Our guest this week is Shannon Wyatt.&nbsp; Shannon has an extremely rare condition called von Hippel-Lindau Chuvash Polycythemia (we will abbreviate to VHL). &nbsp;Her only symptom that led to finding VHL was that she was diagnosed with kidney cancer at 34 years old, that didn’t even have any noticeable symptoms, it was just an incidental finding on an MRI, but when they took it out, they found it was malignant. A few years later, it was pulmonary embolisms in both lungs after a routine gallbladder removal that pointed to Chuvash Polycythemia after many previous labs had raised suspicion of it. Common signs and symptoms for VHL include: Tumors and hemangiomas of the kidneys, pancreas, adrenal glands, liver, eyes, brain and spinal cord Chuvash Polycythemia is typical know for causing: Noticeable symptoms are fatigue, headaches, a reddish complexion, and itching. Dangerous underlying issues are blood clots and high pulmonary blood pressure with low systemic blood pressure. &nbsp;  Chuvash polycythemia is a rare, inherited disorder that is endemic to the Chuvash Republic of Russia, though it does occur in other parts of the world. NIH studies rare diseases not only to help the people who have them, but also to gain insight into gene functions that may benefit people with more common conditions. &nbsp;Complications of Chuvash polycythemia include blood clots and cerebral hemorrhage. The condition results from a genetic mutation that makes people unable to break down hypoxia inducible factor 2α (HIF2α), a protein that helps stimulate red blood cell production. The inability to degrade HIF2α leads to higher red cell production, even under high-oxygen conditions.

von Hippel-Lindau Chuvash Polycythemia

Today, we have with us today, Sheila Ames a registered nurse in Northern California who has been diagnosed with a rare type of a primary immunodeficiency known as common variable immunodeficiency or CVID for short.&nbsp; At the time of her diagnosis she was working as an ICU nurse and her first doctors order was: no more exposure to infectious patients.&nbsp; This diagnosis not only changed her career dramatically, it led her to following her life's purpose in opening her own health &amp; wellness online coaching business to help others continue to find and work towards their life's purpose despite the hurdles that life gives us.  ​Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immune deficiency disease characterized by low levels of protective antibodies and an increased risk of infections. Although the disease usually is diagnosed in adults, it also can occur in children. CVID also is known as hypogammaglobulinemia, adult-onset agammaglobulinemia, late-onset hypogammaglobulinemia, and acquired agammaglobulinemia. NIAID supports research to determine genetic causes of CVID that may lead to therapeutic approaches to address the disease. Researchers also are exploring how antibody-based drugs may lessen the severity of the condition. Causes CVID is caused by a variety of different genetic abnormalities that result in a defect in the capability of immune cells to produce normal amounts of all types of antibodies. Only a few of these defects have been identified, and the cause of most cases of CVID is unknown. Many people with CVID carry a DNA variation called a polymorphism in a gene known as TACI. However, while this genetic abnormality confers increased risk of developing CVID, it alone is not capable of causing CVID. CVID is also linked to IgA deficiency, a related condition in which only the level of the antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) is low, while levels of other antibody types are usually normal or near normal. IgA deficiency typically occurs alone, but in some cases it may precede the development of CVID or occur in family members of CVID patients. Symptoms &amp; Diagnosis People with CVID may experience frequent bacterial and viral infections of the upper airway, sinuses, and lungs. Acute lung infections can cause pneumonia, and long-term lung infections may cause a chronic form of bronchitis known as bronchiectasis, which is characterized by thickened airway walls colonized by bacteria. &nbsp; People with CVID also may have diarrhea, problems absorbing food nutrients, reduced liver function, and impaired blood flow to the liver. Autoimmune problems that cause reduced levels of blood cells or platelets also may occur. People with CVID may develop an enlarged spleen and swollen glands or lymph nodes, as well as painful swollen joints in the knee, ankle, elbow, or wrist. In addition, people with CVID may have an increased risk of developing some cancers. Doctors can diagnose CVID by weighing factors including infection history, digestive symptoms, lab tests showing very low immunoglobulin levels, and low antibody responses to immunization. Treatment CVID is treated with intravenous immunoglobulin infusions or subcutaneous (under the skin) immunoglobulin injection to partially restore immunoglobulin levels. The immunoglobulin given by either method provides antibodies from the blood of healthy donors. The frequent bacterial infections experienced by people with CVID are treated with antibiotics. Other problems caused by CVID may require additional, tailored treatments. To learn more about CVID,&nbsp; ​ If you would like to reach out to our guest: Sheila Ames BSN, RN, PHN Holistic Health Coach Business FB page: &nbsp; ​PID (primary immunodeficiency) group: &nbsp; ​Instagram: &nbsp;@journeyintowellnesscoaching ​My website: &nbsp; &nbsp;

