Episodes

  • Are You Being Gaslit About Hormones and Health? | Office Hours (Ep 164)

    Are You Being Gaslit About Hormones and Health? | Office Hours (Ep 164)
    Oct 2 2025
    In this raw and reflective Office Hours episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein responds to listener feedback and dives deep into the cultural and clinical gaslighting faced by people, especially women, navigating complex health conditions. From the dismissal of perimenopause to the rise of so-called “TikTok diseases,” Dr. Bluestein explores the dangerous disconnect between lived experiences and clinical skepticism. She also unpacks a now-infamous comment involving tuna, and what it reveals about how the medical community sometimes chooses ridicule over reflection. This episode is equal parts fiery and thoughtful, a must-listen for anyone tired of being misunderstood. Additional Information: Red Flags: https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/p/redflags/Bobby Jones CSF Together We Thrive Summit Lectures: https://bobbyjonescsf.org/i-am-patient/patient-conference/ Road to 2026: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/road-to-2026/Registries: Dysautonomia Project: https://thedysautonomiaproject.org/find-a-provider/ Dysautonomia International: https://dysautonomiainternational.org/page.php?ID=14Genetic Counselor Registry: https://abgc.learningbuilder.com/Search/Public/MemberRole/VerificationMy Webinar ‘Hypermobility – Diagnosis and Treatment in the MCAS patient’: https://shop.ehlers-danlos.org/product/dr-linda-bluestein-the-hypermobility-md-hypermobility-disorders-specialist/?utm_source=chatgpt.comMENS PMMS Approach: https://www.nursingcenter.com/cearticle?an=00587875-202304000-00001&Journal_ID=3402523&Issue_ID=6649307&utm_source=chatgpt.comCurbsiders Episode: Gluten, MTHFR, Mast Cells, and More | Office Hours (Ep 155): https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/gluten-mthfr-mast-cells-and-more-office-hours-ep-155/?utm_source=chatgpt.comNIH article on mercury and mast cells: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2850891/Dr. Mary Claire's Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/drmaryclairehaver/p/what-nearly-1000-women-told-me-about?r=1vualn&utm_medium=iosTestosterone is Essential for Women with Dr. Kelly Casperson (Ep 131): https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/testosterone-is-essential-for-women/Sex hormones and allergies: exploring the gender differences in immune responses: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/allergy/articles/10.3389/falgy.2024.1483919/fullImpact of progesterone on the immune system in women: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10024519/ Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD?Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcastInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymdDr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start 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. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ 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 Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Hidden Causes of Abdominal Pain in EDS with Dr. Pradeep Chopra (Ep 163)

    Hidden Causes of Abdominal Pain in EDS with Dr. Pradeep Chopra (Ep 163)
    Sep 25 2025
    Abdominal pain in EDS can be a puzzle with countless hidden pieces. In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein welcomes back Dr. Pradeep Chopra for part two of their exploration into gastrointestinal problems. Together, they uncover overlooked causes of abdominal pain, from drooping intestines and tethered spinal cords to mast cell activation and nerve entrapment. Listeners will hear surprising connections between the spine, bladder, ribs, and gut, with insights that could explain symptoms often dismissed or misunderstood. Takeaways: How intestines “dropping” into the pelvis complicate digestion and bladder function. Why tethered cord surgery may relieve unexpected symptoms, including GI issues. The overlooked role of mast cell activation in abdominal pain and food intolerances. How abdominal pain can actually begin in the ribs, nerves, or pelvic floor. Why abdominal migraines and CRPS challenge traditional medical thinking. Find the episode transcript here. Want more Dr. Pradeep Chopra? Website: ⁠⁠https://www.painri.com/⁠⁠Contact Dr. Chopra’s Office: ⁠⁠⁠snapa102@gmail.com Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/⁠⁠⁠. YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd⁠⁠⁠ To check out all of my favorite products, please click on this link: ⁠⁠https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/productswelove⁠ 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. Check out the following episodes to learn more: Find previous Bendy Bodies episodes featuring Dr. Pradeep Chopra here:https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/guests/dr-pradeep-chopra/Find previous Bendy Bodies episodes featuring Dr. Theoharis Theoharides here:https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/guests/theoharis-theoharide/Hidden Causes of Pain ‘Down There’ with Dr. Andrew Goldstein (Ep 148):https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/hidden-causes-of-pain-down-there-with-dr-andrew-goldstein-ep-148/Hidden Causes of Painful Sex with Dr. Irwin Goldstein & Sue Goldstein (Ep 130): https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/hidden-causes-of-painful-sex-ep-130/Slipping Rib Surgery in EDS with Adam Hansen, MD: https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/videos/84-slipping-rib-surgery-in-eds-with-adam-hansen-md/Testosterone is Essential for Women with Dr. Kelly Casperson (Ep 131) https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/testosterone-is-essential-for-women/Signs of Tethered Cord You Shouldn’t Ignore with Dr. Petra Klinge (Ep 137): https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/signs-of-tethered-cord-you-shouldnt-ignore-with-dr-petra-klinge-ep-137/Why Do Some GI Problems Hide from Every Test? with Dr. Zachary Spiritos (Ep 153): https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/why-do-some-gi-problems-hide-from-every-test-ep-153/ Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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 FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Hypermobility Problems with Anesthesiologist Dr. Linda Bluestein | Glaucomfleckens Bonus Episode

