Metabolic Systems
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss Metabolic Systems with our guest, Francis Fessler. A certified personal trainer and conditioning coach for the last 25 years, Francis Fessler has built a career by designing programs and coaching professional and amateur athletes, celebrities, business professionals, parents and children to achieve their wellness and fitness goals. Throughout his time in the health and wellness world he evaluated, tried and tested countless ‘diet and nutrition plans’ and could not find one that had consistent results for both women and men- so he built one. Francis...
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The Aftermath of 9/11
PodcastDX
On this week's episode we are running a rare re-run on the aftermath of 9/11. The tragic events of September 11, 2001, remain etched in the collective memory of not only Americans but also people worldwide. Beyond the immediate devastation, the aftermath of the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks brought forth an enduring health crisis among those who selflessly rushed to aid their fellow citizens. First responders, the courageous individuals who braved the smoke, debris, and toxic fumes of Ground Zero, now face a formidable foe: cancer. This essay delves into the harrowing issue of cancers among...
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BiPolar and a Caregiver
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss being Bi-Polar with Kitt O'Malley. Kitt is an author, mental health advocate, and former psychotherapist who lives with bipolar disorder. Both her personal experience and clinical background inform her writing and enable her to help herself and guide others toward mental health recovery. She has a bachelor's in legal studies from UC Berkeley, a master's in psychology from New College of California, and has attended seminary. Visit for more information. "Balancing Act - Writing Through a Bipolar Life" offers hope to those living with mental...
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Young Onset Parkinson's
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss Young Onset Parkinson's with Jennifer Crowder. Jennifer has been living in the uncomfortable space of not using her career or family role to define herself for many years. Instead, she describes who she is as a person - she is tenacious, creative, stubborn, sarcastic, relentless, driven, compassionate, and courageous. Her proudest moments are making people laugh when they least expect it and finding a quick and simple solution to a complex problem. She spends most of her time in a boxing gym or carving eggshells. She has been living with Parkinson's disease for 27...
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Long COVID and Circulatory Problems
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss lasting symptoms months after catching COVID-19, also known as long COVID. A recent study has found Long COVID more than doubles a person’s likelihood of developing cardiovascular issues. (credits: https://bit.ly/45gJq4e ) We will not have a guest on this episode. If you or someone you know has Long COVID and had a healthy circulatory system until recently we would love to have you as a guest for a future episode.
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Gastroparesis
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss a serious motility disorder: Gastroparesis. Our guest is a strong advocate for this community and we are honored to have her join us today. Melissa Adams VanHouten is a wife, mother, and former university political science instructor and corporate trainer who holds a B.S. in Political Science from St. Joseph's College and an M.A. in Political Science from Indiana State University. After being diagnosed with gastroparesis in February of 2014, she became a passionate advocate for those in her community who feel voiceless and ignored. She currently serves as the...
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Sepsis Rapid Test
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss a new rapid response test for Sepsis with one of the developers, Richard Brandon. Sepsis describes a syndrome that occurs when severe infection results in critical illness and affects 750,000 Americans annually. Sepsis occurs when a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection causes a significant response from the body’s immune system, causing a high heart rate, fever, or fast breathing. Severe sepsis develops when the infection causes organ damage. Septic shock is the most severe form in which the infection causes low blood pressure, resulting in damage to multiple...
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Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
PodcastDX
On today’s show, we are talking about the complex world of multiple chronic illnesses once again with Anna Cooper. Anna is a 35-year-old female who has an independent spirit inside of a body that holds an alphabet of health conditions. Anna worked as a case manager for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, where she loved to advocate for her clients. When her health forced her to take a step back from working, things have been rough as she looks for a new way to advocate for herself and for others. The Difficult illness we will discuss today is Mast Cell Activation...
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End Stage Achalasia
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss Achalasia of the Esophagus Achalasia occurs when nerves in the esophagus become damaged. As a result, the esophagus becomes paralyzed and dilated over time and eventually loses the ability to squeeze food down into the stomach. Food then collects in the esophagus, sometimes fermenting and washing back up into the mouth, which can taste bitter. Some people mistake this for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, in achalasia the food is coming from the esophagus, whereas in GERD the material comes from the stomach. There's no cure for achalasia. Once the...
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Multiple Chronic Diagnoses
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss the complexity of being chronically ill with multiple diagnoses. Our guest for this week is Christy Amos, a compassionate and resilient individual who has dedicated her life to helping others navigate the challenges of living with chronic illnesses. Despite her own battles with multiple chronic health conditions, she has become a powerful patient advocate, leveraging her personal experiences to support and empower others. As a freelance author, she shares her expertise and insights on living with chronic conditions, providing education, comfort, and inspiration...
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
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Muscle weakness, particularly in the arms and legs
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Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
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Loss of reflexes
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Difficulty walking
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Fatigue
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Pain in the limbs
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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.