Have you ever felt like your doctor just isn’t that into you? 😕 In this @bendy_bodies Podcast clip, Cofounder of @thecurbsiders Podcast and internist Dr. Matthew Watto discusses shared decision making and the red flags that signal it might be time to find a new doctor. 👩‍⚕️ Whether you have a complex illness like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes / Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, dysautonomia or POTS, or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome OR are healthy, you DESERVE quality healthcare. Discover why trust and genuine care are non-negotiable in your healthcare journey and learn how to identify when your provider isn't meeting your needs. 💡 What do you think are signals that it is time to move on? #BendyBodiesPodcast #HealthcareAdvice #FindANewDoctor #DoctorPatientRelationship #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalTips #HealthCareProvider Medical Advice Disclaimer: This information is purely educational and does not intend to be a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes.

In this episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein speaks with Dr. Matthew Watto, an internist and co-host of The Curbsiders podcast, about how patients can work effectively with their internist to get the best care. They discuss how internists think, why appointment times are limited, and strategies for getting the most out of every visit. Dr. Watto shares behind-the-scenes insights on primary care challenges, chronic pain management, and the medical system's limitations, while also offering practical tips for improving doctor-patient communication. If you've ever felt frustrated navigating the healthcare system, this episode provides game-changing strategies to help you get the care you need. Takeaways: Internists Have Limited Training in EDS & Hypermobility – Many internists receive little to no education on hypermobility-related conditions, making patient education and advocacy essential. Appointment Time is Short—Be Prepared – Most internists have at the very most 15-20 minutes for follow-ups and 30-40 minutes for new patients, so bringing a prioritized list of concerns helps maximize the visit. Ask for a Collaborative Approach – Internists are generalists, meaning they oversee a wide range of conditions. Patients with complex conditions should request coordination between specialists for better care. Concierge & Academic Medicine May Offer More Time – Patients who need longer appointments or more personalized care may benefit from concierge medicine, academic medical centers, or direct primary care models. Doctors Want to Help, But the System is Broken – Many doctors feel frustrated by short appointment times, insurance barriers, and administrative burdens. Patient-doctor teamwork is key to navigating these challenges. Connect with YOUR Hypermobility Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/. Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/. Learn more about Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! Learn about Dr. Matthew Watto YT: @TheCurbsiders IG: @thecurbsiders Twitter: @/thecurbsiders & @doctorwatto Keep up to date with the HypermobilityMD: YouTube: youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Twitter: twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd Facebook: facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast Blog: hypermobilitymd.com/blog Part of the Human Content Podcast Network

In this episode of Bendy Bodies Podcast, we explore the common symptoms and triggers of brain fog, including sensory overload and fatigue. We also discuss treatment approaches such as mast cell stabilizers and immune regulation to help manage these challenges. If you struggle with brain fog or want to learn more, check out the full episode of the podcast here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf-2j6yZqLU&ab_channel=BendyBodies

Are you ready to take control of your next doctor's appointment? 🩺 We know that managing complex conditions like #POTS, #MCAS, and #EDS can feel overwhelming, which is why we've created the ultimate Doctor Appointment Checklist just for you. Save this post for your next appointment, tag a friend who could use these tips, and share in the comments: What’s one must-have item you never forget to bring to your doctor’s appointment? 👇 #DoctorAppointment #HealthTips #ChronicIllness #SelfAdvocacy #PatientEmpowerment #WellnessJourney #HealthCareTips #MedicalRecords #SymptomTracker #AutoimmuneAwareness #Healthcare #ChronicPain #HealthJourney #EmpoweredPatient Medical Advice Disclaimer: This information is purely educational and does not intend to be a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes.

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

I was fortunate to interview Dr. Kelly Casperson for @bendy_bodies! As a urologist and founder of the You Are Not Broken podcast, Dr. Casperson has vast knowledge about hormones and the risks and benefits most important when considering things like hormone replacement therapy. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation surrounding hormones so it is important to arm yourself with the best possible information before seeing your doctor. Check out the full episode to hear Dr. Casperson’s take on the fear of hormones and how women have been negatively impacted. What are your feelings about hormone replacement therapy and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD)? #Estrogen #Testosterone #Hormones #WomensHealth #HormoneFears #HealthOptimization #ConnectiveTissueDisorders #Empowerment #DoctorVisit #podcast

In this episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein chats with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a urologist and sexual health expert, about hormones, libido, and sexual wellness—especially for those with hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and related conditions. They dive into testosterone in women, hormone myths, bladder health, vaginal estrogen, and why pelvic floor therapy is a must. Dr. Casperson debunks common hormone fears, explains the role of mast cells and bladder issues, and shares insights on navigating intimacy with chronic illness. This episode is packed with must-know information on aging, sexual health, and proactive care for those with complex medical conditions. Takeaways: Testosterone is Essential for Women: Women naturally produce more testosterone than estrogen, but it's often overlooked in hormone therapy. Vaginal Estrogen is a Game-Changer: It can reduce UTIs by 50%, improve bladder health, and prevent vaginal atrophy—yet many doctors don’t discuss it. Pelvic Floor Therapy is a Must: A weak or overly tight pelvic floor can lead to pain, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction—physical therapy can help. Hormone Myths Need Busting: Misinformation from past studies has caused unnecessary fear of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—many of those concerns are outdated. Bladder Pain is Often Misdiagnosed: Many people diagnosed with interstitial cystitis may actually have pelvic floor dysfunction, hormone imbalances, or mast cell issues. Connect with YOUR Hypermobility Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/. My favorite books: https://bit.ly/3WHFQhq Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/. Learn more about Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! Learn about Dr. Kelly Casperson Instagram: @kellycaspersonmd Facebook: @youarentbroken YouTube: @kellycaspersonmd Book: You Are Not Broken https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd/list/2LQLPARJY3CDS?ref_=aipsflist Keep up to date with the HypermobilityMD: YouTube: youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Twitter: twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd Facebook: facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast Blog: hypermobilitymd.com/blog Part of the Human Content Podcast Network

Sexual function is a major indicator of quality of life—yet it's often overlooked in medical assessments. Symptomatic joint hypermobility impacts sexual function in many ways! In this eye-opening conversation on the @bendy_bodies Podcast, Dr. Irwin Goldstein and Sue Goldstein discuss the critical link between sexual health and overall well-being. Conditions like Tarlov cyst, mast cell activation syndrome, and POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) are often missed as factors contributing to problems with sex. Hopefully, things move in the right direction. Thanks to the internet and online support communities, younger generations are finding treatment plans faster than ever before, breaking the stigma and seeking help. Learn more by watching the full podcast episode: https://youtu.be/csiK_Zmb_hk #QualityOfLife #BendyBodiesPodcast #PatientAdvocacy #OnlineSupport #HealthJourney #MentalHealth #SexualFunction #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #DrIrwinGoldstein #SueGoldstein #HealthAwareness