CVID Common Variable Immunodeficiency

Jenny was diagnosed as a child with the rare diseases Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Short Bowel Syndrome. She lived with an ileostomy for 6 years before having it reversed into a straight pull thru. In her spare time, Jenny shares about life with rare disease on Life's a Polyp blog and Youtube channel. She raises funds for NORD FAP Research Fund through Life's a Polyp Shop and is writing a children's book about FAP. Jenny graduated with a Master's of Social Work and works with individuals with chronic illness.  Short bowel syndrome is a group of problems related to poor absorption of nutrients. Short bowel syndrome typically occurs in people who have  had at least half of their small intestine removed and sometimes all or part of their large intestine removed significant damage of the small intestine poor motility, or movement, inside the&nbsp;  Short bowel syndrome may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how well the small intestine is working.  People with short bowel syndrome cannot absorb enough water, vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, calories, and other nutrients from food. What nutrients the small intestine has trouble absorbing depends on which section of the small intestine has been damaged or removed.

Short Bowel Syndrome

This week we will discuss the topic of Diagnostic Radiology.&nbsp; The error rate of radiology is 4% world wide which comes out to be 40 million interpretive errors a year.&nbsp; Errors in diagnostic radiology occur for a variety of reasons related to human error, technical factors and system faults. It is important to recognize that various &nbsp;contribute to these errors.&nbsp; &nbsp; Cognitive biases have a complex and significant impact on the perception of examinations within diagnostic radiology, with the clear and present danger of&nbsp;. The following are some of the more common cognitive biases that can affect day-to-day decision making Alliterative bias Alliterative bias (sometimes called satisfaction of report) is the tendency for your diagnostic impression to be unduly influenced by the prior interpretation made by another radiologist or clinician. It is a type of confirmation bias and it can result in the same incorrect impression being propagated from one radiologist to the next. Formulating your own interpretation before reviewing any prior imaging reports may help reduce alliterative bias. Anchoring bias Anchoring bias is the tendency for your initial impression to unduly influence your evaluation of subsequently collected information. Careful assessment of all imaging findings prior to formulating a diagnosis and consideration of alternate diagnoses may help minimize anchoring bias. Automation bias &nbsp;is the tendency for reporters using computer-aided decision support to over rely on the software for the diagnosis, and to ignore their own opinions 2. Making your own assessment prior to reviewing the computer-aided findings, and knowing the limitations of the automated software, can help reduce this bias. Availability bias Availability bias refers to the tendency for your diagnostic judgements to be unduly influenced by information or experiences that are readily recalled in your mind. Use of information sources beyond your own personal experience, such as publications or an opinion from colleagues, may help to minimize availability bias. Bandwagon effect The bandwagon effect (sometimes termed diagnosis momentum) refers to the tendency for you to do or think as others do, simply because that's what others are doing. Applying your own judgment and not dismissing your own opinion can help avoid this bias. Confirmation bias Having a predetermined diagnosis in mind, then looking for evidence that supports this predetermined idea. Alliterative errors 3, sometimes referred to as satisfaction of report errors, are caused by the tendency to overvalue previous reports, and can be conceptualised as a type of confirmation bias. Framing bias Framing bias refers to the tendency to be unduly influenced by how a clinical question is asked or how the problem is presented. For example, a request form that presents a succinct history that perfectly matches a particular pathology, may influence your interpretation of the imaging. Reviewing the images prior to reading the clinical indication can help avoid any influence. Obtaining more detailed clinical information via the electronic medical record may help provide you with a more balanced assessment of the clinical situation. Hindsight bias Hindsight bias is the tendency to overestimate the prior predictability of an event (eg. a diagnosis) after the event is known. In other words, the difficulty of making the correct diagnostic decision initially is retrospectively de-emphasized, after the diagnosis has been proven. It is also informally termed as the “I knew it all along” or "retrospectoscope" bias 5. It is important to be conscious of this bias so that you are not overly critical of yourself or others when quite reasonable errors are made. Outcome bias A tendency to favor a less severe diagnosis based on empathy for a patient. Representativeness bias Making a judgment on an aspect of an image that is based on one's own perception of what that represents....

Radiology 2nd Opinions

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 years.&nbsp; ​In reference to advice about starting rock Steady Rock Steady, Jennifer wanted you to know...  ​*Don't wait until you feel good to go.  *Go when you're tired.  *Nauseated  *In pain With this disease, if you wait to feel good enough to go, you'll never go. The first few weeks are undeniably hard. Pain and fatigue from the workouts, pain and fatigue from the disease. But if you stick with it- go every class you can and give 100% each workout, the disease symptoms reduce. I'd rather have the pain from a good workout. It allows a more productive life.&nbsp;

Young Onset Parkinson's

&nbsp;This week we will be talking about Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS) with Audrey Brown. &nbsp;Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a disease in which the heart's natural pacemaker located in the upper right heart chamber (right atrium) becomes damaged and is no longer able to generate normal heartbeats at the normal rate. It may be a result of other medical conditions that damage the sinoatrial node (SA node) over time or may be a result of certain medicines. This can result in heartbeats that are too slow, too fast ⁠— or heartbeats that alternate between slow and fast.   Audrey is 35 years old and has had a life full of health issues, one of the most life altering is Sick Sinus Syndrome which she was diagnosed with while undergoing pretesting for her Hysterectomy at 33. She also has multiple other health issues including POTS, Chronic Autoimmune hives, chronic gastritis, occipital neuralgia. Migraines and more. Though she admittedly struggles physically she maintains a positive outlook through all of this and credits her childhood overseas. She has seen what life in under-privileged countries is like and focuses her mind on positivity and thankfulness that she is able to get the care she gets. Audrey is dedicated to helping others navigate chronic illness (both physical and psychological) and spends her time between dr’s appointments napping and hanging out with her husband and their fur babies.

