfortable. References & Resources: Find all articles mentioned in this episode at bendybodiespodcast.com. Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Janet Settle to unpack the medical mystery that is mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and why it may be hiding in plain sight as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, or even psychosis. Together, they explore how immune system dysregulation can masquerade as psychiatric illness, and why so many patients are misdiagnosed, medicated, and misunderstood. With deep expertise in trauma-informed psychiatry, Dr. Settle explains how MCAS and other overlooked conditions could be the real cause behind persistent mental health symptoms and what it takes to finally get the right diagnosis. Takeaways: Dr. Settle explains how MCAS can present as psychiatric symptoms like panic, depression, or brain fog—long before classic allergy symptoms appear. The conversation explores how common psych meds can actually exacerbate MCAS-related symptoms in some patients, leading to confusing outcomes. Learn how past trauma and immune dysregulation may work together to create a complex feedback loop—affecting mood, cognition, and inflammation. Many patients are labeled with mental illness for years before MCAS or other immune-based conditions are considered. Dr. Settle shares why this misdiagnosis is so common. Discover how identifying MCAS and understanding its psychiatric presentations can open the door to treatments that actually work—and a life patients didn’t think was possible. Find the episode transcript here. References & Resources: Find all articles mentioned in this episode at bendybodiespodcast.com. Want more Dr. Janet Settle? https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-settle-md-b2666142/ www.janetsettle.com www.Gateway2Healing.com Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this emotionally charged episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein talks with Tilly Rose, the founder of That Oxford Girl and the author of Be Patient, about what it’s like to face palliative care as a young adult and come out the other side fighting for change. They explore how Tilly transformed her private pain into public advocacy, why chronic illness is so often misunderstood in young people, and what happens when you rewrite your identity in the face of a diagnosis. This is a story of resilience, reinvention, and the radical act of showing up when the world doesn’t know what to do with you. Takeaways What happens when a diagnosis rewrites your life story and how can you reclaim the pen? Tilly shares the moment that inspired Be Patient and the raw honesty behind turning medical trauma into a memoir. Learn how she balanced life at Oxford with hospital stays and how those parallel worlds reshaped her idea of “achievement.” Why do so many young people with chronic illness feel unseen and what does Tilly believe needs to change? Discover how That Oxford Girl evolved from a quiet act of self-expression into a global movement of validation, empathy, and empowerment. Tilly reveals why sharing her story became both a lifeline and a catalyst for a more compassionate future. Find the episode transcript here. References & Resources: Find all articles mentioned in this episode at bendybodiespodcast.com. Want more Tilly Rose? https://www.instagram.com/thattillyrose/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/people/Tilly-Rose-Author/61575923876707/?_rdr https://www.linkedin.com/in/tillyrose/?originalSubdomain=uk https://www.tiktok.com/@thattillyrose?lang=en Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein speaks with Dr. Alexis Cutchins, a cardiologist passionate about uncovering missed and misunderstood diagnoses. One of those? Pelvic Venous Disease, a condition affecting countless patients but rarely identified. They explore how PVD can mimic or exacerbate conditions like dysautonomia, MCAS, and chronic pelvic pain and how many patients are left cycling through specialists without answers. From diagnostic challenges to emerging treatments, this episode will change the way you think about pelvic pain and complex multisystem illness. Find the episode transcript here. Have a question you’d like answered in Part 2 with Dr. Cutchins? Submit here! Resources mentioned: Learn more about Sheer Health WHO Oral Rehydration Salts Study Want more Dr. Alexis Cutchins? Find @drcutchins on Instagram and YouTube Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices