Podcasts about ehlers danlos

In this episode of The 10 Ninety Podcast, Mason sits down with Brooke Pando for her second appearance on the show. Brooke is the mother of London "Lundy" Pando, who lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 6A—a degenerative condition that leaves her body unable to support her muscles and bones, making every day uncertain. London, now 13, survived a massive stroke in utero at 34 weeks that liquefied three-quarters of her brain, and doctors never expected her to live past her first few hours. Since Brooke's last appearance, her mother Margo Ann Nielsen Erickson passed away suddenly from metastatic pancreatic cancer just three months after diagnosis. Brooke shares the devastating experience of losing her mother—London's best friend and their family's primary caregiver—and how it has intensified the anxiety of knowing London could die at any moment. Brooke opens up about the dream she had months before her mother's diagnosis that warned her of the loss to come, the whirlwind of becoming her mother's full-time caregiver, and the shock of her mother's sudden death despite being on hospice. She talks about the heartbreaking day she and her father went to the cemetery to pick out burial plots—not just for her mother, but five spots total, knowing London would one day be buried there too. Together with Mason, Brooke discusses the impossible weight of living in constant fear of losing her daughter while simultaneously grieving her mother, the guilt she feels for not being as happy as London despite London's daily suffering, and the strain that anticipatory grief puts on her marriage to Blake and her other two children. She shares London's remarkable spirit—a child who calls people five times a day just to talk, who loves Trolls and The Greatest Showman, and who remains the happiest person despite living in constant physical pain. Brooke and Mason have an unflinchingly honest conversation about the questions that haunt them both: Where do our loved ones go when they die? Why do signs and dragonflies appear when we need them most, then disappear? How do you keep living when you know the worst is still coming? And why does grief feel so all-consuming, so relentless, so impossible to escape? It's a raw conversation about anticipatory grief, the loneliness of waiting for tragedy, and the brutal reality that sometimes the only thing we can do is live—because that's what the people we love most would want us to do.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy recently unveiled a new food pyramid and dietary guidelines for Americans that emphasize high-quality protein, dairy, healthy fats, vegetables, and fruits. Whole grains are downgraded, and processed foods and added sugars are discouraged.“We've been consuming this ultra-processed food, which I call human pet food,” says Dr. Shawn Baker. A former orthopedic surgeon and world champion athlete, he's the author of “The Carnivore Diet” and co-founder of the online clinic Revero.“A lot of our food has become very similar to recreational drugs in the way we use and abuse them,” he says.Eating a lot of addictive, ultra-processed food—high in carbs, sugars, and seed oils—drives inflammation and can lead to obesity, diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular problems, gut malfunction, depression, and cancers, he explains.In our in-depth interview, he explains how and why the adoption of low-carb, high-fat diets reduces inflammation and can even reverse chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiometabolic disease.There is even significant evidence that such diets can be used therapeutically for neurological and mental health issues, he says.One of those low-carb, high-fat diets is the ketogenic diet. But what happens when you take keto one step further and go on the carnivore diet?“Carnivore is basically a diet consisting primarily of animal products. So it would be meat. It would be fish. It would be eggs. It would be dairy products,” he says. This means no plant products at all.The carnivore diet is not for everyone, but many people suffering from debilitating autoimmune diseases have healed themselves with such a diet, he says. Mikhaila Peterson has famously documented her transformative experience on an even more restricted version of this diet called the “lion diet.”In our in-depth interview, we discuss many more questions regarding food as medicine and the benefits of a protein-heavy diet, including:- Why people on ketogenic or carnivore diets experience something called ‘keto calm' or ‘zero carb zen.'- Why going on the carnivore diet does not harm your nutritional intake, contrary to what many may think.- Why such diets can help reverse inflammatory bowel disease, Tourette syndrome, and hypermobility, also known as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.It's time for Americans to stop simply relying on America's “disease management system” of drugs and pharmaceuticals, he argues, and instead take their health into their own hands.Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Moyamoya Syndrome Stroke Recovery: Judy Kim Cage's Comeback From “Puff of Smoke” to Purpose At 4:00 AM, Judy Kim Cage woke up in pain so extreme that she was screaming, though she doesn't remember the scream. What she does remember is the “worst headache ever,” nausea, numbness, and then the terrifying truth: her left side was shutting down. Here's the part that makes her story hit even harder: Judy already lived with Moyamoya syndrome and had undergone brain surgeries years earlier. She genuinely believed she was “cured.” So when her stroke began, her brain fought the reality with everything it had. Denial, resistance, bargaining, and delay. And yet, Judy's story isn't about doom. It's about what Moyamoya syndrome stroke recovery can look like when you keep going, especially when recovery becomes less about “getting back to normal” and more about building a new, honest, meaningful life. What Is Moyamoya Syndrome (And Why It's Called “Puff of Smoke”) Moyamoya is a rare cerebrovascular disorder where the internal carotid arteries progressively narrow, reducing blood flow to the brain. The brain tries to compensate by creating fragile collateral vessels, thin-walled backups that can look like a “puff of smoke” on imaging. Those collateral vessels can become a risk. In Judy's case, the combination of her history, symptoms, and eventual deficits marked a devastating event that would reshape her life. The emotional gut punch wasn't only the stroke itself. It was the psychological whiplash of thinking you're safe… and discovering you're not. The First Enemy in Moyamoya Stroke Recovery: Denial Judy didn't just resist the hospital. She resisted the idea that this was happening at all. She'd been through countless ER visits in the past, having to explain Moyamoya to doctors, enduring tests, and then being told, “There's nothing we can do.” That history trained her to expect frustration and disappointment, not urgent help. So when her husband wanted to call emergency services, her reaction wasn't logical, it was emotional. It was the reflex of someone who'd been through too much. Denial isn't weakness. It's protection. It's your mind trying to buy time when the truth is too big to hold all at once. The Moment Reality Landed: “I Thought I Picked Up My Foot” In early recovery, Judy was convinced she could do what she used to do. Get up. Walk. Go to the bathroom. Handle it. But a powerful moment in rehab shifted everything: she was placed into an exoskeleton and realized her brain and body weren't speaking the same language. She believed she lifted her foot, then saw it hadn't moved for several seconds. That's when she finally had to admit what so many survivors eventually face: Recovery begins the moment you stop arguing with reality. Not because you “give up,” but because you stop wasting energy fighting what is and start investing energy into what can be. The Invisible Battle: Cognitive Fatigue and Energy Management If you're living through Moyamoya syndrome stroke recovery, it's easy for everyone (including you) to focus on the visible stuff: walking, arms, vision, and balance. But Judy's most persistent challenge wasn't always visible. It was cognitive fatigue, the kind that makes simple tasks feel impossible. Even something as ordinary as cleaning up an email inbox can become draining because it requires micro-decisions: categorize, prioritize, analyze, remember context, avoid mistakes. And then there's the emotional layer: when you're a perfectionist, errors feel personal. Judy described how fatigue increases mistakes, not because she doesn't care, but because the brain's bandwidth runs out. That's a brutal adjustment when your identity has always been built on competence. A practical shift that helped her Instead of trying to “finish” exhausting tasks in one heroic sprint, Judy learned to do small daily pieces. It's not glamorous, but it reduces cognitive load and protects energy. In other words: consistency beats intensity. Returning to Work After a Moyamoya Stroke: A Different Kind of Strength Judy's drive didn't disappear after her stroke. If anything, it became part of the recovery engine. She returned slowly, first restricted to a tiny number of hours. Even that was hard. But over time, she climbed back. She eventually returned full-time and later earned a promotion. That matters for one reason: it proves recovery doesn't have one shape. For some people, recovery is walking again. For others, it's parenting again. For others, it's working again without losing themselves to burnout. The goal isn't to recreate the old life perfectly. The goal is to build a life that fits who you are now. [Quote block mid-article] “If you couldn't make fun of it… it would be easier to fall into a pit of despair.” Humor Isn't Denial. It's a Tool. Judy doesn't pretend everything is okay. She's not selling toxic positivity. But she does use humor like a lever, something that lifts the emotional weight just enough to keep moving. She called her recovering left hand her “evil twin,” high-fived it when it improved, and looked for small “silver linings” not because the stroke was good, but because despair is dangerous. Laughter can't fix Moyamoya. But it can change what happens inside your nervous system: tension, stress response, mood, motivation, and your willingness to try again tomorrow. And sometimes, tomorrow is the whole win. Identity After Stroke: When “Big Stuff Became Small Stuff” One of the most profound shifts Judy described was this: the stroke changed her scale. Things that used to feel huge became small. Every day annoyances lost their power. It took something truly significant to rattle her. That's not magical thinking. That's a perspective earned the hard way. Many survivors quietly report this experience: once you've faced mortality and rebuilt your life from rubble, you stop wasting precious energy on what doesn't matter. Judy also found meaning in mentoring others because recovering alone can feel like walking through darkness without a map. Helping others doesn't erase what happened. But it can transform pain into purpose. If You're In Moyamoya Syndrome Stroke Recovery, Read This If your recovery feels messy… if you're exhausted by invisible symptoms… if the old “high achiever” version of you is fighting the new reality… You're not broken. You're adapting. And your next step doesn't have to be dramatic. It just has to be honest and repeatable: Simplify the day Protect energy Build routines Accept help Use humor when you can And find one person who understands Recovery is not a straight line. But it is possible to rebuild a life you actually want to live. If you want more support and guidance, you can also explore Bill's resources here: recoveryafterstroke.com/book patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health or recovery plan. Judy Kim Cage on Moyamoya Stroke Recovery, Cognitive Fatigue, and Finding Purpose Again She thought Moyamoya was “fixed.” Then a 4 AM headache proved otherwise. Judy's comeback will change how you see recovery. Judy’s Instagram Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:43 Life Before the Stroke 11:17 The Moment of the Stroke 19:56 Moyamoya Syndrome Stroke Recovery 25:36 Cognitive Fatigue and Executive Functioning 34:50 Rehabilitation Experience 42:29 Using Humor in Recovery 46:59 Finding Purpose After Stroke 54:19 Judy’s Book: Super Survivor 01:05:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Transcript: Introduction and Guest Introduction Bill Gasiamis (00:00) Hey there, I’m Bill Gasiamis and this is the Recovery After Stroke podcast. Before we jump in a quick thank you to my Patreon supporters. You help cover the hosting costs after more than 10 years of doing this independently. And you make it possible for me to keep creating episodes for stroke survivors who need hope and real guidance. And thank you to everyone who supports the show in the everyday ways too. The YouTube commenters, the people leaving reviews on Spotify and Apple. The folks who bought my book and everyone who sticks around and doesn’t skip the ads. I see you and I appreciate you. Now I want you to hear this. My guest today, Judy Kim Cage, woke up at 4am with the worst headache of her life and she was so deep in denial that she threatened to divorce her husband if he called 911. Judy lives with Moyamoya syndrome, a rare cerebrovascular condition often described as the puff of smoke on imaging. She’d already had brain surgeries and believed she was cured until the stroke changed everything. Judy also wrote a book called Super Survivor and it’s all about how denial, resistance and persistence can lead to success and a better life after stroke. I’ll put the links in the show notes. In this conversation, we talk about Moyamoya Syndrome, stroke recovery, the rehab moment where reality finally landed. and what it’s like to rebuild life with cognitive fatigue and executive functioning challenges and how Judy used humor and purpose to keep moving forward without pretending recovery is easy. Let’s get into it. Judy Kim Cage, welcome to the podcast. Life Before Moyamoya Syndrome Judy Kim Cage (01:43) Thank you so much, Bill Bill Gasiamis (01:45) Thanks for being here. Can you paint us a picture of your life before the stroke? What were your days like? Judy Kim Cage (01:51) Hmm. Well, my life before the stroke was me trying to be a high achiever and a corporate nerd. I think so. I think so. I, you know, I was in the Future Business Leaders of America in high school and then carried that forward to an accounting degree. Bill Gasiamis (02:04) Did you achieve it? Judy Kim Cage (02:20) and finance and then ⁓ had gone to work for Deloitte and the big four. ⁓ And after that moved into ⁓ internal audit for commercial mortgage and then risk and banking and it all rolled into compliance, which is a kind of larger chunk there. But ⁓ yeah, I was living the corporate dream and Traveling every other week, basically so 50 % of the time, flying to Columbus, staying there, and then flying back home for the weekend and working in a rented office for the week after. And I did that for all of 2018. And then in 2019 is when my body said, hang on a second. And I had a stroke. Bill Gasiamis (03:17) How many hours a week do you think you were working? Judy Kim Cage (03:19) Well, not including the treble, ⁓ probably 50-55. Bill Gasiamis (03:26) Okay. Judy Kim Cage (03:26) Oh, wish, that wasn’t that that really wasn’t a ton compared to my Deloitte days where I’d be working up to 90 hours a week. Bill Gasiamis (03:37) Wow. in that time when you’re working 90 hours a week. Is there time for anything else? you get to squeeze in a run at the gym or do you get to squeeze in a cafe catch up with a friend or anything like that? Judy Kim Cage (03:51) There are people that do. think, yeah, I mean, on certain particular weekends and my friends, a lot of my friends were also working with me. So there was time to socialize. And then, of course, we would all let off some steam, you know, at the pub, you know, at the end of a week. But ⁓ yeah, I remember on one of my very first jobs, I had been so excited because I had signed up to take guitar lessons and I was not able to leave in order to get there in time. ⁓ so that took a backseat. Bill Gasiamis (04:40) Yes, it sounds like there’s potentially lots of things that took a backseat. Yeah, work tends to be like that can be all consuming and when friendships especially are within the work group as well, even more so because everyone’s doing the same thing and it’s just go, Judy Kim Cage (04:44) Yeah, definitely. Absolutely. We started as a cohort essentially of, I want to say 40 some people all around the same age. And then, you know, as the years ticked by, we started falling off as they do in that industry. Bill Gasiamis (05:19) Do you enjoy it though? Like, is there a part of you that enjoys the whole craziness of all the travel, all the hours, the work stuff? it? Is it like interesting? Judy Kim Cage (05:31) Yeah, I do love it. I actually do love my job. I love compliance. I love working within a legal mindset with other lawyers. And basically knowing that I’m pretty good at my job, that I can be very well organized, that it would be difficult even for a normal healthy person and challenging and that I can do well there. And yeah, no, was, when I had put in a year, when I was in ⁓ acute therapy, ⁓ I had spoken with a number of students and they had interviewed me as a patient, but also from the psych side of it all, ⁓ asking, well, what does it feel like to all of a sudden have your life stop? And I said, well, ⁓ and things got a bit emotional, I said, I felt like I was at the top of my game. I had finally achieved the job that I absolutely wanted, had desired. ⁓ I felt like I’d found a home where I was now going to retire. And all of a sudden that seems like it was no longer a possibility. Bill Gasiamis (06:55) So that’s a very common thing that strokes have over say who I interviewed. They say stuff like I was at the top of my game and there’s this ⁓ idea or sense that once you get to the top of the game, you stay there. There’s no getting down from the top of the game and that it just keeps going and keeps going. And, I think it’s more about fit. sounds like it’s more about fit. Like I found a place where I fit. found a place where I’m okay. or I do well, where I succeed, where people believe in me, where I have the support and the faith or whatever it is of my employers, my team. Is that kind of how you describe on top of your game or is it something different? Judy Kim Cage (07:41) I think it was all of those things, ⁓ but also, you know, definitely the kindness of people, the support of people, their faith in my ability to be smart and get things done. But then also ⁓ just the fact that I finally said, okay, this was not necessarily a direct from undergrad to here. However, I was able to take pieces of everything that I had done and put it together into a position that was essentially kind of created for me and then launched from there. So I felt as though it was essentially having climbed all of those stairs. So I was at the top. Yeah. you know, looking at my Lion King kingdom and yeah. Bill Gasiamis (08:43) just about to ascend and, and it was short lived by the sound of it. Judy Kim Cage (08:49) It was, it was, it was only one year beforehand, but I am actually still at the company now. I ⁓ had gone and done ⁓ well. So I was in the hospital for a few months and following that. Well, following the round of inpatient and the one round of outpatient, said, okay, I’m going back. And I decided, I absolutely insisted that I was going to go back. The doctor said, okay, you can only work four hours a week. I said, four hours a week, what are you talking about? ⁓ But then I realized that four hours a week was actually really challenging at that time. ⁓ And then ⁓ I climbed back up. was, you know, I’m driven by deadlines and… ⁓ I was working, you know, leveraging long-term disability. And then once I had worked too many hours after five years, you know, I graduated from that program, or rather I got booted out of the program. ⁓ And then a year later, I was actually, well, no, actually at the end of the five years I was promoted. So, ⁓ after coming back full time. Bill Gasiamis (10:20) Wow. So this was all in 2019, the stroke. You were 39 years old. Do you remember, do you remember the moment when you realized there was something wrong? We’ll be back with more of Judy’s remarkable story in just a moment. If you’re listening right now and you’re in that stage where recovery feels invisible, where the fatigue is heavy, your brain feels slower. or you’re trying to explain a rare condition like Moyamoya and nobody really gets it. I want you to hear this clearly. You’re not failing. You’re recovering. If you want extra support between episodes, you can check out my book at recoveryafterstroke.com slash book. And if you’d like to help keep this podcast going and support my mission to reach a thousand episodes, you can support the podcast at Patreon by visiting patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke. All right, let’s get back to Judy. The Moment of the Stroke Judy Kim Cage (11:16) Yes, although I was in a lot of denial. ⁓ So we had just had dinner with ⁓ my stepdaughter and her husband ⁓ and ⁓ we were visiting them in Atlanta, Georgia. ⁓ And we said, OK, we’ll meet for brunch tomorrow. You know, great to see you. Have a good night. It was four in the morning and I was told I woke up screaming and I felt this horrible, horrible worst headache ever ⁓ on the right side. And I think because I have, I have Moyamoya syndrome, because of that and because I had had brain surgeries, ⁓ 10 years or back in December of 2008, I had a brain surgery on each side. And that at the time was the best of care that you could get. You know, that was essentially your cure. And so I thought I was cured. And so I thought I would never have a stroke. So when it was actually happening, I was in denial said there’s no way this could be happening. But the excess of pain, ⁓ the nausea and ⁓ it not going away after throwing up, the numbness ⁓ and then the eventual paralysis of my left side definitely ⁓ was evidence that something was very very wrong. Bill Gasiamis (13:09) So it was four in the morning, were you guys sleeping? Judy Kim Cage (13:14) ⁓ yeah, we were in bed. Yep. And yeah, I woke up screaming. According to my husband, I don’t remember the screaming part, but I remember all the pain. Bill Gasiamis (13:24) Yeah, did he ⁓ get you to hospital? Did he the emergency services? Judy Kim Cage (13:30) I apparently was kind of threatening to divorce him if he called 911. Bill Gasiamis (13:38) Wow, that’s a bit rough. Oh my lord. Judy Kim Cage (13:41) I know. mean, that could have been his out, but he didn’t. Bill Gasiamis (13:45) There’s worse things for a human to do than call 911 and get your support. Like marriages end for worse things than that. Judy Kim Cage (13:53) because I’ve been to the ER many, many, many times. And because of the Moyamoya, you would always, it being a rare disease, you would never be told, well, you would have to explain to all the doctors about what Moyamoya was, for one. For two, to say if I had a cold, for instance, that Moyamoya had nothing to do with it. Bill Gasiamis (14:11) Wow. Judy Kim Cage (14:19) But also, you know, they would give me an MRI, oof, the claustrophobia. I detested that. And I said, if you’re getting me into an MRI, please, please, please, a benzodiazepine would be incredible. Or just knock me out, whatever you need to do. But I’m not getting into that thing otherwise. But, you know, they would take the MRI, read it. and then say, hours and hours and hours later, there’s nothing we can do. The next course of action, if it was absolutely necessary, would be another surgery, which would have been bur holes that were drilled into my skull to relieve some sort of pressure. ⁓ In this particular case, the options were to ⁓ have a drain put in my skull. and then for me to be reliant on a ventilator. Or they said, you can have scans done every four hours and if the damage becomes too great, then we’ll move on. Otherwise, we’ll just keep tabs on it, essentially. Bill Gasiamis (15:37) Yeah. So I know that feeling because since my initial blade in February, 2012, I’ve lost count how many times I’ve been to the hospital for a scan that was unnecessary, but necessary at the time because you, you know, you tie yourself up in knots trying to work out, is this another one? Isn’t it another one? Is it, it, and then the only outcome that you can possibly come up with that puts your mind at ease and everybody else around you is let’s go and get a scan and then, and then move on with life. Once they tell you it was, ⁓ it was not another bleed or whatever. Yeah. However, three times I did go and three times there was a bleed. So it’s the whole, you know, how do you wrap your head around like which one isn’t the bleed, which one is the bleed and It’s a fricking nightmare if you ask me. And I seem to have now ⁓ transferred that concern to everybody else who has a headache. On the weekend, my son had a migraine. And I tell you what, because he was describing it as one of the worst headaches he had ever had, I just went into meltdown. I couldn’t cope. And it was like, go to the hospital, go to the hospital, go to… He didn’t go, he’s an adult, right? Makes his own decisions. But I was worried about it for days. And it wasn’t enough that even the next few days he was feeling better because I still have interviewed people who have had a headache for four or five or six days before they went to hospital and then they found that it was a stroke. it’s just become this crazy thing that I have to live with now. Judy Kim Cage (17:26) I essentially forced Rich to wait 12 hours before I called my vascular neurologist. And once I did, his office said, you need to go to the ER. And I said, okay, then that’s when I folded and said, all right, we’ll go. ⁓ And then, ⁓ you know, an ambulance came. Bill Gasiamis (17:35) Wow. Judy Kim Cage (17:53) took me out on a gurney and then took me to a mobile stroke unit, which there was only one of 11, there were only 11 in the country at the time. And they were able to scan me there and then had me basically interviewed by a neurologist via telecall. And this was, you know, before the days of teams and zoom and that we all tested out ⁓ from COVID. ⁓ yeah, that’s. Bill Gasiamis (18:35) That’s you, So then you get through that initial acute phase and then you wake up with a certain amount of deficits. Judy Kim Cage (18:37) Yeah. my gosh. ⁓ Well, yeah, absolutely. ⁓ Massive amounts of pain ⁓ from all the blood absorbing back into the brain. ⁓ The left side, my left side was paralyzed. My arm fell out of my shoulder socket. So it was hanging down loosely. ⁓ I had dropped foot, so I had to learn to walk again. Double vision and my facial group on the left and then. Bluff side neglect. Bill Gasiamis (19:31) Yeah. So, and then I see in our, in your notes, I see also you had diminished hearing, nerve pain, spasticity, cognitive fatigue, ⁓ bladder issues. You’d also triggered Ehlers-Danlos symptoms, whatever that is. Tell me about that. What’s that? Moyamoya Syndrome Stroke Recovery Judy Kim Cage (19:56) So I call myself a genetic mutant because the Moyamoya for one at the time I was diagnosed is discovered in 3.5 people out of a million. And then Ehlers-Danlos or EDS for short is also a genetic disorder. Well, certain versions are more genetic than others, but it is caused by a defect in your collagen, which makes up essentially your entire body. And so I have hypermobility, the blood, I have pots. So my, my blood basically remains down by my feet, it pulls at my feet. And so not enough of it gets up to my brain, which also could, you know, have affected the moimoya. But Essentially, it creates vestibular issues, these balance issues where it’s already bad enough that you have a stroke, but it’s another to be at the risk of falling all the time. Yeah. Or if you get up a little too fast, which I still do to this day, sometimes I’ll completely forget and I’ll just bounce up off the sofa to get myself a drink and I will sway and all of a sudden Bill Gasiamis (21:07) Yeah. Judy Kim Cage (21:22) onto the sofa or sit down right on the floor and say, okay, why did I not do the three-step plan to get up? ⁓ But sometimes it’s just too easy to forget. Bill Gasiamis (21:37) Yeah, yeah. You just act, you just move out of well habit or normal, normal ways that people move. And then you find yourself in a interesting situation. So I mean, how, how do you deal with all of that? Like you, you go from having experienced more and more by the way, let’s describe more and more a little bit, just so people know what it is. Judy Kim Cage (22:02) Absolutely. So, my way is a cerebrovascular disorder where your internal carotid progressively constricts. So for no known reason, no truly known reason. And so because it keeps shrinking and shrinking, not enough brain, blood gets to your brain. So what the brain decides to do to compensate is it will form these collateral vessels. And these collateral vessels, which there are many of them usually, you know, the longer this goes on, ⁓ they have very thin walls. So due to the combination of the thin walls, and if you have high blood pressure, these walls can break. And that is what happened in my case. ⁓ Well, the carotids will continue to occlude, but what happens is, ⁓ least with the surgery, they took my temporal artery, removed it from my scalp, had taken a plate off of my skull and stitched that. temporal artery onto my brain so that it would have a separate source of blood flow so that it was no longer reliant on this carotid. So we know that the carotid, sorry, that the temporal artery won’t fail out. ⁓ So usually, ⁓ and this was my surgery was actually done at Boston Children’s Hospital ⁓ by the man who pioneered the surgery. And he was basically head of neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s because they more often find this in children now. And the sooner they find it, the fewer collateral vessels will form once the surgery is performed. Bill Gasiamis (24:17) Okay, so the long-term risk is that it’s decreased, the risk of a blade decreases if they do the surgery early on too. I love that. Judy Kim Cage (24:25) The rest. But I was diagnosed at the age of 29. So I had quite a while of these collateral vessels forming in what they call a puff of smoke that appears on the MRI. ⁓ And that is what, you know, Moyamoya essentially means in Japanese, is translated to in Japanese, it’s puff of smoke. Bill Gasiamis (24:50) Wow, you have been going through this for a while then. So I can understand your whole mindset around doctors, another appointment, another MRI. Like I could totally, ⁓ it makes complete sense. You you’re over it after a certain amount of time. Yeah, I’m the same. I kind of get over it, but then I also have to take action because you know what we know what the previous Judy Kim Cage (25:07) Absolutely. Bill Gasiamis (25:19) outcome was and now you’re dealing with all of these deficits that you have to overcome. Which are the deficits that you’re still dealing with that are the most, well, the most sort of prolonged or challenging or whatever you want to call them, whatever. Cognitive Fatigue and Executive Functioning Judy Kim Cage (25:34) The most significant, I guess it’s the most wide ranging. But it is. ⁓ Energy management and cognitive fatigue. ⁓ I have issues with executive functioning. ⁓ Things are, you know, if I need to do sorting or filing. ⁓ That actually is. one of my least favorite things to do anymore. Whereas it was very easy at one point. ⁓ And now if I want to clean up my inbox, it is just a dreaded task. ⁓ And so now I’ve learned that if I do a little bit of it every day, then I don’t have, it doesn’t have to take nearly as long. ⁓ Bill Gasiamis (26:26) What it’s dreaded about it is it making decisions about where those emails belong, what to do to them or. Judy Kim Cage (26:33) Oh, no, it’s just the time and energy it takes to do it. It drains me very quickly. Because you have to evaluate and analyze every line as you’re deciding what project it belongs to. And there’s a strategic way to do it in terms of who you normally deal with on each project, etc. etc. This chunk of time, calendar dates you’ve worked on it, etc. But, know, That might by the time I get to this tedious task, I’m not thinking about it strategically. ⁓ Yeah, I’m just dragging each individual line item into a little folder. ⁓ So, ⁓ but yeah, like the cognitive deficits. gosh. mean, I’m working on a computer all day. I am definitely a corporate desk rat or mouse, you know, on the wheel. ⁓ And a lot of Excel spreadsheets and just a lot of very small print and sometimes I get to expand it. ⁓ And it really is just trying not to, well, the job involves making as few errors as you possibly can. Bill Gasiamis (28:01) Yeah. Judy Kim Cage (28:02) ⁓ Now when I get tired or overwhelmed or when I overdo it, which I frequently frequently do, ⁓ I find out that I’ve made more errors and I find out after the fact usually. So nothing that’s not reversible, nothing that’s not fixable, but it still is pretty disheartening for a perfectionist type such as myself. Bill Gasiamis (28:30) Wow. So the perfectionism also has to become something that you have to deal with even more so than before, because before you were probably capable of managing it now, you’re less capable. yeah, I understand. I’m not a perfectionist by all means. My wife can tend to be when she’s studying or something like that. And she suffers from, you know, spending Judy Kim Cage (28:46) the energy. Bill Gasiamis (29:00) potentially hours on three lines of a paragraph. Like she’s done that before and I’ll just, and I’ve gone into the room after three hours and her, and her going into the room was, I’m going to go in and do a few more lines because she was drained or tired or, you know, her brain wasn’t working properly or whatever. I’m just going to go do three more lines and three hours later, she’s still doing those three lines. It’s like, wow, you need to get out of the, you need to get out. need to, we need to. break this because it’s not, it’s not good. So I totally get what it’s liked to be like that. And then I have had the cognitive fatigue where emails were impossible. Spreadsheets forget about it. I never liked them anyway. And they were just absolutely forget about it. Um, I feel like they are just evil. I feel like the spreadsheets are evil, you know, all these things that you have to do in the background, forget about it. That’s unbelievable. So, um, What was it like when you first sort of woke up from the initial stroke, got out of your unconscious state and then realized you had to deal with all of this stuff? I know for some time you were probably unable to speak and were you ⁓ trapped inside your body? Is that right or? Judy Kim Cage (30:19) I was in the ICU. I was paralyzed on the left side, so I was not able to get up, not really able to move much. ⁓ I was not speaking too much, definitely not within the first week. I was in the ICU for 10 days. ⁓ And yeah, I just wasn’t able to do much other than scream from the beam. ⁓ And then I, once I became more aware, I insisted that I could get up and walk to the bathroom myself. I insisted that I could just sit up, get up, do all the things that I had done before. And it being a right side stroke as well, you know, I think helps contribute to the overestimation or the… just conceitedness, guess, and this self-confidence that I could just do anything. Yes, absolutely. And I was told time and time again, Judy, can’t walk, Judy, can’t go to the bathroom, Judy, you can’t do these things. And I was in absolute denial. And I would say, no, I can, I can get up. And meanwhile, I would say that Bill Gasiamis (31:30) Delusion Judy Kim Cage (31:51) husband was so afraid that I was going to physically try to get up and fall over, which would not have been good. ⁓ And so, you know, there was, there were some expletives involved. ⁓ And, ⁓ and then eventually once I was out of the ICU, ⁓ I didn’t truly accept that I couldn’t walk until Bill Gasiamis (32:00) but. Judy Kim Cage (32:20) one of the PT students had put me into an exoskeleton and I realized that my foot did not move at all, you know, like a full five seconds after I thought I picked it up. And I said, wait, hang on, what’s going on here? And I said, ⁓ okay, I guess I have to admit that I can’t walk. And then I can’t, I can’t sit upright. I can’t. You know, and like you had mentioned, you know, I had lost the signals from my brain to my bladder. They were slow or whatnot. And I was wetting the bed, like a child at a sleepover. And I was pretty horrified. And that happened for, you know, pretty much my, pretty much all my time at Kratie, except I got the timing down. ⁓ eventually, which was fantastic. But then when I moved to post-acute, ⁓ then I had to learn the timing all over again, just because, you know, of different, rules being different, the transfers being different, and then, ⁓ you know, just ⁓ the timing of when somebody would answer the call button, et cetera. Bill Gasiamis (33:45) Yeah. Do you, what was it like going to rehab? I was really excited about it. I was hanging out because I learned that I couldn’t walk when the nurse said to me, have you been to the toilet yet? And I said, no, I hadn’t been to the toilet. We’re talking hours after surgery, you know, maybe within the first eight or nine hours, something like that. And I went to put my left foot down onto the ground. She was going to help me. She was like a really petite Asian. framed lady and I’m and I’m probably two feet taller than her, something like that, and double her weight. And then she said, just put your hand on my shoulder and then I’ll support you. So I did that. I put my hand on her shoulder, stepped onto my left foot and then just collapsed straight onto the ground and realized, ⁓ no, I’m not walking. I can’t walk anymore. And then I was then waiting. hanging out to go to rehab was really excited about that. ⁓ What was it like for you? Moyamoya Syndrome Stroke Rehabilitation Experience Judy Kim Cage (34:48) Initially, well, do you so you mean. ⁓ Bill Gasiamis (34:56) Just as in like, were you aware that you could ⁓ improve things? Were you kind of like, we’re gonna overcome this type of stuff? Because you had a lot more things to overcome than I did. So it’s like, how is that? How do you frame that in your head? Were you the kind of person who was like, ⁓ rehab’s around the corner, let’s do that? Or were you kind of reluctant? Judy Kim Cage (35:19) It was a combination of two things. One, I had been dying to go home. I said, I absolutely, why can’t I go home? I was in the hospital for three weeks before we moved to the rehab hospital. And once we had done that, I was there basically for the entire weekend and then they do evaluations on Tuesday. And so I was told on Tuesday that I would be there for another at least four to six weeks. And so that was even before therapies really began. So there was a part of me saying, I don’t care, let me go home and I’ll do outpatient every day and everything will be fine. At least I get to go home. But then the other part. Bill Gasiamis (35:52) Thanks. Judy Kim Cage (36:11) said, okay, well, once I realized I was stuck and that I couldn’t escape, I couldn’t go anywhere, ⁓ I actually, I did love therapy. ⁓ I loved being in speech therapy, being in OTE, being in PT even, because my girls were fantastic. They were so caring, so understanding. They made jokes and also laughed at mine, which was even better. And when you’re not in therapy, especially on the weekends, you’re just in your room by yourself. And you’re not watching TV because that input is way too heavy. Listening to music. maybe a little bit here and there. ⁓ You know, all the things that you know and love are nowhere to be found, you know, really. ⁓ Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, yeah. And I get claustrophobic in the MRI, in the hospital, et cetera. yeah. Bill Gasiamis (37:14) Oscillating. Yeah. I was on YouTube, searching YouTube videos that were about neuroplasticity, retraining the brain, that kind of stuff, meditations, type of thing. That really helped me on those weekends. The family was always around, but there was delays between family visits and what have you that couldn’t be there that entire time. ⁓ So I found that very interesting. And you know, rehab was a combination of frustration and excitement, excitement that I was getting the help, frustration that things weren’t moving as quickly as I wanted. ⁓ And I even remember the occupational therapist making us make breakfast. And I wouldn’t recommend this breakfast for stroke survivors. I think it was cereal and toast or something like that. And I remember being frustrated, why are they making me make it? My left side doesn’t work. Like I can barely walk. I cannot carry the glass with the tea or anything like that to me. What are these people doing? They should be doing it for us. I wasn’t aware. I wasn’t aware that that was part of the therapy. I just thought they were making us make our own bloody breakfast. I thought these people are so terrible. And it took a while for me to clue on like, ⁓ okay. Judy Kim Cage (38:44) you Bill Gasiamis (38:52) They want me to be able to do this when I get home. ⁓ understood. Took a while. I’m thick like that. Judy Kim Cage (39:00) Fortunately, wasn’t made to cook until close to the end. And also during outpatient, I was tasked to make kind of a larger, you know, crock pot dinner so that, you know, I could do that at home. Meanwhile, the irony of it all is that. I can cook and I used to love cooking, but I don’t do it nearly as much as I used to. So that skill did not really transfer over. ⁓ I have Post-it notes up by the microwave that tell me right hand only because if I use my left hand, the temperature differential I will burn myself ⁓ without even realizing it or even reaching for a certain part of a pan that I think is going to be safe and is somewhat heat resistant. And I touch it and then poof, well, you know, get a burn. So there are post-it notes everywhere. There’s one by the front door that says, watch the steps, because I had a couple of times flown down them and gashed my knee. Bill Gasiamis (40:13) Yeah. Judy Kim Cage (40:26) And it’s amazing actually how long a Post-It note with its temporary stick will stay up on a wall. Bill Gasiamis (40:35) Well, there’s another opportunity for you there, like do a project, ⁓ a longevity of Post-it Notes project, see how long we can get out of one application. Judy Kim Cage (40:46) Yeah, well, this one actually, so I think it was three months after I had moved in, which would have been 10 months into my stroke recovery. And that’s when I fell down these steps. And that’s when I put up the Post-It note. it has been, a piece of tape has been added to it. but it only fell down, I think, a couple of years ago. Bill Gasiamis (41:18) Yeah. So 3M need to shift their entire focus. I feel like 3M. Yeah. I think 3M needs to have a permanent ⁓ post-it note application, but easy to remove. if I want to take it down, like it’s permanent once I put it up, but if I want to take it down, it’s still easy to remove and it doesn’t ruin my paint or leave residue. Judy Kim Cage (41:44) They do actually have that tech. have it for, they call it command. It’s what they have for the hooks for photos and whatnot. And then if you pull the tab and then release it, it will come off and leave the wall undamaged, but it will otherwise stay there for a long. Bill Gasiamis (42:04) Yes, yes, I think you’re right. Most of the time it works, yes. Okay, well, we’re moving on to other things. You’ve overcome a lot of stuff. You’re dealing with a lot of stuff. And yet, you have this disposition, which is very chirpy and happy, go lucky. Is it real, that disposition, or is it just a facade? Using Humor in Moyamoya Syndrome and Stroke Recovery Judy Kim Cage (42:29) No, no, it’s real. It’s real. ⁓ I think I’ve always ⁓ tried to make light of things. ⁓ Humors, probably my first defense mechanism. ⁓ And I think that helped out a lot ⁓ in terms of recovery. And also, ⁓ it put my therapist in a great mood. Also, because not many people did that apparently. You know, most people curse them off or, you know, were kind of miserable. And there were times when I was miserable too. Absolutely. But, but I probably took it out more on my husband than I did the staff. And he, and he would call, you know, I said, I was so mean to you, Rich. was so mean to you. And he said, yeah, you were nicer to the nurses than to me. And I. I apologized for it, but at the same time I’m like, yeah, but sometimes, bud, you are so annoying. Bill Gasiamis (43:33) You had it coming. Judy Kim Cage (43:34) Yeah. Why are you so overprotective? Why do you point out every crack in the sidewalk? Why do you know, you still say I have to stop to tie up my hair when we’re walking on the sidewalk, you know, because you’re not supposed to do two things at once. ⁓ Yeah. So I felt as though I would make jokes all the time. I when my left hand would start to regain function. I called it my evil twin because I didn’t even recognize that it was mine. But then I would give it a high five every time I started gaining function back. And I would say things like, yeah, hey, evil twin, congrats. Or ⁓ I would say, I guess I don’t have to clean the house anymore. I don’t have to use my left hand to dust. I’m not capable of doing it. So why do it? Bill Gasiamis (44:29) Yeah. Judy Kim Cage (44:30) And I’m like, let’s always look for the silver lining. And it would usually be a joke. But, you know, if you couldn’t make fun of it or think about the ridiculousness of it, then I think it would be easier to fall into a pit of despair. Bill Gasiamis (44:48) I agree with you and laughing and all that releases, know, good endo, good endorphins and good neurochemicals and all that kind of stuff really does improve your blood pressure. It improves the way that your body feels, you know, the tightness in your muscles and all that kind of stuff. Everything improves when you laugh and you have to find funny things about a bad situation to laugh at, to kind of dial down the seriousness of the situation. can you know, really dial it down just by picking something strange that happened and laughing at it. I found myself doing that as well. And I’m similar in that I would go to rehab and they would, you know, we would chit chat like I am now with you and would have all sorts of conversations about all kinds of things. And the rehab was kind of like the, the, it was like the vessel, you know, to talk shit, have a laugh. ⁓ you know, be the clown of the rehab room. And I get it, everyone’s doing it tough, but it lightened the mood for everybody. You know, was, it’s a hard thing. You know, imagine it being just constantly and forever hard. And it was like, I don’t want to be that guy and wish they have fun as well. And, and I think my, my, my tough times were decreased as a result. Like, you know, those stuff, mental and emotional days, they, they come, but they go. then you have relief from them. And I think you need relief. Judy Kim Cage (46:23) Absolutely. Otherwise, just could feel perpetual and just never ending. ⁓ And why or how could you possibly survive feeling that way? Bill Gasiamis (46:39) Yeah. So who are you now? as in your, how does your idea of who you are sort of begin to shift after the initial acute phase and now six years in, almost seven years into your stroke journey? Finding Purpose After Stroke Judy Kim Cage (46:59) I think I am. I’m pretty confident in who I am, which is funny. ⁓ I ⁓ actually lean more into making more jokes or ⁓ lean into the fact that things don’t, they don’t have nearly the importance or the impact that you would otherwise think. ⁓ One of my sayings, I guess I say all the, you know, how they say don’t sweat the small stuff. my big stuff, like big stuff became small stuff, you know. So it would have to be something pretty big in order for me to really, really, you know, think about it. And a lot of the little things, you know, the nuisances in life and stuff, would usually just laugh or if I tripped or something, then I would just laugh at it and just keep moving on. ⁓ And I think, you know, It’s funny because some people will say, ⁓ gosh, like stop, you know, there is toxic positivity, right? And there’s plenty of that. And ⁓ I stay away from that, I think. But when I try to give people advice or a different outlook, ⁓ I do say, well, you you could think of it this way, you know. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows and flowers and, you know, care bears, but it is, you know, but it, but you can pull yourself out of a situation. You can try to figure out a way to work around it. You can, you know, choose differently for yourself, you know, do things that you love. You know, you’re only given a certain amount of limited time on the earth. So how do you want to spend it? And if you are on your deathbed, you know, would you have, do you have any regrets? You know, like you did read the books about, you know, that, ⁓ why am I forgetting? Doctors ⁓ that perform palliative care and, you know, they’ve written books about you know what people’s regrets have been after, know, once they are about to pass and you know, that not taking action was a regret. You know, like why didn’t I do this? Or why didn’t I do this? Why didn’t I try this? Like really, what would have been the downfall to trying something? ⁓ And I find that, you know, aside from just naturally being able to see things to laugh at or, or positive sides of things. ⁓ I tried, like, I wish that people could experience that without having gone through what we went through. ⁓ but that’s virtually impossible. I think. Bill Gasiamis (50:18) I think it’s impossible, totally, 100 % impossible because everybody thinks they’re doing okay until they’re not. You just cannot prevent somebody from going through something by taking the learning first. The learning has to come second. Sad as that is. Judy Kim Cage (50:39) ⁓ Well, and we all think we’re invincible to a large extent. ⁓ But ⁓ I think what I’ve been trying to do or me now, I’ve always, you know, volunteered in various ways, but now I take and hold extra value in being a mentor for other stroke patients. Bill Gasiamis (51:03) Yeah, yeah, that’s Judy Kim Cage (51:04) And for, you know, individuals that even just come up to me and talk about all of their medical problems, it doesn’t matter if it’s circulated or not, you know, it’s medically they’re like, there’s some white matter on my MRI, what do think I should do? I’m like, it’s not that simple of an answer. I think you should go to the doctor. Get on a list. Bill Gasiamis (51:29) Yeah. Your journey seems like you’re growing through this adversity, like as in it’s very post-traumatic growth type of experience here. Something that I talk about on my book, the unexpected way that a stroke became the best thing that happened. Not something that I recommend people experience to get to the other side of that, of course. But in hindsight, like it’s all those things that you’re describing. Judy’s Book: Super Survivor And I look at the chapters because in fact, you’ve written a book and it’s going to be out after this episode goes live, which is awesome. And the book that you’ve written is called Super Survivor. And indeed that is a fitting title. Indeed it is. How denial, resistance and persistence can lead to success and a better life after stroke. Right? So just looking at some of the chapters, there’s a lot of overlap there, right? And one of the chapters that there’s overlap in is the volunteering and purpose. I’ve got parts of my book that specifically talk about doing stuff for other people and how that supports recovery and how the people who said that stroke was the best thing that happened to them, the ones that I interviewed to gather the data, one of the main things that they were doing was helping other people, volunteering in some way, shape or form. And that helped shape their purpose in life. and their meaning in life. And it’s how I got there as well. It was like, okay, I’m gonna go and prevent stroke. I’m gonna go talk on behalf of the Stroke Foundation. We’re gonna raise awareness about what stroke is, how to take action on stroke, what to do if somebody’s having a stroke. And I started to feel like I gained a purpose in my life, which was gonna to not allow other people to go through what I went through. And then, With that came public speaking and then with that came the podcast and then the purpose grew and it became really ⁓ all encompassing. It’s like, wow, like I know what my mission is. I didn’t seek to find it. I stumbled across it and the chapter in my book is called stumbling into purpose because you can’t think it up. You just have to take action and then bam, bam, it appears. Like, is that your experience? Judy Kim Cage (53:53) ⁓ Well, so much of my identity had been wrapped up in my occupation. ⁓ And so when, you know, the stroke first happened, et cetera, but then as time has passed, ⁓ yeah, I’ve absolutely found more meaning in providing comfort to other stroke patients. whether it’s because they see me as inspiring that I was able to recover so quickly or that I was able to go back to work, you know, permanently. And just to give them hope, really. And ⁓ when I was in acute, I felt as though like, We do so much of the recovery alone ⁓ and there isn’t a ton of, you know, of course our therapists are fantastic and they’re, you know, they’re loving and they’re caring. But in terms of having to make it through, you know, certain darkness alone or, ⁓ you know, just feeling sorry for yourself even sometimes, or feeling like, hey, I can do everything, but nobody’s encouraging that. because they think it’s dangerous. ⁓ I had wished that, you know, there were more people who could understand ⁓ what survival and then recovery was, you know, truly like. And so I had read that in a number of books before hearing people tell me their stories in person because Emotionally, I absorbed too much of it. ⁓ I wanted to, I think I passed that five-year survival mark of the 26.7%, which I know varies for everybody. ⁓ at the same time, I said, wow, I did, I made it to the other side, I beat these odds. I think I wanted to keep it secret from all the people I worked with. which I still have actually, it won’t be for too much longer. ⁓ But ⁓ just being able to share that and to be vulnerable and to say all the deficits that I have and what I have overcome, ⁓ I think it’s also given people some hope that they can, if she was able to do it, then maybe it isn’t as tough as I think it is. Bill Gasiamis (56:43) Anyone can. Yeah, I love that. That’s kind of my approach to, you know, I’m just a average, humble, normal, amazing guy. You could do it too. You know, I could, I could teach you to what you need to do is learn. ⁓ but that’s true. It’s that it’s that we are, I get, I get people come on the podcast going, I’m so nervous to meet you. You’re on the, I’m on your podcast. Dude, you don’t know who I am. Like if you think I’m the podcast guy, you’ve got no idea. I’m in the back of my, in my garden, in a shed. what was something that’s meant to be a shed that looks like a studio and amazing and all this kind of stuff. Like, dude, I’m just. Judy Kim Cage (57:29) would not have known if you hadn’t told me. Bill Gasiamis (57:32) That’s right, because looks can be deceiving and that ideas that we get of people are just, you know, they’re just not accurate until we get to spend time with people and understand them. And I always try and play down who I am so that people can see that I am just a regular guy who went through this and had no, no equipment. had no ⁓ knowledge. had no skills overcoming learning. Like I just, I picked up what I needed when I could just so that I can stumble through to the next hurdle and stumble through that one and then keep going. I really want people to understand that even the people who appear to be super fabulous at everything, like they’re just not, nobody is that, everyone is just doing their best they can. Even the guy who’s got more money than you, a bigger house, whatever, a better investment, all that stuff, they’re all faking it until shit hits the fan and then they’ve got to really step up to be who they are. You know, that’s what I find. But attitude, mindset, ⁓ approach, know, laughing, doing things for other people all help. They are really important steps, you know. The other chapter that kind of. made me pay attention and take note ⁓ was you talk about the night everything changed, complicated medical history, lifesavers, volunteering and purpose, the caregivers, ⁓ easing back into life, which I think is a really important chapter, returning to work, which is really important. then chapter nine, life after stroke continued. That kind of really is something that made me pay attention because that’s exactly what it is, right? It’s life after stroke. It’s like a continuation. It’s a never ending kind of ⁓ unattainable thing. Judy Kim Cage (59:27) It just keeps rolling on. doesn’t stop. You know, even if you’ve gone through a hardship and overcome it, it doesn’t mean that life stops. You’ve got to keep learning these lessons over and over and over again. Even if you don’t want to learn them, however stubborn you are. ⁓ And I, you know, I one thing that I had written about was that I had resented ⁓ you know, what I had gone through for a little while. I said, why do I still have to learn the same lessons that everybody else has to learn? You know, if I’ve gone through this kind of transcendental thing, why do I still have to learn, you know, these other things? But then I realized that I was given the opportunity ⁓ from surviving, was given another chance to be able to truly realize what it was like to be happy and to live. And I’d never, I mean, I had, I had been depressed, you know, for an anxious for years. And, you know, I’ve been in therapy for years and, ⁓ you know, it really wasn’t truly until kind of getting this push of the fast forward button on learning lessons that it truly became happy, like true, true happiness. And I said, wow, that was the gift. And then to try to pass that on. Bill Gasiamis (1:01:10) It’s a pretty cool life hack. A shit way to experience it, but a pretty cool life hack. Judy Kim Cage (1:01:15) Yeah, yeah, yeah, definitely don’t I don’t recommend it I don’t Bill Gasiamis (1:01:20) Yeah. You get the learning in a short amount of time instead of years of years of wisdom and developing and learning and overcoming, which you avoided up until your first, you know, 38 years. And then, you know, you then, and then you kind of all of a sudden go, okay, well, I really have to buckle down and do these, ⁓ these modules of learning and I’ve got no choice. And I was the same. ⁓ and I have my days, I have my Good days, bad days, and I even recently had a bit of a day where I said to my wife, I got diagnosed with high blood pressure, headaches, migraines, a whole bunch of stuff, and then just tomorrow, I’m I’ve had enough. Why do I need to to be diagnosed with more things? Why do I need to have more medical appointments? Enough, it’s enough. I need to stop this stuff. It’s not fun. And then it took me about half a day to get over myself and go, well, I shouldn’t be here, really. Technically, Somebody has three blades in the brain, you know, I don’t know, maybe 50 years ago, they weren’t gonna make it. So now you’ve made it also high blood pressure. If you had high blood pressure 50 years ago, there was nothing to do to treat it. It was just gonna be high until you had a heart attack or ⁓ a brain aneurysm burst or something. And it’s like, I get to live in a time when interventions are possible and it is a blip on the radar. Like just all you do is take this tablet and you’re fine. Not that I revert to give me the tablet solution. I don’t, I’m forever going under the underlying cause. I want to know what the underlying cause is trying to get to the bottom of all of that. But in the meantime, I can remain stable with this little tablet and ⁓ decrease the risk of another brain hemorrhage. So it’s cool, know, like whatever. And that kind of helps me get through the, why me days, you know, cause They’re there, they come, they turn up, especially if it’s been one day after the next where things have been really unwell and we’ve had to medical help or whatever. When it’s been kind of intense version of it, it’s like, okay, I don’t want any more of this. So I get the whole, I’ve experienced the whole spectrum in this last 13, 14 years. We’re coming up to, I think the 20th or 21st, I think is my, maybe the 25th of my anniversary of my brain surgery. Jeez, I’ve come a long way. It’s okay. It’ll be like 11 years since my brain surgery. A lot of good things have happened since then. We got to live life for another 13 years, 11 years. I keep forgetting the number, it doesn’t matter. Yeah. Judy Kim Cage (1:04:17) Mine will have been my 17th ⁓ anniversary of my brain surgery ⁓ will be in January, sorry, in December. And then the seventh anniversary of the stroke is in January. So lot of years. Bill Gasiamis (1:04:33) Yeah, yeah. A lot of years, a lot of years, great that they’ve happened and I’m really happy with that. Keep doing these podcasts, makes me forget about myself. It’s about other people, so that’s cool. know, meet people like you, putting out awesome books. And when I was going through early on, there wasn’t a lot of content. It was hard to get content on stroke surviving, recovery, all the deficits, all the problems. That’s part of the reason why I started this. And now I think I’ve interviewed maybe 20 or 30 people who have written a book about stroke, which means that the access to information and stories is huge, right? So much of it. ⁓ Your book comes out in early December. Where is it going to be available for people to buy? Conclusion and Final Thoughts Judy Kim Cage (1:05:20) It is currently available to download ⁓ through the Kindle app and through Amazon. The hard copies will be available to order through Amazon and hopefully in other booksellers, but that’s TBD. Bill Gasiamis (1:05:39) Yeah, well, we’ll have all the current links by then. We’ll have all the current links available in the show notes. ⁓ At the beginning of this episode, I would have already talked about the book and in your bio when I’m describing the episode and who I’m about to chat to. So people would have already heard that once and hopefully they’ll be hearing it again at the end of the episode. So guys, if you didn’t pay attention at the beginning, but now you’re at the end, it’s about to come. I’m going to give all the details. Judy Kim Cage (1:06:07) stuck around. Bill Gasiamis (1:06:09) Yeah. If you stuck around, give us a thumbs up, right? Stuck around in the comments or something, you know? ⁓ Absolutely. Thank you so much for joining me, reaching out, sharing your story. It is lovely to hear and I wish you well in all of your endeavors, your continued recovery. yeah, fantastic. Great stuff. Thank you so much. Thank you. Well, that’s a wrap for another episode. want to thank Judy for sharing her story so openly. The way she spoke about denial, rehab, reality, cognitive fatigue and rebuilding identity is going to help a lot of people feel less alone. If you’re watching on YouTube, let us know in the comments, what part of Moyamoya Syndrome stroke recovery has been the hardest to explain to other people for you? Was it the physical symptoms or is it the invisible ones? like fatigue and cognition. And if you’re listening on Spotify or Apple podcasts, please leave a review. It really helps other stroke survivors find these conversations when they need them most. Judy’s book is called Super Survivor, How Denial Resistance and Persistence can lead to success and a better life after stroke. And you’ll find the links in the show notes. And if you want more support from me, you can Grab a copy of my book at recoveryafterstroke.com/book, and you can become a Patreon supporter at patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke. It genuinely helps keep this show alive. Thanks again for being here. Remember you’re not alone in this recovery journey and I’ll see you in the next episode. Importantly, we present many podcasts designed to give you an insight and understanding into the experiences of other individuals. Opinions and treatment protocols discussed during any podcast are the individual’s own experience and we do not necessarily share the same opinion nor do we recommend any treatment protocol discussed. All content on this website and any linked blog, podcast or video material controlled this website or content is created and produced for informational purposes only and is largely based on the personal experience of Bill Gasiamis The content is intended to complement your medical treatment and support healing. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical and should not be relied on as health advice. The information is general and may not be suitable for your personal injuries, circumstances or health objectives. Do not use our content as a standalone resource to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for the advice of a health professional. Never delay seeking advice or disregard the advice of a medical professional, your doctor or your rehabilitation program based on our content. If you have any questions or concerns about your health or medical condition, please seek guidance from a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing a health emergency or think you might be, call 000 if in Australia or your local emergency number immediately for emergency assistance or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Medical information changes constantly. While we aim to provide current quality information in our content, we do not provide any guarantees and assume no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, currency or completeness of the content. If you choose to rely on any information within our content, you do so solely at your own risk. We are careful with links we provide. However, third party links from our website are followed at your own risk and we are not responsible for any information you find there. The post Moyamoya Syndrome Stroke Recovery: How Judy Rebuilt Her Life After a “Puff of Smoke” Diagnosis appeared first on Recovery After Stroke.

