Silicosis
PodcastDX
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling tiny crystalline particles of silica, or silicon dioxide, often linked to work environments like mining, construction, stonework, and sandblasting. The disease leads to symptoms such as coughing, inflammation, and fibrosis (scarring) and is classified under pneumoconioses, a group of lung conditions caused by inhaling dust. Silicosis can be chronic, developing over more than 10 years of exposure; subacute, occurring in two to five years with heavier exposure; or acute, which can happen within months of intense exposure. Although silicosis is...
info_outline
Jamie's Dream Team
PodcastDX
Jamie Holmes-Ward was born with a rare condition known as V.A.T.E.R Syndrome. The Cleveland Clinic says: VATER syndrome, also known as VACTERL association, is a complex condition that affects several parts of the body. VATER (VACTERL) is an acronym that stands for the affected parts of the body including the vertebrae, anus, heart, trachea, esophagus, kidney and limbs. Treatment is symptomatic and unique for each person diagnosed with the condition. Jamie is here to tell her story of overcoming obstacles with grace and creating a nonprofit to help children lift their spirits as...
info_outline
Bullying and Mental Health
PodcastDX
This week we discuss bullying with our guest Chelsey Peat. Chelsey is an advocate for those with facial differences due to Sturge Weber Syndrome. A person that looks different is a prime target for bullies. Bullying is often seen as a schoolyard issue, but its impact on mental health extends into adulthood. Bullied children face increased risks of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, with effects that can last a lifetime. Impact of Bullying Bullying occurs when a child uses physical or social power to hurt another. In the short term, it can cause anxiety,...
info_outline
EDS & Gut Dysmotility
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss the most common type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – the hypermobile type (hEDS, formerly also described as EDS type III or joint hypermobility syndrome), this is the type that most commonly presents to gastroenterology services. As connective tissue is present throughout the body, many different structures around the body including the digestive tract can be affected by EDS. Connective tissue is present in the digestive tract and is essential to the passive mechanical movements needed to complete digestion. It has been suggested that any abnormalities in the...
info_outline
Gut Dysmotility & Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss the most common type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – the hypermobile type (hEDS, formerly also described as EDS type III or joint hypermobility syndrome), this is the type that most commonly presents to gastroenterology services. As connective tissue is present throughout the body, many different structures around the body including the digestive tract can be affected by EDS. Connective tissue is present in the digestive tract and is essential to the passive mechanical movements needed to complete digestion. It has been suggested that any abnormalities in the...
info_outline
Ketamine for Depression
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss the use of Ketamine for treating Depression. Our guest for this week's show is Karen DeCocker, DNP, PMHNP, CNM Karen DeCocker is the Director of Advanced Practice Providers at Stella overseeing the assessment team. She helps to identify which innovative biological medical treatments & virtual therapies can help relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD & traumatic brain injury. After completing a virtual assessment of each patient, Dr. DeCocker and her team analyze the medical, biological, psychological & social factors to provide...
info_outline
Complex Illness
PodcastDX
On this week's show we are speaking once again with Kristine Hoestermann, the founder of "" and she will be explaining how difficult it has been to get a diagnosis for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and where that diagnosis took her (Brittle Cornea Syndrome & the BRCA Gene for Breast Cancer are the latest two) During our discussion I mentioned how I picture complex diagnoses as being like an over-spooled fishing reel, you don't know where to start to unravel the different aspects of the condition, but you know it's all connected! Heeeeere's Kristine! Allow me to introduce...
info_outline
The Microbiome
PodcastDX
Your gut microbiome is like a microscopic ecosystem within your body, housing trillions of microorganisms that interact with each other and their environment in various ways. These microbes also have a significant impact on your overall health, influencing both your digestive system and other bodily functions. A biome is a distinct ecosystem defined by its environment and inhabitants. Your gut, specifically within your intestines, is a miniature biome teeming with trillions of microscopic organisms. This diverse community includes over a thousand species of bacteria, along with viruses,...
info_outline
S17E13 Sturge-Weber Syndrome
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss Sturge-Weber syndrome with a wonderful woman we had the pleasure of meeting previously in Chelsey Peat was born with Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare condition that led to multiple surgeries, including a life-saving brain surgery as an infant. Despite doctors predicting significant limitations, Chelsey has defied these expectations throughout her life. She graduated from high school and college, and she is currently pursuing a degree in sociology alongside a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. With nearly 40 years of personal experience living with a facial...
info_outline
BiPolar
PodcastDX
Paris Scobie is a Mental Health Speaker, Host of the top 1% globally ranked podcast, , & Best-Selling Author of her memoir, . Paris launched Live Well Bipolar to use her lived experience to help others overcome the shame, fear and isolation that can so often accompany living with bipolar. She shares how she went from being a patient struggling from inside the walls of a psychiatric hospital newly diagnosed with bipolar to returning to work at this same hospital years later. This unique perspective has allowed Paris to share her experiences on what truly made a difference for her...
info_outlineThis week we will discuss CIDP with Ashley. Ashley also know as "Wheelinwoman" on Instagram and TikTok. "I have a few rare diseases that caused me to have health issues including a spinal cord injury which left me a quadriplegic. I spread awareness and education on life with Guillian Barre syndrome and CIDP. And share my journey wheelin' through life as a young woman!"
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. It is characterized by chronic inflammation of the nerves and destruction of the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects the nerves, leading to muscle weakness and sensory disturbances.
CIDP can affect people in different ways, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may experience mild symptoms, while others may experience more severe symptoms.
Common symptoms of CIDP include
-
Muscle weakness, particularly in the arms and legs
-
Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
-
Loss of reflexes
-
Difficulty walking
-
Fatigue
-
Pain in the limbs
-
Difficulty with coordination and balance
The severity and duration of symptoms can also vary, with some people experiencing intermittent episodes of symptoms while others experience more persistent symptoms. Treatment for CIDP typically involves immunosuppressive therapies to reduce inflammation and protect the nerves, but the specific treatment approach will depend on the individual case and the severity of the symptoms.