Sick Sinus Syndrome

This week we will discuss Bile acid malabsorption (BAM), &nbsp;a&nbsp;. It’s a common cause of&nbsp;. When bile acids aren’t properly absorbed in your intestines, they build up, upsetting the chemical balance inside. Excess bile acids trigger your&nbsp;&nbsp;to secrete extra water, leading to watery stools. ​ What are bile acids? Bile is a substance your&nbsp;&nbsp;makes while filtering your blood. Your liver sorts waste products, such as toxins, dead blood cells and excess cholesterol into bile. Bile acids come from synthesizing these products together. The different acids in bile help to stabilize the lipids in the mix and keep them in a liquid form. Your liver sends bile through your&nbsp;&nbsp;to your&nbsp;&nbsp;to help with digestion. Bile acids in your small intestine help break down fats for absorption. When that work is done, they are supposed to be reabsorbed themselves, returning to your circulation and then your liver to be recycled into bile again. ​ What is malabsorption? &nbsp;is any failure of your intestines to absorb all of the chemicals they’re meant to. Malabsorption can be a problem with your intestines themselves, or it may result from a chemical imbalance. For example, you may have too much or too little of a certain chemical for your intestines to absorb. ​ Who does bile acid malabsorption affect? BAM has been historically underdiagnosed due to a lack of accessible ways to test for it. But studies now show that at least 30% of those diagnosed with functional diarrhea disorders may have BAM. Functional disorders are those that have no apparent cause and are likely to go undetected during a medical examination, such as&nbsp;&nbsp;(IBS). BAM is seen in people with conditions such as:   .   .   -related&nbsp;.   Diarrhea that persists after a bacterial infection.   .   It can also happen in people who receive certain medical treatments including:   Surgical bypass or resection of the&nbsp;, the last section of the small intestine.   Gallbladder removal ().   , especially in the abdominal-pelvic region.   .   , a treatment for&nbsp;.   ​ What are the symptoms of bile acid malabsorption? Typical symptoms include:   Watery&nbsp;.   .   Painful stomach cramps.   Urgency and&nbsp;.   Some people also have:   .   .   Steatorrhea (fatty stools.)   .   Long-term symptoms can include:   .   .   .   .   .   Weight gain.   Weight loss.   About half of people have constant symptoms, and the other half only report occasional symptoms. What causes bile acid diarrhea? The symptoms of bile acid malabsorption — primarily, bile acid diarrhea, or BAD — result from the buildup of bile acids in your colon, where food waste turns to poop. Normally, 95% of the bile acids in your small intestine are reabsorbed in the last segment (the ileum) before passing on to your colon. When too many are left over, however, they pass into your large intestine with the rest of the waste. Bile acids in your colon irritate the mucous lining, triggering it to secrete extra fluid and speeding up the muscle contractions that move poop along. This causes frequent, urgent diarrhea and cramping. What causes bile acid malabsorption? What causes bile acids to build up in your intestines is another question. Researchers have classified the possible causes of BAM into four different types. Sometimes they classify BAM as either primary or secondary. ​Primary BAM is caused by your liver overproducing bile acids (types 2 and 4.) ​Secondary BAM is caused by damage to your small intestine due to disease, surgery or radiation treatment (types 1 and 3.) Type 1 BAM is caused by a problem with your ileum itself. This is considered true malabsorption, because the problem begins at absorption stage of the bile acid cycle. You may have type 1 BAM if you’ve had the last part of your small intestine surgically removed, altered or bypassed to treat another condition. Certain diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, and treatments such as radiation...

Bile Acid Malabsorption

This week we will discuss the use of Ketamine for treating Depression.&nbsp; 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 &amp; virtual therapies can help relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD &amp; traumatic brain injury.&nbsp; After completing a virtual assessment of each patient, Dr. DeCocker and her team analyze the medical, biological, psychological &amp; social factors to provide personalized treatment recommendations across Stella’s advanced protocols such as Dual Sympathetic Reset (advanced stellate ganglion block), Ketamine Infusion Therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Spravato, integration therapy, and more. Dr. DeCocker’s priority is the patient’s outcome. She became a nurse practitioner in 2007 after 10 years of hospital nursing experience.  As rates of &nbsp;and&nbsp;&nbsp;have increased dramatically, people have sought therapies outside the standard regimen of oral&nbsp;&nbsp;and talk&nbsp;. Beginning in the mid-2010s, more and more doctors started offering ketamine as a treatment for depression. In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved&nbsp; as a treatment for forms of depression that haven’t improved with standard antidepressants (like citalopram/Celexa or bupropion/Wellbutrin).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ketamine for Depression