    Hypermobility Problems with Anesthesiologist Dr. Linda Bluestein | Glaucomfleckens Bonus Episode
    Sep 22 2025
    In honor of Pain Awareness Month, I wanted to share an episode of one of my favorite healthcare podcasts, “Knock Knock Hi with the Glaucomfleckens.” In this interview from last July, Will and Kristin Flanary (AKA Dr. and Lady Glaucomflecken) kindly invited me on to talk about my journey from ballet to anesthesiology to integrative pain care, and how hypermobility and chronic pain are often overlooked or misunderstood in both medicine and everyday life. Listen to more episodes of “Knock Knock, Hi! with the Glaucomfleckens” wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube. https://www.human-content.com/kkh Bendy Bodies, alongside Knock Knock Hi with the Glaucomfleckens, is a proud part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • EDS Foot and Ankle issues with Dr. Patrick Agnew (Ep 162)

    EDS Foot and Ankle issues with Dr. Patrick Agnew (Ep 162)
    Sep 18 2025
    In this informative and eye-opening episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Patrick Agnew, who specializes in treating patients with joint hypermobility and connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes. Together, they explore why lower extremity pain and dysfunction are so common and often misunderstood in EDS and HSD (Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders). From failed orthotics to unnecessary surgeries, they break down the biggest foot myths and offer practical advice for building stability, choosing footwear, and getting the right help before things spiral. This conversation will change the way you walk, literally and metaphorically. Takeaways Patrick Agnew explains why the “fallen arch” theory doesn’t always apply to hypermobile bodies and what to focus on instead. Learn when foot surgery helps, when it hurts, and why many EDS patients should think twice before going under the knife. Not all orthotics are created equal. Agnew shares why many fail—and how to find support that works with (not against) your anatomy. Chronic ankle injuries may signal more than weakness—they could be your body’s way of screaming for a new approach. Forget the trends. Discover how to pick footwear that supports your unique structure without creating more dysfunction. Find the episode transcript here. Want more Dr. Patrick Agnew? YT: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPTK1lhGuP0⁠ FB: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068257805669 Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: ⁠⁠https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/⁠⁠. YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd⁠⁠ To check out all of my favorite products, please click on this link: ⁠https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/productswelove 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 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 FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Dental Myths & EDS Truths with Dr. Audrey Kershaw (Ep 161)

    Dental Myths & EDS Truths with Dr. Audrey Kershaw (Ep 161)
    Sep 11 2025
    Dr. Audrey Kershaw returns to chat with Dr. Linda Bluestein and demystify wisdom tooth extraction, appliances for TMJ disorder, and everyday oral health habits for people with EDS/HSD. We cover when third molars should be removed (and when they shouldn’t), why local anesthetic can fail in some patients, how to approach dental procedures when CCI (craniocervical instability) is a concern, and what truly drives gum disease vs “EDS-specific” issues. We also address periodontal EDS (a rare subtype), toothpaste choices (fluoride vs hydroxyapatite vs chelators), and the surprisingly powerful habit of “spit, don’t rinse.” Stay to the end for practical Hypermobility Hacks you can implement tonight. Takeaways Is wisdom teeth surgery happening too often… or dangerously too late? What if the biggest risk during oral surgery isn’t the tooth—but how your neck is positioned? Why do some people with EDS feel every cut and drill—even after “getting numb”? Could one cheap hack—“spit, don’t rinse”—protect your teeth better than $30 toothpaste? Are sharks hiding the secret to stronger enamel in your bathroom cabinet? References: 2012 Paper- The effects of NICE guidelines on the management of third molar teeth: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22955790/ 2020 RCS Guidelines on Third Molars: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/-/media/files/rcs/fds/guidelines/3rd-molar-guidelines--april-2021-v2.pdf AAOMS Guidelines on Third Molar Management: https://aaoms.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/management_third_molar_white_paper.pdf Bendy Bodies Podcast on Preparing for Surgery with Linda Bluestein, MD: https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/58-preparing-for-surgery-with-linda-bluestein-md/ GIRFT RCS TMD Document: Comprehensive-guideline-Management-of-painful-Temporomandibular-disorder-in-adults-March-2024.pdf Dr. Mike Harrison’s Talk on EDS Support UK: https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/information/webinar-with-dr-mike-harrison-on-why-dental-issues-occur-with-connective-tissue-disorder/ EDS and Dental Issues Talk by Ines and Ulrike: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lsf0YEeps5c&t=65s EDS Society on Periodontal EDS: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/peds/ Austrian Conversation on pEDS (PubMed): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28836281/ Genetics Home Reference on Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/ehlers-danlos-syndrome#statistics Perioperative Care in Patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndromes (SCIRP): https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=97524 Want more Dr. Audrey Kershaw? Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/audrey.kershaw.3⁠ Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: ⁠⁠https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/⁠⁠. YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd⁠⁠ To check out all of my favorite products, please click on this link: ⁠⁠https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/productswelove 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 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 FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Parenting Making You Both Sick? with Dr. Shimi Kang (Ep 160)

