In this solo episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein tackles your most pressing questions about preparing for surgery with conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), POTS, and MCAS. Dr. Bluestein explains how the recent IV fluid shortage may affect you, which supplements to stop before surgery, and why hydration is key for successful outcomes. She also addresses the importance of communicating with your surgeon about your unique medical needs and provides practical pre- and post-surgery hacks to optimize recovery. Packed with valuable tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating surgery with chronic conditions. Takeaways: IV Fluid Shortages Can Impact Surgery: The recent IV fluid shortage in the U.S. means patients may receive less fluid during surgery, making pre-surgery hydration even more critical, especially for those with POTS. Stop Certain Supplements Before Surgery: Supplements like ginger, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, fish oil, turmeric, and CBD oil can increase bleeding risk and should be stopped 1-2 weeks before surgery. Talk to Your Surgeon About Medications: People with POTS or MCAS may need to adjust medications before surgery. Discuss your supplements and medications with your surgical team to avoid complications. Hydration is Essential: Going into surgery well-hydrated can make IV insertion easier and help prevent complications, especially for those with chronic illnesses like POTS. Tailor Your Pain Management Plan: Discuss post-surgery pain management with your doctor ahead of time to ensure you have appropriate medications and tools to manage pain and prevent complications like constipation. 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! 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 the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein speaks with her personal physical therapist, Dr. Emily Bohan, about the often-overlooked role of pelvic floor health in people with hypermobility, EDS, and related conditions. Emily explains why pelvic floor dysfunction can cause issues like low back pain, hip instability, urinary incontinence, and constipation. She shares her expertise on how to strengthen and relax the pelvic floor safely, emphasizing why Kegels aren't always the answer. Packed with practical tips, including "stop power peeing" and incremental exercise strategies, this episode provides actionable insights to help anyone dealing with pelvic or musculoskeletal pain. Takeaways: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Affects More Than You Think: Issues like low back pain, hip pain, constipation, and urinary incontinence can often be traced to pelvic floor tension or weakness. Kegels Aren’t Always the Solution: Many people have overly tight pelvic floor muscles, making relaxation and proper breathing more effective than strengthening exercises like Kegels. Power Peeing is a No-No: Pushing or straining during urination can harm the pelvic floor over time, increasing the risk of prolapse and dysfunction. Incremental Progress Prevents Flares: For hypermobile individuals, small, controlled increases in movement and load are key to building strength without worsening pain. Pelvic Floor Therapy Is for Everyone: Pelvic floor physical therapy benefits people of all genders and ages, from postpartum women to male athletes experiencing pelvic pain. 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 Emily Bohan IG: @bohanpttraining/ TT: @bohanpttraining FB: Bohan PT Training 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 deeply meaningful episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein reconnects with her very first EDS patient, Lauren Vasko. Lauren shares her remarkable story of resilience, from navigating life in a wheelchair, managing Cranial-Cervical Instability (CCI), and battling POTS, to regaining her independence and teaching art in Kenya. She reflects on her challenges with misdiagnoses, traumatic medical experiences, and the importance of self-advocacy. Lauren reveals the tools, treatments, and mindset shifts that helped her heal, including physical therapy, medications, supplements, and setting boundaries. Her message of hope reminds us that even the hardest journeys can lead to unexpected triumphs. NOTE: Due to some technical limitations, Lauren's video will showcase lines over her frame, but it should not impact her audio or any of her amazing comments! Takeaways: Believe Healing Is Possible: Lauren emphasizes the importance of overcoming a “victim mentality” and truly believing in your ability to improve, no matter how severe your condition feels. Small Wins Add Up: Success doesn’t come all at once. Lauren highlights how small changes—5% improvements—eventually added up to transformative progress in her life. Advocate for Yourself: Lauren’s journey shows the importance of questioning medical advice, finding the right providers, and being actively involved in your care. Physical Therapy and Traction Were Game-Changers: Specialized physical therapy, dry needling, and cervical traction played key roles in helping Lauren avoid invasive surgery for CCI (Cranial-Cervical Instability). Set Boundaries for Health and Identity: Lauren shares the importance of not letting your diagnosis define you, setting boundaries with support communities, and finding joy in new passions like art and teaching. 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 Lauren Vasko Instagram: @asformeandmyhealth/ 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 the Bendy Bodies podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein speaks with leading autonomic specialist Dr. Satish Raj about POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), dysautonomia, and orthostatic intolerance. Dr. Raj delves into the complexity of these conditions, including their diverse causes, challenges in diagnosis, and innovative treatments. Learn why POTS is a "feeling faint" disorder rather than a fainting disorder, the role of compression garments and increased sodium intake, and how non-pharmacological treatments form the foundation of care. Packed with practical advice and expert insights, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating POTS or related conditions. Takeaways: POTS is a "Feeling Faint" Disorder: Unlike fainting disorders, POTS is characterized by persistent symptoms of lightheadedness and discomfort without necessarily leading to fainting. Non-Pharmacological Treatments First: Increasing salt and water intake, wearing compression garments (focusing on the abdomen and pelvis), and engaging in tailored exercise programs form the foundation of POTS management. Dr. Raj emphasizes some key details, improving the odds of success. Individualized Treatment Matters: Compression garments not only aid in blood flow but may also provide joint stabilization benefits for hypermobile patients. POTS is Multifactorial: The causes of POTS are diverse, ranging from post-viral onset to structural and blood volume issues, requiring a nuanced, patient-specific approach to treatment. Exercise Takes Time but Works: Low-resistance, reclined exercises like rowing and cycling can improve cardiac output and quality of life, but patients need to commit for at least six weeks to notice meaningful improvements. 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. Satish Raj Website: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/satish-raj/ 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