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 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

Sofi explica que es el Síndrome de Ehlers Danlos, Fa lee su nueva historia favorita de reddit y ambas comparten sus propósitos de 2026.

Podfic Text-to-Speech (TTS) reading of shake me to my core by R33sesPieces Summary Finally, Sirius couldn't stand the suspense any longer. “It can't possibly be that bad, Moons. What happened?” James snickered as Remus covered his face and let out an anguished groan. James took over in Remus's embarrassed silence. “You know how I've been training Moons in gentle strengthening and functional movement? To help his Ehlers-Danlos?” “Yeah. Obviously.” Of course Sirius knew. He was the one who sent Remus the links with the data to support the recommendations after James's source of “trust me, bro” was, unsurprisingly, ineffective. They'd been friends for a decade and still Prongs somehow didn't know that the best way to bend Remus to his will was to give him peer-reviewed evidence. “Well, I advanced him from hanging flutter kicks to knee raises, and suddenly…” James twitched and gasped in an imitation of…something. If Sirius didn't know better, he'd think it was supposed to look like he came. “What does that mean? What are you doing?”Creators R33sesPieces | Tumblr | AO3BurningAurora | Tumblr | AO3 | linktr.ee Kaleana | Tumblr | AO3  flowerhawk_highinthesky | Tumblr | AO3    

Today we are featuring two articles that relate to moving genetics into mainstream healthcare. In our first segment, we discuss polygenic risk scores and the transition from research to clinical use. Our second segment focuses on hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and the triaging of clinical referrals.    Segment 1: Readiness and leadership for the implementation of polygenic risk scores: Genetic healthcare providers' perspectives in the hereditary cancer context   Dr Rebecca Purvis is a post-doctoral researcher, genetic counsellor, and university lecturer and coordinator at The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. Dr Purvis focuses on health services delivery, using implementation science to design and evaluate interventions in clinical genomics, risk assessment, and cancer prevention.   In this segment we discuss: - Why leadership and organizational readiness are critical to successful clinical implementation of polygenic risk scores (PRS). - How genetic counselors' communication skills position them as key leaders as PRS moves from research into practice. - Readiness factors healthcare systems should assess, including culture, resources, and implementation infrastructure. - Equity, standardization, and implementation science as essential tools for responsible and sustainable PRS adoption. Segment 2: A qualitative investigation of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome genetics triage   Kaycee Carbone is  a genetic counselor at Boston Children's Hospital in the Division of Genetics and Genomics as well as the Vascular Anomalies Center. Her clinical interests include connective tissue disorders, overgrowth conditions, and somatic and germline vascular anomaly conditions. She completed my M.S. in Genetic Counseling at the MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2023. The work she discusses here, "A qualitative investigation of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome genetics triage," was completed as part of a requirement for this graduate program.    In this segment we discuss: - Why genetics clinics vary widely in how they triage referrals for hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). - How rising awareness of hEDS has increased referral volume without clear guidelines for diagnosis and care. - The ethical and emotional challenges genetic counselors face when declining hEDS referrals. - The need for national guidelines and clearer care pathways to improve access and coordination for EDS patients. Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.   Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”.    For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others.    Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into DNADialoguesPodcast@gmail.com.    DNA Dialogues' team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today's Kira Dineen. Our logo was designed by Ashlyn Enokian. Our current intern is Stephanie Schofield.

Another set of intriguing cases from the latest issue of the journal, pored over by the Case Reports team.  In the first case, a 24-yo man presents acutely with reduced consciousness, following 3 days of right-sided headache. His mother reports sudden behavioural changes with jerky movements and enlarged pupils. He is agitated, not obeying commands and not moving his left-side limbs. He had a history of autism and vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and was on medication for stroke prevention. An MRI scan led to a differential diagnosis of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES), but the final conclusion came post-discharge after a further review of his scans.  https://pn.bmj.com/content/25/6/549 The second report (19:37) describes two curious instances of functional neurological disorder (FND), both of which improved after the patients were in comatose states. The first patient is a 59-yo man who had developed muscle weakness shortly after at car crash at age 49, and had subsequently been reliant on a wheelchair for more than 8 years. Recently the patient had been infected simultaneously with severe cases of flu and COVID-19, during which he had been sedated and placed in an induced coma for several weeks. Awakening from the coma, the patient showed surprising signs of new mobility. In the second patient, a 40-yo woman presented with flaccid paralysis of her left arm, with loss of sensation up to the shoulder. She had a history of bipolar disorder and agoraphobia. She was diagnosed with FND and participated in physiotherapy and hypnotherapy with no improvement. Thirteen months later she was readmitted following an overdose on a mix of analgesics and sedatives, and was ventilated in the ITU for several hours. Upon waking the patient noticed that her previously paralyzed arm had completely recovered. https://pn.bmj.com/content/25/6/562  Further reading: Advances in functional Neurological disorder (BMJ Neurology Open)   The case reports discussion is hosted by Prof. Martin Turner¹, who is joined by Dr. Ruth Wood² and Dr. Babak Soleimani³ for a group examination of the features of each presentation, followed by a step-by-step walkthrough of how the diagnosis was made. These case reports and many others can be found in the October 2025 issue of the journal. (1) Professor of Clinical Neurology and Neuroscience at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, and Consultant Neurologist at John Radcliffe Hospital. (2) Neurology Registrar, University Hospitals Sussex. (3) Clinical Research Fellow, Oxford Laboratory for Neuroimmunology and Immunopsychiatry, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford Please subscribe to the Practical Neurology podcast on your favourite platform to get the latest podcast every month. If you enjoy our podcast, you can leave us a review or a comment on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/3vVPClm) or Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4baxjsQ). We'd love to hear your feedback on social media - @PracticalNeurol. Production and editing by Brian O'Toole. Thank you for listening.

In this layered, vulnerable, and intellectually powerful episode of the Kink Series, we go far beyond basic BDSM concepts and drop directly into the psychology, ritual, and emotional architecture of kink with Mistress Audry Lu Black — a professional dominatrix, lifestyle FemDomme, educator, and respected kink community leader. Together we explore how bondage, ritual, humiliation, sexual sadism, and power exchange can serve not only erotic expression but also nervous system regulation, trauma processing, and emotional liberation. What begins as a conversation about rope quickly expands into a rich discussion about worship, devotion, fear release, identity, surrender, and the transformative role of a Dominant who leads with intention and precision. This episode opens the door to understanding kink as both art and psychology, and how deep D/s can create safety, stillness, and meaning for those who crave structure, containment, or catharsis. • Why 20% of the body's energy feeds the brain and how cognitive load, overthinking, and perfectionism show up in bondage scenes • Bondage as nervous system regulation — creating stillness, presence, and relief for anxious or neurodivergent minds who struggle with meditation • Somatic containment through rope and restraint for anxiety, trauma, and hypermobility conditions (including Ehlers-Danlos and other connective tissue differences) • The paradox of safety through restriction — how removing choice, movement, and anticipated pressure can reduce anxiety and soothe a dysregulated nervous system • Femme Domme philosophy and energetic leadership — what it means to embody dominance, hold power, and create psychological structures for surrender • Sexual sadism and humiliation — how intention, emotional tone, and negotiated meaning differentiate harm from healing, and cruelty from catharsis • The psychology of worship and groveling — why submission, devotion, and being at Her feet can be grounding, erotic, or spiritually significant • Ritual in kink — how structure, ceremony, and symbolic actions frame scenes, build trust, and regulate the body's response to intensity • Lifestyle vs. professional domination — the differences in purpose, boundaries, emotional bandwidth, and the Dominant's role in each dynamic • Deep-dive negotiation practices — understanding limits, desires, tone, chemistry, and psychological triggers before entering a scene • A full, realistic BDSM pre-scene negotiation role play so listeners can hear how safe, ethical, consent-based kink is structured before any play begins • The Dominant's internal process — emotional labor, reading the submissive's physiology, and creating a safe container for intensity • How humiliation can be affirming, transformative, or erotic depending on the submissive's psychology and agreed roles • Bondage as an anchor for embodiment — helping the mind exit constant vigilance and enter stillness, surrender, or erotic presence  Touch Me There: Vaginal Reflexology, Squirting Secrets & Orgasmic Magic — available here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0AsOZmGPvMiR3pQfVZKfxR?si=fFDg8SQqS7OCQQn5ptYGoA Connect with the Guest Mistress Audry Lu Black Podcast: Placemaker for Perversion Substack: https://audrylublack.substack.com/ Official Website: https://mistresslublack.com/ Mentioned Resources Hani Cheng – Talk to the Peach: Sensual healing, feminine pleasure, and reconnecting with your body (Listen here) Hani Cheng – Reflexology: Mapping female genitals with reflexology for pleasure and body awareness (Listen here) Shameless Care — Use code PLEASME for $15 off at-home sexual health testing: shamelesscare.com Eve's Substack — Q&A, workshops, & exclusive content: https://pleasemewitheve.substack.com/ Please Me Podcast Patreon — Extended episodes & bonus content: patreon.com/PleaseMePodcast SDC.com — Use code 37340 for a free trial membership World Vision Support survivors of typhoon & earthquake: worldvision.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re going to talk with Paul Korotish, who was just diagnosed with VEDS last year after an iliac artery rupture.  Information mentioned in the episode: 2017 International Classification of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajmg.c.31552

