On today’s episode of @bendy_bodies, therapist couple Melissa Dickinson and Tom Query get real about what it takes to build a strong, successful relationship while living with EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) and neurodivergence. 💬💕 From open communication to adapting daily life, they share the tools that help them stay connected—and the power of naming (and cursing!) the unwelcome third wheel in their relationship: “Ed.” 😤 "Miscoding" each other happens commonly when someone is neurodivergent and solutions can be elusive. Don't miss this episode if you are struggling with HSD, EDS and/or neurodivergence (e.g.: autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourettes, etc). What have you found most challenging regarding relationships with your illness(es)?👀 #BendyBodiesPodcast #EDS #NeurodivergentLove #Hypermobility #RelationshipGoals #ChronicIllnessSupport #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #InvisibleIllness #CouplesAndChronicIllness #BendyBodies #DrLindaBluestein #MCAS #PatientAdvocacy #ChronicLove 📌 Medical Advice Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.

✅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. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:53 Melissa's Health Journey and Relationship Dynamics 06:30 Caregiving Challenges and Support Systems 24:06 Intimacy and Communication in Relationships 36:48 Humor and Misunderstandings 37:43 Challenges and Rewards of Caregiving 40:33 Balancing Needs and Self-Care 48:01 Neurodivergence and Relationship Dynamics ✅ Check out other videos for the newly diagnosed https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX9StmpQKW30xe6ObyIbbVDQaLpD9J6cI 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! 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

On today’s episode of @bendy_bodies, ME/CFS expert, Dr. Yellman shares a simple but powerful tip for navigating complex medical appointments: bring objective data. 📋 Whether it’s changes in your ability to work, study, move, or concentrate—concrete before-and-after examples can help your provider stay focused on what’s really changed, instead of getting lost in a long list of symptoms. If you’re dealing with ME/CFS or any chronic illness that’s hard to explain, this kind of tracking can be a game-changer in getting the care you deserve. 💡🩺 What tips do you have for getting your clinicians to better understand your circumstances? Check out the full episode here: https://youtu.be/mMMM7gmyrbk #BendyBodiesPodcast #MECFS #ChronicIllnessTips #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalAppointments #InvisibleIllness #PostExertionalMalaise #BrainFog #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #Neuroimmune #DrLindaBluestein #TraumaInformedCare 📌 Medical Advice Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.

What if the fatigue you feel isn’t just “tiredness”—but the result of an entirely different physiological state? In this riveting episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with Dr. Brayden P. Yellman of the Bateman Horne Center to explore ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome)—a misunderstood condition that masquerades as general exhaustion but goes much deeper. Together, they unravel the hidden markers of post-exertional malaise, explain how upright posture can quietly sabotage your day, and discuss the mysterious collapse of energy systems that no blood test can catch. With no known biomarker, diagnosis is a clinical puzzle—and one too often dismissed. Dr. Yellman also explores emerging theories around brainstem tension, tethered cord syndrome, mast cell activation, and how some surgeries may reset the body in unexpected ways. If you've been chasing answers for fatigue, brain fog, or unexplained crashes, this episode may finally connect the dots you didn’t know existed. 🎥 Note: You may notice a few choppy moments in this video due to our guest’s frame rate, but the conversation is so valuable, we knew we had to share it with you. Thanks for your understanding! Takeaways: Fatigue might not be what you think—and your body may be operating in a totally different mode. Your upright posture could be silently draining your energy every hour of the day. A “normal” MRI doesn’t mean your nervous system is functioning normally. Could your symptoms be the result of your brainstem being pulled—literally? The most revealing test? It might be one you do at home... and it doesn’t involve a lab. Chapters 00:00 Understanding ME/CFS and Dysautonomia 00:36 Introduction to Dr. Braden Yeoman 02:44 Core Clinical Criteria for ME/CFS 09:19 Post-Exertional Malaise and Functional Impairment 33:19 Trusting Clinical Medicine Over Extensive Testing 36:03 Genetic Testing and Hypermobile Spectrum Disorders 38:30 Neuroanatomical Complications and Treatments 55:25 Research and Future Directions in ME/CFS YouTube video mentioned in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00f6Yx9ab3I 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! Learn about Dr. Brayden P. Yellman Twitter: https://x.com/BatemanHorne Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bateman_horne_center/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/batemanhornecenter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bateman-horne-center-of-excellence/ BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/batemanhornecenter.bsky.social Website: https://batemanhornecenter.org/ 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

On the latest episode of @bendy_bodies, Dr. Theoharides explains why elevated tryptase levels don't necessarily correlate with symptom severity or treatment outcomes in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). He also shares his approach to using the code for mast cell activation, unspecified (D89.40). 💬 Have you experienced challenges with MCAS diagnosis or treatment? Share your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️ #MastCellActivationSyndrome #MCAS #MedicalAwareness #BendyBodiesPodcast #MastCells #ChronicIllness #Hypermobility #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #ChronicPain #InvisibleIllness #MCASAwareness #PatientAdvocacy 📌 Medical Advice Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any healthcare decisions.

What if the symptoms you've been chasing—brain fog, fatigue, bladder pain, even anxiety—were all connected by one overlooked cell type? In this fascinating episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, one of the world’s leading experts on mast cells, to unravel the hidden roles they play in some of the most complex chronic illnesses. From histamine sensitivity that mimics allergies, to lab tests that miss what’s really going on, Dr. Theoharides sheds light on why so many patients are dismissed—and what doctors are missing. The conversation takes unexpected turns into brain inflammation, food triggers, and even autism, where mast cells may hold untapped insight into neurodevelopment and behavior. If you've ever felt like your symptoms don’t make sense—or that the medical system keeps overlooking something obvious—this episode might just connect the dots. Takeaways: You might be surprised to learn which test isn’t as useful for diagnosing MCAS as people think. The brain fog you're feeling? There's a cellular player involved—and it's not just inflammation. Some reactions you're calling “allergies” might be something very different (and trickier to detect). The way mast cells interact with the brain could change how we think about neurodevelopment. A few supplements could help—but only if you're asking the right questions first. *Note: This is general information and not medical advice specific to you. Always discuss supplements (eg: Ashwagandha), medications, and anything else shared with your medical team before making any changes. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Mast Cells and Guest Introduction 02:57 Understanding Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) 10:35 Diagnostic Challenges and Lab Tests for MCAS 32:12 Mast Cells in the Brain and Neuroinflammation 44:00 Understanding Mast Cell Activation and Stress 46:06 The Role of Diet and Supplements in Managing Mast Cell Activation 55:42 Gut Health and Mast Cell Activation 01:01:51 Practical Tips and Future Directions 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! Learn about Dr. Theoharis Theoharides Website: https://www.drtheoharides.com/ Podcast Link: https://algonot.com/ Blogs: https://www.nova.edu/nim/neuroinflammation-research/index.html LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theoharis-theoharides-ms-phd-md-faaaai-67123735 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

On today’s episode of @bendy_bodies, we explore the pros and cons of an official EDS diagnosis. A diagnosis can lead to better medical care, access to specialists, and proper treatment plans. But on the flip side, it can also come with insurance challenges, stigma, and difficulty getting life or disability coverage. 💬 Have you or someone you know struggled with the decision to seek a formal diagnosis? Share your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️ #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #Hypermobility #ChronicIllness #BendyBodiesPodcast #RareDisease #MedicalDiagnosis #ChronicPain #DisabilityAwareness #GeneticDisorders #PatientRights #LifeInsurance #HealthcareAccess #EDSCommunity #MedicalEthics Medical Advice Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any healthcare decisions.

In this solo Q&A episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein answers your biggest hypermobility questions, tackling topics like whether getting an official EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes) diagnosis is worth it, which pain medications actually help, how to improve posture, and the growing stigma around EDS. She also discusses visceroptosis (organ prolapse), posture braces, and the legalities of medical centers refusing EDS patients. Dr. Bluestein shares practical hypermobility hacks and gives insight into the challenges patients face when seeking care. If you’ve ever wondered how to advocate for yourself, manage pain, or improve daily function, this episode is packed with expert advice and actionable tips. Takeaways: Should You Get an EDS Diagnosis? – Listen as Dr. Bluestein describes how an official diagnosis can provide validation and access to specialists, yet may also lead to insurance and medical stigma issues. Pain Medications for EDS Are Off-Label – Dr. Bluestein explains which medications she has found most helpful for managing symptoms. How Can Posture Be Improved – Dr. Bluestein shares which posture-support garments she prefers and how to use them in a way to avoid muscle weakening. EDS Stigma is Getting Worse – Misinformation causes some doctors to dismiss EDS patients as exaggerating or attention-seeking. Learn how to advocate and educate your providers. Some Medical Centers Refuse EDS Patients – While emergency rooms must treat everyone, clinics and specialists can decline to see EDS patients, making self-advocacy and persistence essential. Listen in to hear how you can avoid having this happen to you. 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! 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