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. &nbsp; ​ 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 connective tissues in the digestive tract are likely to alter the way in which it moves, which could contribute to the range of symptoms experienced by people with hEDS. Connective tissue is also present around the nerves of the digestive tract and abnormalities of this can potentially make the gut more sensitive. It is important to remember that whilst differences in the digestive tract function are likely to be present in hEDS, as yet diagnostic biomarkers have not been identified and more research is needed to better understand the nature and impact of connective tissue within the digestive system, particularly in the other subtypes of EDS. ​ The digestive tract starts at the mouth, and ends at the anus. Many aspects of the digestive tract can potentially be affected, including both the upper digestive tract (oesophagus, stomach and duodenum) as well as the lower digestive tract (small intestine, large intestine, colon and rectum). We frequently see patients who mainly have symptoms related to either the upper or the lower digestive tract only, and some research studies have found that a significant proportion of people with hEDS experience some kind of gastrointestinal symptoms. ​ What sort of gut problems can occur? ​ The type, frequency and severity of digestive symptoms can vary greatly from person to person as everyone with hEDS is different. The most frequently reported problems affecting the upper digestive tract are acid reflux and chronic/recurrent indigestion with pain or discomfort and early fullness after meals. The lower digestive tract can present problems such as constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and a feeling of general abdominal discomfort.&nbsp; Nausea and vomiting can occur alongside any of the symptoms described above. &nbsp; Delayed gastric emptying / dysmotility The term dysmotility is often used to describe abnormal movements (e.g. sluggish movements or spasm) of the gut. Some hEDS sufferers can have a sluggish stomach, which means that there is a delay in the emptying of stomach contents into the small bowel, and this is often referred to as delayed gastric emptying. Delayed gastric emptying can range in severity from mild to severe, with the most severe form called gastroparesis (paresis = paralysis). A portion of hEDS sufferers do have delayed gastric emptying, however only a few will be severe enough to be diagnosed with gastroparesis. Patients with a lot of bloating and/or fullness after meals or nausea and vomiting can be tested for delayed gastric emptying, but it is important to note that so far a link between hEDS and gastroparesis has not been categorically established. ​ In other patients increased sensitivity of the stomach may be a more common problem. Both dysmotility and increased sensitivity of the stomach can be associated with symptoms such as acid or bile reflux, bloating, early fullness during meals/extended fullness after meals and nausea. &nbsp; Heartburn / reflux There is some preliminary research that suggests that people with hEDS are slightly more likely to have a small hiatus hernia at the lower end of the oesophagus. This means that the upper end of the stomach slips into the chest cavity through a small hole (hiatus) in the diaphragm (the large muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity). This is quite a common finding and is usually...

Gut Dysmotility & Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

Jamie Holmes-Ward was born with a rare condition known as V.A.T.E.R Syndrome.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Jamie is here to tell her story of overcoming obstacles with grace and creating a nonprofit to help children lift their spirits as they deal serious medical conditions.&nbsp; Jamie is a dynamo of energy and strength turning an otherwise bleak world into one with rainbows, fairy princesses and smiles.&nbsp; We hope you will help her reach even more children through donations to her

Jamie's Dream Team

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 irreversible and has no cure, treatments are available to manage symptoms.

Silicosis

In this episode we will discuss Halloween Safety during COVID &nbsp; ​ Fall celebrations like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times for children, who at one time could dress up in costumes, enjoy parties, and eat yummy treats. &nbsp; These celebrations also provide a chance to give out healthy snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety. ​ Check out these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and some ideas to replace typical parties during these uncommonly scary times.

Halloween Safety

This week we are talking once again with Dan "Dry Dock" Shockley on "Staying Healthy as a Veteran"&nbsp; For Veteran's Day this year we are featuring Dan because even though he has been dealt a hard blow with a hereditary colon cancer gene he is not letting that slow him down one bit!&nbsp; As a matter of fact he is thriving and advocating for others around the globe as a hereditary colon cancer ambassador!&nbsp; Here is some more about Dan: &nbsp;  ​Dan Dry Dock Shockley, retired U.S. Navy veteran; Operation Desert Storm; Enduring and Iraqi Freedom veteran and a hereditary colon cancer WARRIOR.&nbsp;    The U.S. based Colon Cancer Alliance featured his journey for their Veterans Day blog. The below url provided for your reading pleasure:      Also, in honor of Rare Cancer Day, 30 September, the NORDpod featured him as a special guest.   The below url provided for your listening pleasure: &nbsp;   Additionally, he has been a regular contributor to the UK based Rare Revolution team. They recently invited me to be part of their National Patient Advocate Day campaign. My input can be viewed on Instagram:      In closing, here's his latest article which was featured by the Montreal based, RareDIG Organization.