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Hannah Wallace — TEDx speaker, writer, disability advocate and host of the Finding Grace podcast — for a deeply human conversation about meeting life's hardest moments with honesty, hope and courage. Hannah's story is extraordinary. Diagnosed with Ehlers–Danlos and now living with Parkinson's, she has had to rebuild her life again and again. And yet what shines through in her is not just resilience, but a profound sense of grace, humour and grounded strength. We talk about: • What it means to live in a body that doesn't follow the rules • How to keep hold of identity when life forces you to change • The role of spirituality, self-trust and community in healing • Grief, acceptance and finding meaning through uncertainty • How to navigate the medical system when you feel unheard • Why slowing down can be its own kind of power Hannah has become known for her ability to tell the truth about suffering while holding onto hope — a rare combination that makes this episode so moving, uplifting and real. If you've ever faced a diagnosis, a life change, or a season where everything felt hard, this conversation is for you. Listen, subscribe and leave a review if this episode speaks to you. It helps more people find the show and helps us keep these important conversations going. You can find Hannah here: https://www.instagram.com/thehannahwallace/ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finding-grace/id1441430338 https://substack.com/@hannahwallace

How to Heal Chronic Illness By Reclaiming Wholeness So many of us believe a chronic diagnosis means a life sentence—but what if you could change the story? In this episode, Dr. Karyn Shanks shares her journey from frustration with conventional medicine to creating a practice focused on healing the whole person. From her personal experience with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome to groundbreaking insights about functional medicine, Dr. Shanks offers hope that chronic conditions aren't just labels—they're starting points for transformation. We dive into the science and spirit of healing: why trauma and lifestyle influence your health, how epigenetics and neuroplasticity unlock new possibilities, and practical steps you can take today. You'll hear about Dr. Shanks' new book "Unbroken: Reclaim Your Wholeness," which delivers a powerful roadmap for building resilience and reclaiming your health. Ready for actionable tools, fresh perspectives, and inspiration? This episode guides you on the stepping stones to thriving—no matter your diagnosis Guest Links/Resources: Dr. Karyn Shanks: https://karenshanksmd.com Instagram & Facebook: @karenshanksmd Book: Unbroken: Reclaim Your Wholeness (Release: 11/11/25, audio/ebook/print)

What happens when the body's connective tissue is too flexible — and how does that impact the way we speak, breathe, and swallow? In this episode, we sit down with Stacey Menton MM, MA, CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist who not only treats patients with hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) , but lives with HSD herself. Join us as we break down the hallmark features of hEDS and HSD, why symptoms often go unrecognized, and how clinicians can better support patients who live with “stretchy” tissues but very real limitations. For clinicians, patients, and curious listeners alike, we hope this episode offers a grounded and empathetic look at one of the most frequently misunderstood connective-tissue disorders.

What does it take to turn years of pain into a platform for power? We sit with nutritionist, trainer, and competitive bodybuilder Maria Beretta to unpack a journey that starts with teenage loss and spirals into chronic symptoms before snapping into clarity: if the system won't solve it, she will. Maria breaks down the real face of PCOS—cystic ovaries, acne, mood swings, insulin resistance—and the often-missed reality of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, where fragile connective tissue makes every step and lift a risk. Instead of accepting a handful of prescriptions, she chose a different map: keto to stabilize PCOS, a hard stop on dairy to cut inflammation, and targeted peptide therapy (BPC-157 and TB-500) to protect her training and speed recovery.The turning point isn't just biochemical. It's mindset. Maria explains how visualization, faith, and ruthless specificity shaped her prep for NPC figure—meal planning without drama, cardio without shortcuts, and posing that balances muscle with grace. She's candid about the sport's truths: the expense, the prevalence of PEDs at elite levels, and the monotony few see behind a 20-second stage moment. Then comes the plot twist: a New Year's Day car crash, a 40% T12 compression fracture, eight disc herniations, and traumatic scoliosis. With imaging to guide her and peptides to support healing, she made a careful, documented return to training and kept the pro card goal in sight.If you're navigating PCOS management, EDS training modifications, anti-inflammatory nutrition, or peptide therapy for injury recovery, this conversation delivers practical detail and lived results. Maria's approach—test, adjust, measure—turns “motivation” into method. We also get real about the mental side: how to set goals that grip you, rehearse the win, and keep going when doctors or doubt say stop. Tap play for a blueprint you can use, whether you're chasing a pro stage, a pain-free day, or your next personal best.If this episode moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more listeners find conversations like this.

Dr Driscoll, who is also the clinical director of POTS Care, the only clinic dedicated to treating the root cause of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), shares her story of being suddenly and severely disabled after a viral infection on today's episode. She recounts her frustrating search for answers, seeing over 50 doctors and enduring years of clinical trials only to be told her symptoms were "normal." This experience led her to question conventional medicine and dig deeper into her own health. Dr Driscoll explains how she rejected the superficial labels of POTS and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which she was also diagnosed with and instead focused on finding the underlying cause. She details her remarkable journey of self-research, which led her to discover the critical role of the vagus nerve and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in regulating the body's systems and how chronic inflammation was at the heart of the problem.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has felt dismissed or misunderstood by the medical system. Dr Driscoll's story is a powerful testament to the body's ability to heal itself when given the right support. She offers hope and practical advice, emphasizing the importance of trusting your body and not giving up on finding a path to recovery, even when faced with a seemingly hopeless diagnosis.Time Stamps and Key Takeaways 07:35 POTS and Ehlers-Danlos are not just genetic labels.15:26 The Vagus Nerve's Role in Chronic Illness22:42 Driscoll Theory26:42 Trust Your Body35:27 "You're Just Getting Old" Is Not a Diagnosis36:49 Hope and Movement Are Essential for RecoveryDr Diana's Bio Dr Diana Driscoll is an optometrist, researcher, inventor and the Clinical Director of POTS Care, the only clinic in the world dedicated to uncovering and treating the root causes of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Diana combined her medical expertise with personal experience to make ground-breaking discoveries about the autonomic nervous system and vagus nerve. She holds five patents for her innovations, and is the author of The Driscoll Theory. Today, she is recognized internationally for her pioneering work that brings science, compassion, and hope to those struggling with chronic, misunderstood conditions. Connect with Dr Diana https://vagusnervesupport.com/ https://potscare.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoFdKBVr5WZ8nrNQPZY_yEA https://www.facebook.com/POTSCare/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadriscollWho am I?Sarah is a Holistic Health and Healing Coach, International Speaker and the Author of HEAL YOURSELF. She's also a Multi-Award-Winning Entrepreneur and Award Winning Host of the popular health-focused podcast, Heal Yourself with Sarah Dawkins. As a former Registered Nurse with over twenty years of medical experience, Sarah brings a unique, integrative perspective to her work.Sarah's expertise spans from self-healing multiple chronic health issues to supporting clients in uncovering and addressing the root causes of their symptoms, empowering them to achieve vibrant, lasting health and transformative wellness.www.sarahdawkins.com

Ready to break free from imposter syndrome and revolutionize your self-care journey? In this episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall shares her deeply personal story—including a daunting diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos syndrome—and the hard-earned lessons that shaped her career as a wellness coach and educator. Dive into Darlene's “10 Things I Wish I Knew” guide, filled with actionable advice for anyone navigating the fitness world with chronic illness, or simply struggling with self-doubt. From why sustainable change always outperforms quick fixes, to the ways perfectionism can sabotage your progress, she unpacks mental, physical, and practical strategies to help you thrive. You'll discover the power of going slow, investing in quality expertise, focusing on behaviors over aesthetics, embracing vulnerability, and learning how your body truly works. If you've ever wondered how top athletes sidestep imposter syndrome, what to do when life throws curveballs, or how to get strong—in body and mind—this episode delivers research-backed insight and relatable stories. Perfect for coaches, trainers, and anyone seeking real results, this episode sparks curiosity around modern wellness culture, self-acceptance, and resilience. Hit play, join the conversation, and fuel your journey with wisdom designed for lifelong wellbeing. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

Most people think about heart disease and metabolism when they talk about longevity, but too few talk about joint health. In this episode, you'll discover how to biohack your joints to prevent pain, reverse damage, and move like you're decades younger. Host Dave Asprey reveals how functional movement, core stability, and recovery can transform joint health, helping you maintain pain-free performance for life. Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR Dr. Jason Snibbe is a globally recognized, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a pioneer in advanced, minimally invasive, and robotic surgeries of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine and Robotic Joint Reconstruction, he has achieved the lowest complication rate at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and is the official orthopedic surgeon for the Los Angeles Clippers. He also serves as an orthopedic consultant for the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Sparks, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and Los Angeles Kings. As a founding and managing partner in DOCS Spine and Orthopedics and Docs Surgical Hospital, Dr. Snibbe lectures and trains surgeons around the world in his specialized techniques. Host Dave Asprey and Dr. Snibbe uncover how weak glutes, poor core engagement, and bad footwear accelerate joint aging, and how functional movement training and fascia care can protect your body from surgery. You'll learn why proper biomechanics are central to human performance and longevity, how hypermobility and fascia impact neuroplasticity, and the latest biohacking tools for recovery and joint regeneration. You'll Learn: • The real cause of joint damage and how to prevent it • How to build a stronger core and glutes for long-term joint stability • Why footwear choices can make or break your movement quality • The truth about fascia, stretching, and strength training • When to use PRP, stem cells, and biologics for healing • How hypermobility affects your joints, brain, and longevity • Daily mobility and recovery habits that prevent future surgery They explore how biologics like PRP, stem cells, and exosomes are changing orthopedic recovery and joint repair, and why functional medicine is moving beyond surgery toward regeneration. You'll hear how precision movement, fascia work, and strength training protect your joints and enhance human performance and longevity. This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, hacking human performance, improving mobility, and extending longevity. You'll also learn how neuroplasticity, metabolism, and brain optimization all connect to the way you move. Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Keywords: Joint biohacking, Orthopedic regeneration, Functional movement patterns, Core stability training, Glute activation exercises, Fascia mobility, Hypermobility syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos collagen disorder, Foot biomechanics, Pronation and supination, Arch support orthotics, Barefoot gait training, Stem cell joint repair, PRP knee therapy, Exosome orthopedic recovery, Meniscus tear alternatives, Robotic joint surgery, Posture correction, Gait analysis technology, Pain-free longevity Thank you to our sponsors! TRU KAVA | Go to https://trukava.com/ and use code DAVE10 for 10% off. BON CHARGE | Go to https://boncharge.com and use code DAVE for 15% off. OneSkin | For a limited time, try OneSkin for 15% off with code DAVE at https://www.oneskin.co/DAVE Business of Biohacking Summit | Register to attend October 20-23 in Austin, TX https://businessofbiohacking.com/ Resources: • Learn more about Dr. Snibbe's work: https://www.drjasonsnibbe.com/ • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15 • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Upgrade Collective: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com • 40 Years of Zen: https://40yearsofzen.com Timestamps: • 0:00 — Trailer • 1:28 — Introduction • 2:38 — The Kinetic Chain • 9:34 — Core and Glutes • 12:18 — Stretching and Fascia • 17:32 — Sleep and Recovery • 18:49 — Vibration Therapy • 23:47 — Gait and Compensation • 30:47 — Robotic Surgery • 34:28 — Future of Medicine • 39:23 — Footwear Mistakes • 48:48 — Wearables and Tech • 55:13 — Stem Cells and Biologics • 1:01:20 — Final Takeaways See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Hannah Trueblood Villani speaks with Lara Bloom, the CEO of the Ehlers-Danlos Society, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to patient support, scientific research, advocacy, and increasing awareness for the 13 types of EDS, & hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD). They discuss Lara's journey with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), her advocacy work, and the importance of community support. The conversation covers the challenges of living with a chronic illness, the significance of accurate diagnosis, and the role of personal experience in advocacy. Lara shares insights on the law of attraction, the impact of misinformation in health, and the importance of fundraising for research. The episode concludes with a discussion on the political landscape surrounding healthcare and the motivation to continue advocating for those affected by EDS.FOLLOW LARA BLOOM: www.larabloom.comInstagram: @lara.bloomFOLLOW THE EHLERS DANLOS SOCIETY: www.ehlers-danlos.comInstagram: @ehlers.danlosROAD TO 2026 INFO HERE! HELP HANNAH RAISE $29,029 for scientific research by clicking HERE!Learn more about research opportunities HERE! FOLLOW HANNAH TRUEBLOOD VILLANI Instagram: @hannahe_vSUPPORT LOCAL RADIO! Thank you to WVLP 103.1 FM in Valparaiso for hosting this show! www.wvlp.orgSend us a text

Dr. Brennan Spiegel, author of Pull: How Gravity Shapes Your Body, Steadies the Mind, and Guides Our Health, reveals how gravity shapes everything from our digestive health to our emotional wellbeing in this fascinating exploration of "biogravitational medicine." He presents the revolutionary concept that conditions like IBS and depression may be tied to how well our body resists gravity.• Gravity resilience refers to how well your body manages Earth's gravitational force• People with hypermobility conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome often experience gut issues when their internal suspension systems are compromised•  The gut hangs from a suspension system like ‘ornaments on a Christmas tree,' and if it weakens, the intestines can sag, leading to digestive issues • Our language around emotions reflects our relationship with gravity – we feel "down" when sad and "up" when happy• Most serotonin (90–95%) is made in the gut with help from our microbiome, where it helps regulate muscles and systems that manage our body's relationship with gravity • Strategies to strengthen gravity resilience • Hypopressive exercises that draw the belly upward can improve internal organ support• The STACK TEN diet focuses on tryptophan-rich foods to support serotonin production• Mental and physical resilience share similar concepts - the ability to "bend without breaking"Check out Dr. Spiegel's new book "Pull" releasing October 7th, which explores how gravity affects human health and how building gravity resilience can help us find balance, stand stronger, and live longer.References and Resources:The Gravity Doctors Podcast LinkBrennan Spiegel MD's book, Pull (This is an affiliate link. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you and only recommend products we trust.)Effect of diet on serotonergic neurotransmission in depression. Neurochem Int. 2013;62(3):324-329.Tryptophan-rich diet is negatively associated with depression and positively linked to social cognition. Nutr Res. 2021;85:14-20.J. Wurtman: Brain serotonin, carbohydrate-craving, obesity and depression. Obes Res. 1995;3 Suppl 4:477S-480S.Research on sleep & tryptophan Sleep and Diet: Mounting Evidence of a Cyclical Relationship. Annu Rev Nutr. 2021 Oct 11;41:309-332.Amy Cuddy's paper on "The Power Pose" highlights how adopting confident postures can boost mood, increase self-assurance, and positively influence how others perceive you!Learn more about Kate and Dr. Riehl:Website: www.katescarlata.com and www.drriehl.comInstagram: @katescarlata @drriehl and @theguthealthpodcastOrder Kate and Dr. Riehl's book, Mind Your Gut: The Science-Based, Whole-body Guide to Living Well with IBS. The information included in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.