    Parenting Making You Both Sick? with Dr. Shimi Kang (Ep 160)
    Sep 4 2025
    Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by award-winning psychiatrist and author Dr. Shimi Kang to explore a radical, yet intuitive concept: that play, creativity, and rest aren’t luxuries - they’re medicine. In a world where high-achievers and neurodivergent thinkers are pushed to exhaustion, Dr. Kang unpacks how this cultural mindset leads to burnout, inflammation, and chronic illness. Drawing from both cutting-edge neuroscience and her own clinical experience, she offers practical tools to help listeners regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with joy, and reclaim their health. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck in survival mode, this episode will reframe everything. Takeaways - Discover the surprising connection between neurodivergence and hypermobility that could redefine your understanding of chronic illness. - Burnout isn’t just in your head—uncover the biological triggers that shut your system down and what you can do about it. - Curious about how play can rewire your nervous system? This episode reveals its unexpected power to transform your well-being. - Could "dolphin parenting" be the secret to breaking free from the stress of overachievement? Tune in to find out! - Forget control—learn why embracing curiosity might just be the game-changer you need for true healing. Want more Dr. Shimi Kang? Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/drshimikang⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drshimikang/?hl=en⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/drshimikang/⁠ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfqNKUKkxgM8M7Psn2f8fPA⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshimikang/?originalSubdomain=ca⁠ Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: ⁠⁠https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/⁠⁠. YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd⁠⁠⁠ To check out all of my affiliate accounts, please click on this link: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/productswelove 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 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 FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Truth Bombs & Backlash with Kate Colbert (Ep 159)

    Truth Bombs & Backlash with Kate Colbert (Ep 159)
    Aug 28 2025
    After a wave of passionate listener feedback sparked intense conversations behind the scenes, The Bendy Bodies Podcast returns with a candid and heartfelt follow-up. In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by author and communications expert Kate Colbert to openly address the concerns raised about recent content and to set the record straight. From questions about language and lived experience to the emotional cost of being misunderstood, Dr. Bluestein and Kate hold nothing back. Together, they unpack what went wrong, what they stand by, and what they’ll do differently moving forward. This is the episode that proves growth is messy, but worth it. Takeaways What sparked intense pushback from listeners this season Why language matters more than ever in the chronic illness community Why science isn't always black and white The frustrations of medical and scientific uncertainty What happens when a podcast decides to grow in public Find the episode transcript here. Want more Kate Colbert? Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katecolbert/ Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: ⁠⁠https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/⁠⁠. YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd⁠⁠⁠ 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! Use this affiliate link for Algonot to get an extra 5% off your entire order: ⁠⁠https://algonot.com/coupon/bendbod/⁠⁠ 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 FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Discussing Your Feedback: Pain, Autism & hEDS Diagnostic Criteria | Office Hours (Ep 158)

    Discussing Your Feedback: Pain, Autism & hEDS Diagnostic Criteria | Office Hours (Ep 158)
    Aug 14 2025
    In the season five finale of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein reflects on powerful listener feedback and opens up important conversations about language, intent, and identity in medicine. She clarifies the purpose behind episodes on pain neuroscience and mast cells in autism, acknowledges the concerns raised, and discusses the fine line between supporting physiology and honoring identity. She also addresses concerns raised about the neuroplasticity episode, reaffirming that the intent was never to minimize anyone’s pain or suggest a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. Instead, the goal was to share information that some may find empowering while honoring the reality and validity of every person’s experience. Dr. Bluestein also revisits the ongoing “Road to 2026” diagnostic criteria update for hEDS (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), highlighting why labels matter for some patients and not for others. This wrap-up episode closes the season with transparency, humility, and a call for continued dialogue in the community. Takeaways Why pain is always real—even when labeled “non-structural” How mast cell research intersects with autism without erasing identity Why a hEDS diagnosis matters for some patients—but not for all What the upcoming 2026 hEDS criteria changes could mean for the community How listener feedback shapes the future of Bendy Bodies Find the episode transcipt here. Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: ⁠⁠https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/⁠⁠. YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd⁠⁠⁠ 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! Use this affiliate link for Algonot to get an extra 5% off your entire order: ⁠⁠https://algonot.com/coupon/bendbod/⁠⁠ FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 mins