Check out the collection of fidgets Team Shiny loves! Is the 'overdiagnosing' of ADHD, autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions a 'danger,' and to whom? Isabelle and David continue taking some common myths and misperceptions, questioning who and how we gatekeep 'neurodiversity' (including the idea that maybe there really is no 'neurotypical')--and how one group's fears that these labels harm us cannot negate the fear neurospicy folks have that they will be in trouble, or judged, or stigmatized for being who they are and unmasking. Also using the power of compassion and inviting more conversations, while not jumping to cancelling anyone--because everyone gets to fart in an elevator once or twice. -----Isabelle is coming in hot. She continues to explore her reaction to a podcast episode she listened to recently, Armchair Expert with guest Suzanne O'Sullivan on overdiagnosis, which went from covering seizure disorders to ADHD and autism, especially high-masking autism, real quick.  She is so frustrated that a non-expert on ADHD—someone like O'Sullivan, whose expertise is working with epilepsy and seizure disorders, has now spent so much time talking about ADHD and autism when that is not an area of expertise. David names that he thinks this is an important conversation to have, because we are validating the other perspectives. There is a medical model of disease sets us up to want to oppose or eradicate the ‘disease;' where things like neurodevelopment conditions like ADHD and autism are not something to be ‘cured' or ‘fixed.” David makes the comparison, its like a bunch of people sitting and talking about going to Mexico when no one has ever been there—cultural representation. For example, someone has mild amounts of anxiety throughout the day. They understand this anxiety as having ADHD. They use ADHD interventions to help them and they found a community, and it makes sense and they feel better, it works for them. And then someone comes up with a reason to say that person does not have ADHD, that this definition does not apply—why are we being so careful when it comes to gatekeeping diversity, including neurodiversity?  This wonderful person that David met at a training, named Shay, asked: is there anyone that is neurotypical? We could think of the difference between traits and states. And then he thought about personal examples. He doesn't know if there is someone "neurotypical." Would it to be less shocking that people have different neurological needs or educational differences if we recognized that there may be no 'one' baseline or group to compare everything to? And how quickly we dismiss difference--like knowing that because David listened to books, the argument that what he did was not 'reading'--but we get back to actual question, which is...what was the task, and did it get done?  Often, talking about the fantasy of how ADHD looks or how its supposed to be, it's more about other people. A lot of people with ADHD believe that if its easy for them, they're cheating. Because its supposed to be hard. Do most non-ADHD people think that way?  The debates are now that anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD—these are neurological differences—they are also looking at causal factors to all these conditions that are not chosen. So is the only person who is ‘normal' the person who has no feelings, reactions, or responses?  Someone who has no big responses to stimuli, someone who is antisocial? Isabelle does fall into the categorizing and black and white thinking, and how its a part of learning, to categorize and generalize. This is not dissimilar to how people talk about race, gender, and about culturally defined parts of experiences because we collectively make them a thing—maybe its myth making and collective storytelling. There is a gravitational pull to the idea of being neurotypical or mentally ‘well' and then there's good and bad. Isabelle wonders where the compassion goes? David speaks up—they have compassion. People are scared. People are scared and when we're scared, we have a reflexive reactions. People have found safety or comfort in the label of ‘normal' or ‘neurotypical,' and they see difference as not good, and they're really trying to, in their mind, help people in their messaging. Terror management theory: when you're scared, you find a group of people who are like you and you band together to be less scared. So, there are a chunk of people out there who are getting very specific about who is in or out of the group.  David can have a lot of compassion for that fear, that fear about who gets to belong. But he also wants to speak to the neurodivergent person who is doing something you tell them will help—and it hurts them? It's a real fear we carry. David uses the example of his mom—bless her heart (see the Southern US use of this phrase on many levels below)—who grew up being told the importance of having arch support in shoes, and so when David had flat feet, she had him use these inserts—David is not blaming his mom, she did the best she could—lots of people are told not to touch things, don't go into the light. Every neurodivergent person has to have the fear “I'm doing this wrong, I'm in trouble, I'm doing something bad!” To little David: you know, you have flat feet, you have more stability around corners—but another voice would say “don't tell anyone you have flat feet, it's bad.” He has compassion for the fear people have that want everyone to be the same, to not stand out or be different, and there is also a fear that neurodivergent people sit with every day about whether or not they're allowed to act the way they act. Isabelle names that the podcasters were saying “oh, these diagnoses are an excuse to then act in ways that are socially awkward.” Ahem. Isabelle describes how this feels like when she describes her inner workings to someone in all the steps she takes when she sits down next to someone, wondering if this is the right physical distance, is she staring at their eyebrows too long, is she pausing appropriately, etc.—and when she unmasks and reveals this, the person considers it a compliment to say “I couldn't tell.” It's the idea that someone outside of you knows more about your experience than you do. The way that diagnoses connect to power and gatekeeping for services and Isabelle makes the point that those who are saying “over diagnosis is dangerous”—to whom? On what planet are folks who are neurospicy getting enough of the supports and services and resources and access that they need? The system is already failing most of us. David names: this isn't cancer, this isn't people getting chemo erroneously. There is no danger in identification, it's about getting our needs met. What do we do as a society to neglected people, and the more you know about your needs, the less of a danger being neglected becomes. This is a question of someone who knows a lot about things wandered over into another area and made bold statements without the expertise. Isabelle was extra miffed that she also dismissed the intersections of Autism, ADHD, POTS, hyper mobile Ehlers Danlos, and MCAS and ‘nonexistent' —so damaging and harmful. These are real things, the interconnectedness of them is being actively researched, just because you are new to the party does not make something false or untrue. As David puts it, in the 70's or 80's, the APA took a vote to decide if being gay was good or bad, essentially (“do we keep gayness as a disorder?” Yes folks, this was that recently. GAH.). Now imagine someone was asleep for ten years and missed that memo and is now walking around looking at pride flags wondering “why are there so man...

Pamela from the United States shares her journey with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), detailing how Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) transformed her quality of life.She recalls being frequently ill as a child with chronic sore throats, fevers, and unexplained rashes, treated repeatedly with antibiotics, which left her with long-term side effects. In adulthood, she experienced worsening joint pain, migraines, back and neck problems, and multiple orthopedic challenges, especially after childbirth and through menopause.After learning about LDN from Ehlers-Danlos support groups and a physiatrist, Pamela started treatment at 0.5 mg, later increasing to 3 mg. Initial side effects (constipation and nausea) subsided after two weeks, followed by significant improvements in pain levels, energy, and immune function—she hasn't caught illnesses that previously plagued her.She describes a clear decline when she was off LDN for 11 days, reinforcing its benefits. Pamela now enjoys more stability, less pain, better post-menopause symptoms, and greater day-to-day functionality.Her advice: LDN is worth trying for chronic pain and autoimmune-related conditions, as it may improve both symptoms and general health with minimal side effects for most people.

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guests: Christopher Francois, M.D. The risk of thoracic aortic dissection increases as the diameter of the aorta widens. A diameter greater than 5 cm is associated with an increased risk of dissection in the general population. Patients with Marfan Syndrome have defective connective tissue and dissection commonly occurs with diameters less than 5 cm. Other health conditions associated with aortic dilation and potential dissection include Ehlers Danlos and those with bicuspid aortic valves.  It therefore becomes extremely important to accurately assess the aorta. Fortunately, we now have a variety of imaging tools available and several of these tools are relatively new. My guest for today's podcast is Dr. Christopher Francois, from the Department of Diagnostic Radiology at the Mayo Clinic and he'll bring us up to date regarding the most recent imaging techniques as we continue our series on vascular medicine. We'll discuss who's at risk for an aortic aneurysm, when some of the more traditional imaging is indicated and when we should consider some of the newer imaging tools. Mayo Clinic Talks: Vascular Medicine Series | Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development Connect with us and learn more here: https://ce.mayo.edu/online-education/content/mayo-clinic-podcasts 

We break down pneumothorax: risks, diagnosis, and management pearls. Hosts: Christopher Pham, MD Brian Gilberti, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Pneumothorax.mp3 Download Leave a Comment Tags: Chest Trauma, Pulmonary, Trauma Show Notes Risk Factors for Pneumothorax Secondary pneumothorax Trauma: rib fractures, blunt chest trauma (as in the case). Iatrogenic: central line placement, thoracentesis, pleural procedures. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax Young, tall, thin males (10–30 years). Connective tissue disorders: Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos. Underlying lung disease: COPD with bullae, interstitial lung disease, CF, TB, malignancy. Technically, anyone is at risk. Symptoms & Differential Diagnosis Typical PTX presentation: Dyspnea, chest pain, pleuritic discomfort. Exam clues: unilateral decreased breath sounds, focal tenderness/crepitus. Red flags (suggest tension PTX): JVD Tracheal deviation Hypotension, shock physiology Severe tachycardia, hypoxia Differential diagnoses: Pulmonary: asthma, COPD, pneumonia, pulmonary edema (SCAPE), ILD, infections. Cardiac: ACS, CHF, pericarditis. PE and other acute causes of dyspnea. Diagnostics Bloodwork: limited role, except type & screen if intervention likely. EKG: reasonable given chest pain/shortness of breath.

Holly Griffin is an inspiring woman based in Atlanta, originally hailing from the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada. After spending significant time in the bustling streets of New York City, Holly has embraced her unique journey as a yoga-teaching hairdresser, blending her passion for wellness and creativity into her daily life. Despite facing the challenges of Sjögren's syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Lupus, Holly remains a beacon of positivity, navigating her health struggles with resilience and grace. Her early experiences, including two unexpected strokes that left medical professionals puzzled, have only strengthened her resolve to live life fully. When she isn't working her magic with hair or sharing her journey on TikTok, Holly cherishes quality time with her beloved pups, family, and friends. She believes in the power of connection and community, finding solace in the support of those around her. With each day, Holly continues to inspire others with her uplifting spirit, demonstrating that even on the toughest days, joy and laughter can be found in the simplest moments.   Her TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@holly_halina?_t=ZT-8zAvGIiygU2&_r=1

Hi and welcome to How Humans Heal. I'm Dr. Doni Wilson, and today I'm excited to introduce you to Jane Hogan, a functional medicine certified health coach and wellness educator. She's the author of the best-selling book "Pain-Free on Purpose." I love that name. The subtitle is "Use Your Mind to Heal Your Body and Get Your Life Back," which sounds amazing and so helpful. I can't wait to hear all about this new book. I was sharing with Jane, and a lot of the How Humans Heal listeners know my story and health journey - I spent so many years in pain - pain migraines, and from having Ehlers Danlos syndrome and joint hypermobility, as well as pain from chronic arthritis. So I understand what it's like to be in pain and how it feels to want to get out of pain. Often as humans, we have not just physical pain but emotional pain, and often they go together. When we are in physical and emotional pain, we tend to reach for substances to get us out of pain, even if it's temporarily, and even if there are side effects or addictions. What Jane is here to share with us is how she was able to get herself out of pain without medications, and without side effects or addictions. We're here to help you! LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:   Rewire for Relief Webinar: https://www.thewellnessengineer.com/a/2148118558/BdFiTEQq    Pain-Free on Purpose Book Promotion: https://www.thewellnessengineer.com/a/2148129908/BdFiTEQq    Take Dr. Doni's Stress Type Quiz: https://doctordoni.com/quiz/stress-quiz/   Menopause Program with Dr. Doni: https://dv296.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Menopause    Sign up For Dr. Doni's Masterclasses: https://doctordoni.com/masterclasses/    Schedule A Chat With Dr. Doni: https://intakeq.com/new/hhsnib/vuaovx    Read the full episode notes and find more information: https://doctordoni.com/blog/podcasts/ MORE RESOURCES FROM DR. DONI:   Quick links to social media, free guides and programs, and more: https://doctordoni.com/links     Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are product links and affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission at no cost to you. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

https://frequencyspecific.com    https://fsmsports365.com Carolyn McMakin, MA, DC - contact @ frequencyspecific.com Kim Pittis, LCSP, (PHYS), MT - info @ fsmsports365.com 01:50 Custom Care Mode Bank Updates 03:25 Discussion on Joint and Extremity Protocols 09:58 Lymphatic System and Infections 17:11 Root Canal Issues and Dental Health 24:00 Radiation Treatment and Side Effects 31:55 Introduction to Practitioner Types and Black Box Protocols 32:38 Case Study: Kathleen's Nasal Surgery and Mold Exposure 33:10 Mold Nasal Spray Recipe and Treatment 36:34 Discussion on Binders and Mold Colonization 48:54 Parasites and Their Impact on Health 57:29 Masterclass Announcement and Conclusion Revisiting Treatment Protocols Due to evolving knowledge and practical advancements, it is crucial for practitioners to continuously update their FSM treatment protocols. Recently, significant updates were made to the FSM standard protocols, with new additions designed to address various health concerns. These include comprehensive protocols for conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which incorporate frequency combinations such as 40 and 10 to optimize treatment duration and efficacy. Targeting Joint Health New considerations suggest separating protocols for acute and chronic conditions affecting extremity joints. Practitioners should consider whether to maintain generalized protocols or expand categories to include specific injury types, such as ankle sprains or shoulder injuries. This specificity can make FSM applications more targeted and effective for patient recovery. Addressing Infections and Lymphatic Health Managing infections with FSM involves understanding the underlying issues that exacerbate conditions like swollen and sore lymph nodes. Practitioners should assess any historical surgical interventions, like tonsillectomies, and consider potential infections as underlying causes. Comprehensive evaluations, including complete blood count (CBC) tests, are recommended to determine appropriate FSM interventions or the necessity of traditional medical treatments, such as antibiotics. Supporting Post-Radiation Recovery FSM practitioners must carefully consider the specific needs of patients undergoing or recovering from radiation treatments. Reducing inflammation and preventing scar tissue formation are critical. FSM treatments should focus on collateral tissue damage in areas affected by radiation, like the bladder or rectum, and utilize specific frequencies to minimize pain and promote healing without enhancing tumor growth. Managing Parasites and Mold Exposure Practitioners encountering patients with parasite-related conditions or mold exposure must employ FSM as part of a broader treatment strategy. While FSM can modulate symptoms, it is essential to combine it with appropriate pharmaceutical or holistic interventions. Soucing effective antifungal nasal sprays and utilizing oral binders like Chlorella or bentonite clay can significantly support patient recovery. Dealing with Cardiac Arrhythmias In cases of atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia, especially those with a traumatic onset, FSM can play a vital role in treatment. Practitioners should concentrate on optimizing vagus nerve function to stabilize heart rhythms. Continued treatment and careful adjustment of frequencies—particularly those associated with the vagus nerve—may help decrease arrhythmic episodes and improve heart health. Implementing FSM into medical practice requires an ongoing commitment to learning and adapting treatment protocols to meet the diverse needs of patients. Through continuous education and the refinement of techniques, practitioners can leverage FSM to address complex medical issues effectively, ultimately enhancing their practice and patient satisfaction.

In this special bonus episode, Dr. Linda Blustein (Bendy Bodies https://bit.ly/m/BendyBodies) addresses listener questions about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders. 00:00 – Introduction 00:59 – Can PCPs diagnose hEDS without a geneticist? 03:19 – Limitations of the Beighton Score 05:40 – 2017 hEDS criteria & upcoming revisions 10:29 – How to find a knowledgeable provider 12:52 – SVT vs POTS in a patient with EDS family history 19:53 – How to ask your provider if they're comfortable treating dysautonomia 22:17 – MTHFR variants and hEDS 29:23 – Celiac, gluten sensitivity & EDS 31:48 – Food allergy vs sensitivity testing 34:11 – Lipoedema and hypermobility 39:00 – LDN, Ketotifen, and Cromolyn 43:41 – Medication sensitivity in EDS/POTS/MCAS patients 45:47 – Wrap up and resources ​FIGS Get 15% off your first order at wear figs.com with the code FIGSRX Locumstory ​Locumstory.com is simply a free, unbiased educational resource about locum tenens Grammarly Download Grammarly for free at Grammarly.com/PODCAST

On this transformative episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host and wellness coach, Darlene Marshall, helps us rethink everything we know about self-care. Tired of the endless influencer-driven trends, fluffy hashtags, and the message that wellness is something you buy? Darlene takes us back to the roots, uncovering how self-care originated in social justice and chronic illness spaces, and how it became a commodity in recent years. Darlene shares her personal journey with Ehlers Danlos syndrome and explains why real self-care isn't found in supplements or spa days, but in consistently meeting your foundational needs. Using a fresh, evidence-based approach, she introduces the powerful concept of applying systems thinking—typically used in business and design—to your own wellbeing. Discover how habits, routines, and feedback loops can work together to support your physical, emotional, and higher order needs without cognitive overload or decision fatigue. You'll learn why self-care isn't selfish and how it enables you to show up more powerfully for yourself and others. Darlene walks through Maslow's hierarchy of needs with a twist: it's not about climbing a pyramid but sending ripples of positive impact out into the world, starting with the essentials like sleep, nutrition, and boundaries.Packed with practical tips and compassionate insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to reclaim self-care from marketing trends and build lasting, meaningful systems for a better, more balanced life. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

In this conversation, Augustine Colebrook shares her journey as a midwife and functional medicine specialist, discussing her experiences in India and the challenges faced in maternity care. She delves into her personal health struggles, discovering the carnivore diet, and how it transformed her health. Augustine emphasizes the importance of nutrition, particularly for pregnant women, and advocates for a high-fat, high-protein diet to support maternal and fetal health. The discussion also touches on the impact of dietary choices on chronic illnesses and the need for a shift in understanding nutrition.Follow her on her IG - @carnivoremidwife

Follow Amanda's journey on Instagram @chronically._.creative and discover how art becomes both healing and revolutionary in the hands of someone determined to increase representation through creativity.-From the 2025 Abilities Expo in Chicago comes a powerful SpeedCast that packs an emotional punch in just under eight minutes. Meet Amanda Peters, the creative force behind "Chronically Creative," whose journey through over 100 surgeries has transformed into an artistic mission to increase wheelchair representation in digital art.Amanda candidly shares her life with spina bifida, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and hydrocephalus—challenges that kept her frequently hospitalized yet sparked a creative awakening. "I started getting into design once I entered a bit more of a healthy era," she explains, noting her disappointment at the scarcity of wheelchair-inclusive artwork despite millions of Americans who use mobility devices. What makes Amanda's art distinctive is her digital approach. Using an iPad with a stylus, she overcomes hand tremors through digital filtering tools, allowing her to create whenever inspiration or health permits. This adaptive technique emerged during COVID when she found herself with fewer surgeries and more creative energy. Her mother introduced her to crafting as therapy—a way to focus on creation rather than pain.Perhaps most striking is Amanda's perspective, summed up by her t-shirt: "Chronically ill, I prefer medically fascinating." This outlook culminates in her parting wisdom that resonates far beyond disability communities: "Try to take different risks and do new things, even if you're not quite sure you're going to be able to do it, because chances are you're going to be surprised at what you actually are capable of." 

https://frequencyspecific.com Carolyn McMakin, MA, DC - contact-at-frequencyspecific.com Kim Pittis, LCSP, (PHYS), MT - info-at-fsmsports365.com 00:25 Case Study: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome 04:44 Case Study: Cavernous Hemangioma 09:35 Case Study: Mysterious Weight Loss 10:25 Technical Difficulties and Patient Expectations 15:34 Running and Patient Care Analogies 21:39 Emotional Challenges in FSM Practice 31:13 Unexpected Osteoporosis Diagnosis 32:00 Gratitude for the FSM Community 34:16 Achilles Tendon Pain and Treatment 41:20 The Magic of Frequency 124 46:19 Exploring the Sarcomere and Connective Tissue 49:47 Fascia and Nerve Connections 54:48 Upcoming Events and Conferences **Understanding and Addressing Hypermobility** Hypermobility can often be an elusive factor, affecting conditions like anxiety and digestive difficulties. One approach is to start with physical assessments that reveal a patient's range of motion issues, such as hypermobility in the joints, which can be linked to underlying conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Treatment can focus on using FSM to manage symptoms by targeting body pain and anxiety through precise frequency combinations, considering the biochemical and physical aspects of the patient's issues.  **Managing Cavernous Hemangioma and Stroke Recovery** When dealing with patients recovering from strokes, especially when there are complications from conditions such as cavernous hemangioma, FSM can assist in addressing nervous system injuries. By using experimental frequencies aimed at promoting neural recovery, practitioners can help reduce facial spasticity and overall body tightness. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding brain anatomy and leveraging FSM to stimulate appropriate brain functions. **The Mysterious Weight Loss Case** Managing complex cases like unexplained weight loss after childbirth requires comprehensive analysis beyond standard fibro and spine pain diagnoses. Practitioners should consider underlying conditions such as osteoporosis and employ FSM not just for symptomatic relief but also for targeting potential anatomical issues causing the discomfort. The approach prioritizes a balanced nutritional plan to support recovery alongside FSM-based interventions. **Building Practitioner-Patient Relationships** A significant aspect of applying FSM successfully is the development of a strong practitioner-patient relationship. By explaining the interconnectedness of different bodily systems and setting realistic expectations, medical practitioners can provide valuable reassurance to their patients. It's crucial to communicate the patient's role in their treatment progress and ensure they understand the reasoning behind each step in their care. **Innovations in Pain Management** For pain management, particularly in sports injuries or post-exercise recovery, FSM provides a way to explore non-invasive treatments that focus on reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and enhancing muscle healing. Practitioners can utilize FSM tailored to specific muscle structures and response patterns, encouraging athletes and active patients to incorporate this technology into their recovery routines.

Is Scoliosis Hereditary? Exploring the Genetic Link and Why It May Not Matter for Treatment Receiving a scoliosis diagnosis often sparks a cascade of questions:“How did I get this?”“Did I inherit it?”“What can I do about it?” In this episode of the Scoliosis Treatment podcast, Dr. Tony Nalda breaks down one of the most common concerns—whether scoliosis is hereditary—and explains why discovering the “why” may not always impact how we treat the condition. Family History vs. Genetic Cause Patients frequently share that scoliosis “runs in the family.” But does that mean it's genetic? Dr. Nalda explains that scoliosis tends to cluster in families, but no single gene has ever been definitively linked to idiopathic scoliosis. Even identical twins—who share the exact same DNA—may have different outcomes, with one developing scoliosis and the other not. This strongly suggests that while there may be hereditary tendencies, scoliosis is not directly caused by genetics alone. Different Types of Scoliosis (And Their Causes) To understand where heredity may play a role, it's important to look at the four main types of scoliosis: Idiopathic Scoliosis Makes up 80% of cases Cause: Unknown (idiopathic) Most often seen in adolescents Believed to be multifactorial, possibly involving environmental, developmental, and minor genetic influences Neuromuscular Scoliosis Associated with conditions like cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome More likely to have a genetic or systemic origin Congenital Scoliosis Present at birth due to malformed vertebrae (e.g., hemivertebra) Truly genetic/developmental in nature Degenerative or Traumatic Scoliosis Caused by injury or wear and tear Often appears in adulthood Not hereditary—these result from physical changes over time Why “Cause” Doesn't Always Change the Outcome Dr. Nalda uses a powerful analogy: “If an earthquake causes a building to collapse, we may study the cause—but the most urgent need is to rebuild the structure.” Similarly, scoliosis—regardless of the cause—becomes a structural problem that must be corrected. Many cases are diagnosed long after the original cause (if any) occurred, and chasing the “why” doesn't usually change how the curve affects the spine today. Can Idiopathic Scoliosis Be Treated Without Knowing the Cause? Yes.Dr. Nalda emphasizes that effective scoliosis treatment doesn't depend on knowing the exact cause. At the Scoliosis Reduction Center, idiopathic cases are treated with a multimodal approach, including: Scoliosis-specific chiropractic care Customized physical therapy and rehab Scoliosis-specific exercises Corrective bracing These strategies focus on correcting the structural changes in the spine—not just the symptoms—and help stop curve progression over time. Bottom Line: Focus on the Solution, Not Just the Source While the question "Is scoliosis hereditary?" is understandable, the better question might be: What can I do now to manage it? Whether the root is genetic, environmental, or unknown, scoliosis can be treated effectively—especially when addressed early and proactively.

In this episode of the Healthy, Wealthy, and Smart Podcast, host Karen Litzy welcomes Dr. Linda Bluestein, a recognized expert in hypermobility disorders and founder of Hypermobility MD and Bendy Bodies Podcast. Dr. Blustein shares her journey with hypermobility, detailing how health issues impacted her early aspirations of becoming a ballet dancer. After years as an anesthesiologist, she discovered her connection to connective tissue disorders, which led her to focus on this patient population. Together, Karen and Dr. Bluestein dive into the complexities of hypermobility disorders, the importance of research, and the support available for individuals affected by these conditions. Tune in for valuable insights and information that can help those navigating hypermobility disorders.   Time Stamps:  [00:01:27] Personal journey to hypermobility focus. [00:05:00] Joint hypermobility disorders explained. [00:10:43] Generalized joint hypermobility assessment. [00:12:22] Ehlers-Danlos syndrome overview. [00:15:52] Patient education on EDS concerns. [00:19:40] Connective tissue and its importance. [00:25:08] Research funding for EDS. [00:29:27] Misconceptions about hypermobility and talent. [00:30:59] Forced hypermobility in dancers. [00:34:27] Chronic pain and validation. [00:38:20] Treatment for connective tissue disorders. [00:42:05] Importance of recognizing hypermobility. [00:47:40] Believe in yourself. [00:48:42] Self-compassion and personal growth.   More About Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD: Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD, is a multifaceted professional renowned for her expertise in hypermobility disorders. As the founder of Hypermobility MD, she offers specialized medical care to individuals grappling with these conditions. Additionally, Dr. Bluestein is the driving force behind Bendy Bodies, a worldwide coaching practice aimed at empowering and supporting individuals with hypermobility.  Her influence extends beyond clinical practice. Dr. Bluestein is the founder and host of the esteemed podcast, "Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD," where she shares valuable insights and resources, enriching the lives of her audience.  Dr. Bluestein's dedication to advancing knowledge and awareness of hypermobility disorders is evident in her extensive publications and international lectures. Notably, she contributed two chapters to the influential book, "Disjointed – Navigating the Diagnosis and Management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders."  In addition to her clinical and coaching endeavors, Dr. Bluestein actively engages in advocacy and research. She serves on the Allergy and Immunology Working Group for the International Consortium on EDS and HSD, the Medical Advisory Board for Standing up to POTS, and the Board of Directors for both the Bridge Dance Project and EDS Guardians.   Dr. Bluestein's commitment to education and mentorship is exemplified through her involvement in initiatives such as the creation of the first online EDS Continuing Medical Education (CME) program with Chronic Pain Partners. She also volunteers as a medical consultant for the organization.   As an assistant professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Central Wisconsin, Dr. Bluestein has played a pivotal role in directing the RISHI Healer's Art Program, nurturing compassionate healthcare providers.  For more information about Dr. Bluestein and her comprehensive approach to hypermobility care, please visit her website at www.hypermobilitymd.com. Resources from this Episode: July 17th Jane Q&A Webinar Bendy Bodies Podcast Dr. Bluestein on Instagram Dr. Bluestein's Website Dr. Bluestein on Substack Dr. Bluestein on TikTok Dr. Bluestein on X Dr. Bluestein on YouTube   Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month   Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Twitter Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn   Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

Gigi Robinson grew up with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a disease that turns your joints into overcooked spaghetti. Instead of letting it sideline her, she built a career out of telling the truth about invisible illness. We talk about what it takes to grow up faster than you should, why chronic illness is the worst unpaid internship, and how she turned her story into a business. You'll hear about her days schlepping to physical therapy before sunrise, documenting the sterile absurdity of waiting rooms, and finding purpose in the mess. Gigi's not interested in pity or polished narratives. She wants you to see what resilience really looks like, even when it's ugly. If you think you know what an influencer does, think again. This conversation will challenge your assumptions about work, health, and what it means to be seen.RELATED LINKSGigi Robinson Website: https://www.gigirobinson.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigirobinsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgigirobinsonTikTok: @itsgigirobinsonA Kids Book About Chronic Illness: https://akidsco.com/products/a-kids-book-about-chronic-illnessFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

KEY LINKS:  Learn more about sepsis HERE  Listen to Jackie's 1:20 Podcast HERE  Connect with Jackie on Instagram HERE  Jackie's GoFundMe page is HERE  What does it really mean to start over—after nearly everything has been taken away?  In this powerful and deeply inspiring conversation, I talk with journalist and advocate Jackie Duda, who shares her extraordinary journey through chronic illness, disability, and survival. Once a thriving writer, Jackie's life took a sharp turn when she was diagnosed with autoimmune and connective tissue disorders including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Crohn's disease, POTS, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. But it was a near-fatal bout of sepsis in 2021, triggered by a colon perforation, that changed everything.  Jackie opens up about the physical and emotional toll her health battles took on her and her family—and how she slowly, courageously found her way back. Now, she's using her voice to raise awareness about sepsis, chronic illness, and osteoporosis, and to help others reclaim joy despite life's hardest moments.  WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:  What sepsis is—and why awareness could save your life  How chronic conditions like Crohn's, POTS, and Ehlers-Danlos can derail a life  The emotional impact illness has on families  Why osteoporosis should be taken seriously—at any age  How writing became a lifeline and tool for advocacy  The importance of community, joy, and owning your health journey  FOLLOW ‘AGE BETTER':  To join this adventure, remember to subscribe or follow the "Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman" podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Yep, you can watch it or just listen!    WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!   Your questions have spurred many episodes, so please keep them coming! Share your ideas for topics and guest suggestions at agebetterpodcast@gmail.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a landmark study from the Montalcino Aortic Consortium revealing how genetic differences in Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome distinctly influence the risk and location of arterial events. The findings highlight gene-specific patterns—thoracic aortic complications in Marfan and Loeys-Dietz, and peripheral arterial issues in Loeys-Dietz and Ehlers-Danlos—paving the way for personalized surveillance and management strategies.

In this JACC podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster presents five key studies, including new insights into arterial aneurysms in genetic aortopathies like Loeys-Dietz, Ehlers-Danlos, and Marfan syndromes, the implications of post-exercise troponin elevations in athletes, and 35-year outcomes of staged surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The episode also features a state-of-the-art review on heart failure with improved ejection fraction, highlighting emerging challenges and clinical strategies in this evolving phenotype.

Welcome to Dr. M's Women and Children First, where we dive into the latest insights on health and wellness for women and children. Today, we're honored to have Dr. Peter Rowe, a world-renowned expert from Johns Hopkins University, joining us to unravel the complexities of chronic fatigue.  Dr. Peter Rowe is a Professor of Pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is the inaugural Sunshine Natural Wellbeing Foundation Professor of Chronic Fatigue and Related Disorders and serves as the Director of the Chronic Fatigue Clinic at Johns Hopkins Children's Center. His areas of clinical expertise include chronic fatigue syndrome and other disorders characterized by fatigue and orthostatic intolerance. Dr. Rowe and his colleagues were the first to describe the relationship between chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and treatable orthostatic intolerance syndromes, as well as the association between Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and CFS. In this episode, Dr. Rowe and I dive deep into CFS and long Covid for both the parent and the clinician. We set the stage for a better understanding of this complex disorder in order to encourage earlier diagnosis and better therapy. From its impact on daily life to cutting-edge approaches for management, Dr. Rowe brings decades of expertise to help us understand this challenging condition.  Please Enjoy, Dr. M  

A deadly double/A possession that ruined a life Fan Art by Cretin Cave Productions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L0aE1yXH7U   Patreon (Get ad-free episodes, Patreon Discord Access, and more!) https://www.patreon.com/user?u=18482113 PayPal Donation Link https://tinyurl.com/mrxe36ph MERCH STORE!!! https://tinyurl.com/y8zam4o2 Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28CIOGSFRUXAD?ref_=wl_share   Links: Redditors who have worked around death/burial, what's your best ghost story? : r/AskReddit (Doopleganger Death Double Death Body Bag Suicide Look A Like story) https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/10o8hqn/comment/j6edndv/ what's the scariest thing you've ever experienced that you still can't explain? (UK Possessed By Castle Worker story) https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/1ier0uf/comment/maco1n2/ Trying to find a job while applying for disability benefits-US https://www.reddit.com/r/disability/comments/1ka1sdp/trying_to_find_a_job_while_applying_for/ What is EDS? https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/ Ehlers-Danlos syndrome https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362125 u/Ok-Recognition1752 https://www.reddit.com/user/Ok-Recognition1752/submitted/ Archive https://archive.ph/tmzrs   ------------------------------------------------ Logo Art By Ash Black Opening Song: "Atlantis Attacks" Closing Song: "Bella Royale" Music By Simple Rabbitron 3000 created by Eerbud Thanks to Chris K, Founder Of The Golden Rabbit Brigade Dead Rabbit Archivist Some Weirdo On Twitter AKA Jack Youtube Champ: Stewart Meatball Reddit Champ: The Last747 The Haunted Mic Arm provided by Chyme Chili Forever Fluffle: Cantillions, Samson, Gregory Gilbertson, Jenny The Cat Discord Mods: Mason http://www.DeadRabbit.com Email: DeadRabbitRadio@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeadRabbitRadio Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DeadRabbitRadio TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deadrabbitradio Dead Rabbit Radio Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/DeadRabbitRadio/ Paranormal News Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ParanormalNews/   Mailing Address Jason Carpenter PO Box 1363 Hood River, OR 97031   Paranormal, Conspiracy, and True Crime news as it happens! Jason Carpenter breaks the stories they'll be talking about tomorrow, assuming the world doesn't end today. All Contents Of This Podcast Copyright Jason Carpenter 2018 - 2025   ------------------------------------------------ Logo Art By Ash Black Opening Song: "Atlantis Attacks" Closing Song: "Bella Royale" Music By Simple Rabbitron 3000 created by Eerbud Thanks to Chris K, Founder Of The Golden Rabbit Brigade Dead Rabbit Archivist Some Weirdo On Twitter AKA Jack Youtube Champ: Stewart Meatball Reddit Champ: The Last747 The Haunted Mic Arm provided by Chyme Chili Forever Fluffle: Cantillions, Samson, Gregory Gilbertson, Jenny The Cat Discord Mods: Mason http://www.DeadRabbit.com Email: DeadRabbitRadio@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeadRabbitRadio Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DeadRabbitRadio TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deadrabbitradio Dead Rabbit Radio Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/DeadRabbitRadio/ Paranormal News Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ParanormalNews/   Mailing Address Jason Carpenter PO Box 1363 Hood River, OR 97031   Paranormal, Conspiracy, and True Crime news as it happens! Jason Carpenter breaks the stories they'll be talking about tomorrow, assuming the world doesn't end today. All Contents Of This Podcast Copyright Jason Carpenter 2018 - 2025

What if your symptoms weren't isolated… but signals in a much larger system breakdown? In this wide-ranging solo Q&A, Dr. Linda Bluestein uncovers the hidden threads connecting uncontrolled pain before surgery, unexplained eye issues, MCAS, multiple chemical sensitivity, Alpha-gal syndrome, and even autism risk. From the scar tissue no one warned you about to the medication that works—but doctors won't prescribe—it's all here. Dr. Bluestein shares eye-opening research on TILT (Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance), fragrance-triggered flares, and why standard pre-op care fails patients with connective tissue disorders. And woven throughout it all? The heavy, frustrating stigma that people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders know too well—being dismissed, doubted, and disbelieved. This episode doesn't just give answers. It reveals what questions you should have been asking all along. Takeaways: This one over-the-counter product might be behind your chronic eye issues—and no one's talking about it. Considerations and cautions for taking cromolyn A “safe” eye ointment led to lasting damage—here's why. Doctors say no to pain meds before surgery… but do they know the full risk? A tick bite and subsequent food allergy changes everything—even your shampoo. Find the episode transcript here. Reference Links: EP 140 with Dr. Brayden P. Yellman: https://youtu.be/mMMM7gmyrbk EP 127 with Dr. Emily Bohan: https://youtu.be/9ngUY9VPRcc EP 125 with Dr. Satish Raj: https://youtu.be/2WuDkH1TDns EP 120 with Wendy Wagner: https://youtu.be/YeRfTiGkDuA EP 109 with Dr. Tina Wang: https://youtu.be/w6iGZzRa-Q0 EP 108 with Katie and Andrew Dettelbach: https://youtu.be/hu907Z4Ldk4 EP 92 with Dr. Lillian Holm: https://youtu.be/QR9PZoA2ku0 EP 83 with Jill Miller: https://youtu.be/e86nO9PlKfQ EP 81 with Lisa Ralston: https://youtu.be/PKMcEUGcDWY EP 75 with Dr. Patty Stott: https://youtu.be/C5cATkq1a_k Check out Refresh Celluvisc Eye Gel, OcuSoft Lid Scrub and the book, Holistic Pain Relief as well as her other favorites at Dr. Bluestein's Amazon Store https://amzn.to/3RAjueJ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT) Tests https://tiltresearch.org/self-assessment/ TILT Resources https://tiltresearch.org/resources/ Assessing Chemical Intolerance in Parents Predicts the Risk of Autism and ADHD in Their Children - PubMed Food Compatibility List https://www.twoalphagals.com/ https://www.veganmed.org/ YouTube Playlist on Moving with EDS  and HSD https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX9StmpQKW30miVUD3DHWXjLq_Vs2VKrF&si=qU66cuujtCG_PH1f 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/. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! Use this affiliate link for Algonot to get an extra 5% off your entire order: https://algonot.com/coupon/bendbod/ Connect with the HypermobilityMD:  YouTube: 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 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.

Do you get full body pain? Does it affect your muscles, nerves or joints? Do you find that you need to rest after walking or find you tired more easily than others?It might not just be endometriosis. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a group of 13 conditions which all affect connective tissue (collagen) in the body. Most are rare, but one type called hypermobility EDS is common - and out of those with this type of EDS, 6-23% have endometriosis. But that's not where the connection ends…32-77% of those with EDS have vulvodynia and or pain with sex.33-75% have heavy menstrual bleeding. 73-93% have painful periods.Additionally, histamine intolerance caused by Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is a co-condition of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and we also know that overactive mast cells play a role in endometriosis. Not only can this cause more painful periods, but it can also create problems like allergies and eczema to name a few.Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is also a huge risk factor for SIBO, and as you may now know, at present SIBO is estimated as affecting 80% of the endo population.I could go on with the overlapping symptoms and connections, but instead, I'll let you hear it first hand from Natalia Kasnakidis who is not only an endometriosis warrior, but is also living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, histamine intolerance and potentially postural tachycardia syndrome.In this episode we talk about:What the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes are and how common they are.The signs and symptoms to look out for and Natalia's own experience with her symptoms.The journey she tool to diagnosis and her tips for getting diagnosed. The co-conditions of EDS and their symptoms. Her key strategies for living well with endometriosis and EDS.Show noteshttps://www.thelondonhypermobilityunit.co.ukhttps://join.sibosos.com/purchase/74117-Joint-Hypermobility-Syndromes?_ga=2.165935037.2051281346.1639065076-1956767515.1601293146Need more help or want to learn how to work with me?Free resources:This podcast! Endometriosis Net ColumnEndometriosis News ColumnNewsletterInstagramWays to work with me:This EndoLife, It Starts with Breakfast digital cookbookMasterclasses in endo nutrition, surgery prep and recovery and pain reliefLive and Thrive with Endo: The Foundations DIY courseOne to one coaching info and applicationThis episode is sponsored by BeYou Cramp Relief Patches. Soothe period cramps the natural way with these 100% natural and discreet menthol and eucalyptus oil stick on patches. Click here to find out more and to shop: https://beyouonline.co.uk/pages/how-it-worksProduced by Chris Robson

Hannah is still trying to live her life as any other 22 year old would, dancing with friends, enjoying the outdoors, and loving the cows on her family farm. She hopes to share this positive view of life with chronic illnesses on her public Instagram page beyond.the.label_0 to help show other young people with challenging diagnosis that joy and a life worth living are still possible.  In this episode of the Major Pain podcast, she took a few minutes to talk to us about her journey with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome from a lake near her home in Tennessee. Hannah started life as a perfectly healthy kid playing basketball, softball, cheerleading, and getting into trouble on the farm.  Even then she watched her brother struggle with seizures and a difficult road to diagnosis that ended with Chiari malformation and tethered cord syndrome.  When she got a concussion at the age of 13 everything seemed to change, and Hannah was also diagnosed with both Chiari and tethered cord, in addition to vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (VEDS). She would later be diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and is exploring the possibility that she may have mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).  Her doctors narrowed in on the vascular form of EDS when she was 16 and began having pain, fever, and illness with her periods which became unpredictable, either missing months at a time or lasting up to a year of continuous bleeding. After many surgeries to release the Chiari, fuse vertebrae, release the tethered cord, and a difficult decision to have a hysterectomy at age 19 to resolve her constant bleeding, Hannah still would not change a thing.  Though she used to wonder why god would do this to her, she now sees the good that can come from perseverance.  She talks us through her history with VEDS, tells us about her medications and coping mechanisms, as well as how her chronic illness journey has strengthened her faith.  With her long term boyfriend and service dog at her side, Hannah is a resource for other patients going through similar life challenges as she continues to find what her future will bring. PlayWatch the episode on YouTube, or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

There's a bit of a parental feel about this week's podcast. Two mums from Nottingham were categorised in a hospital computer system as having learning disabilities and, they say, received poor treatment as a result. Claire Whyte and Elizabeth Jones are autistic but their local NHS trust only has the ability to (inappropriately) categorise them as having a learning disability, because there is no neurodivergent box to tick on the system. They say they were spoken to in simplified language and had decisions about their care made without consulting them. As a result, they felt patronised and left out of their own maternity care. Presenter Emma Tracey speaks to them and we get a response from the NHS and the company, System C, who make the app. Emma also speaks to Jessica Slice, author of newly published and ironically titled book Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World. In it she maintains that disabled people are unusually placed to have the skills to be parents. She says her life as someone with POTS and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, has made her more resilient, patient, tolerant of pain, and thinks disabled people shouldn't be written off as mums and dads ... and a whole lot more. Presenter: Emma Tracey Producer: Beth Rose Sound recording and mix: Dave O'Neill Editor: Damon Rose

In this interview, Christie Uipi, LCSW, sits down with world-renowned mindbody physician Dr. Howard Schubiner to explore the limitations of the traditional medical model in treating conditions like POTS, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, chronic Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), ME/CFS, and Long COVID. Together, they discuss how a mindbody approach can bring clarity to these often confusing conditions - and offer a hopeful path forward for those seeking relief.

In the first part of our four part Case Files series diving into the upcoming lawsuit against Rady Children's in San Diego, Andrea and Dr. Bex start with looking into preteen Madison Meyer's string of diagnoses like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS, CRPS, and more. They break down what these conditions are and why they - coupled with Madison's rapid decline - raised red flags.  *** Follow Dr. Bex on instagram: @secretdoctorbex Order Andrea's new book The Mother Next Door: Medicine, Deception, and Munchausen by Proxy.  Click here to view our sponsors. Remember that using our codes helps advertisers know you're listening and helps us keep making the show!   Subscribe on YouTube where we have full episodes and lots of bonus content.  Follow Andrea on Instagram: @andreadunlop Buy Andrea's books here.  For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children's MBP Practice Guidelines can be downloaded here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when illness hijacks your love story? In this raw and revealing episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with therapists and real-life couple Melissa Dickinson and Tom Query, who know firsthand how Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can test—and transform—a relationship. From secret diagnoses to unexpected intimacy challenges, they open up about their personal journey navigating chronic illness, caregiving, trauma, and neurodivergence while maintaining connection, humor, and purpose. But it doesn't stop there. You'll hear about the surgery that changed everything, a community built from the ground up, and what it means to reclaim agency in a body that feels like it's working against you. Whether you're chronically ill, caregiving, or just curious—this episode will stay with you. Takeaways: What if the love of your life was diagnosed after your wedding… would you stay? This surgery gave her legs—and her life—back. They gave their illness a name… and it changed how they fought it. The hardest part of caregiving isn't what you think. Sometimes, even therapists need help decoding each other. 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. Find the episode transcript here. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! Learn about Melissa Dickinson & Tom Query: Melissa: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissadickinsonEDSofGA/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadickinsonlpc/ Website: www.MelissaDickinson.com Tom: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellspringcounselingintown Website: https://www.tomquery.com 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 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caller Questions & More: Marc discusses the fine print, asking the hard questions to get insight before jumping into relationships.  I'm miserable in my marriage and have become emotionally divorced from my husband who doesn't feel led to lead.  I have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, have had seventeen surgeries, and am in so much pain.  Is it […]

Send us a textIn this episode of the Next Level Human Podcast, Dr. Jade Teta interviews Natalie Pendergrass, who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming chronic pain and trauma through resilience, yoga, and mindfulness. Natalie discusses her experience with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, the healing power of yoga, and the importance of mental health in managing physical pain. She emphasizes the need for proper breathing techniques and strength training for those with hypermobility disorders, and how acceptance and clearing toxic relationships can lead to empowerment and healing.00:01:25 Natalie's Childhood and EDS Diagnosis00:08:32 Living with Chronic Pain and Abuse00:14:50 Discovering Yoga and Unexpected Flexibility00:21:40 The Power of Proper Breathing00:28:00 Finding Solutions Through Adversity00:35:36 Keys to Healing: Mindset and Movement00:44:05 Creating a Life Beyond Limitations Looking for a Next Level Human Coach? Get on the waitlist and get access to the brand-new science of quantum metabolism and identity restructuring with Dr Jade and the team.http://nextlevelhuman.com/human-coaching Want to become a Next Level Human Coach? Get on the waitlist. Go to: http://www.nextlevelhuman.com/human-coach Connect with Next Level HumanWebsite: www.nextlevelhuman.comsupport@nextlevelhuman.comConnect with Dr. Jade TetaWebsite: www.jadeteta.comInstagram: @jadeteta

If your body is super reactive… even the tiniest change can set off awful symptoms – then you should consider the spectrum of mast cell activation diseases.What most people find enjoyable, like healthy foods, exercise, or even sunlight, can make some feel horrible. Often these symptoms are beyond just “histamine intolerance symptoms.”And while others around you might think you're just “being dramatic” or “making a mountain out of a molehill,” it's clear to you that your body is extremely more reactive than others.It can be hard to get a clear diagnosis and help if you are struggling with mast cell activation diseases – including those with hypermobility syndrome issues like Ehlers-Danlos.If your life feels like you're constantly navigating a minefield of unexpected symptoms to the smallest things, I'm joined by Michelle Shapiro, RD, to talk about what causes you to have a “highly sensitive body.”Michelle Shapiro, RD is an Integrative/Functional Registered Dietitian in NYC who has helped over 1000+ clients reverse their anxiety, heal long-standing gut and immune issues, and approach their weight in a loving way. Michelle has a virtual private practice of 5 nutritionists where she and her team work one-on-one towards these goals. She is the host of the Quiet the Diet Podcast, where she helps listeners bridge the gap between body positivity and functional nutrition.If you've been searching for answers about your own body's unpredictable reactions or want to better understand these complex conditions, let's dive in!In This Episode:What's a “highly sensitive body” problem (that you'll be stuck with forever)?The role of mast cells as “guards” of your immune systemHistamine intolerance symptoms (and why a histamine intolerance diet doesn't help long-term)Histamine intolerance versus Mast Cell Activation DiseasesThe surprising link between MCAS, POTS, and hypermobility syndromeWhy POTS isn't a heart problemThe long COVID–histamine intolerance connectionPractical tips for managing symptoms histamine intolerance symptomsQuotes“Highly sensitive bodies often react in ways we don't expect—things that are supposed to be good for you, like healthy foods or exercise, can make you feel worse.”“Histamine issues don't just cause rashes or itchy skin; they can trigger severe insomnia, anxiety, and even psychosis.”LinksFind Michelle online | InstagramMichelle's podcast, Quiet the DietMichelle's Highly Sensitive Body Hub WaitlistHealthy Skin Show ep. 319: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: What is MCAS + Why It's So DevastatingHealthy Skin Show ep. 166: Mold + Histamine ConnectionReady to figure out your skin's root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds to manage your skin?My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.Trusted by over 1000 clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.Schedule an assessment call at https://skinrepaircall.com/