Staying Healthy as a Veteran

The winter season brings cold temperatures and severe weather conditions that create many hazards for individuals working in areas that experience these conditions. Even if you work indoors, winter weather still poses many hazards for you, such as driving into work in bad weather or walking through an icy parking lot to get to your building. It is important to recognize and address the hazards the winter season brings with it. ​ During extremely cold weather or winter storms, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, and icy roads. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you should know how to prepare your home and your car before a winter storm hits.

Winter Safety

&nbsp;  This week we discuss the field of Functional Neurology with Dr. Alexander Zubkov.&nbsp; Stroke care is complex and does not stop when a patient is discharged from the hospital.&nbsp; As a Functional Neurologist, Dr. Zubkov offers comprehensive follow-up for Stroke care, and focus on prevention through health and wellness.&nbsp; According to his online presence, these are the benefits of such tailored medical care:     Benefits of Integrative Neurology and Functional Medicine                     Identify the root cause of your illness              Decrease excessive inflammation               Balance your brain                             Reversal of cognitive decline               Improve your overall health               State of the art laboratory testing                             Nutritionist evaluation               Short and long-term health planning               Physician-grade supplement    &nbsp;    Dr. Zubkov believes that we are facing an epidemic of unhealthy lifestyles and environments, but there is hope for change. You have the power to make positive changes in your life, and it doesn't have to be a sacrifice of joy and fun. With one voice and one mind, we can learn to eat real food, exercise, and rest to achieve radiant health. While crisis care is excellent in acute cases, the current model of healthcare fails in preventing and treating chronic diseases. However, since the early 90s, there has been a wealth of rock-solid studies proving that many chronic illnesses are preventable. The problem is that the abundance of information can lead to confusion, without the specific context for each individual.       Core Beliefs:       Dr. Zubkov knows that each person is unique, and it's not enough to simply tell them what not to eat. By understanding their personal story and history, teaching them, and backing up strategies with proper laboratory assessments, we can make meaningful changes towards a healthier life. So don't lose hope - you have the power to improve your health and wellbeing.  Dr. Zubkov founded&nbsp; to help patients to recover from neurological diseases through holistic approach.

Integrative Neurology with Dr. Alexander Zubkov

Our guest this week is Christine James.&nbsp; Christine is a mother to two daughters, 19 and 23, a nurse of 8 ½ years and now a chronic pain patient.&nbsp; She was happy to take the time to speak with us in order to bring awareness to a rare and largely unknown disease: CRPS or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.  As a nurse she worked in the fields of home health, acute medical, psych, long term care, dialysis; and has floated to many other units within hospitals. She has worked at the bedside and have also held supervisory positions. Passionate about her career as a nurse, she hopes to get well enough to work again. In her 20’s she was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the spine. Over the course of many years she went through many procedures and treatments due to lumbar disc herniations to include six back surgeries- one of which resulted in permanent damage to her L-5/S-1 nerve root resulting in permanent right foot drop, and one of which was a fusion of L-5/S-1 using four screws and two rods. After walking 10 years with foot drop and working as a nurse the instability and condition in her right ankle caused constant swelling and pain which led her to seek further treatment. It was found that her joint was arthritic and the bones were collapsing out of position. Her Achilles tendon was also found to be too tight. On March 11, 2024 she underwent a right Achilles tendon release, tendon transfer to improve foot drop.&nbsp; Three weeks later the symptoms of CRPS were recognized by her surgeon and she was diagnosed on April 8, 2024. Due to her foundation of knowledge as a nurse and due to her drive to get better, she joined multiple social media platforms in search of how to find the treatment she needed and through that process she also began helping others learn about this disease. When she is feeling healthy, she enjoys many creative hobbies, gardening, and is an avid concertgoer. She has two cats, &amp; lives with her boyfriend in Michigan.&nbsp; They are currently struggling to make it through this difficult time with her health. Financial issues have become bad enough that she sold personal items, used food pantries, and started a  She is currently active in Facebook groups and has a TikTok account that she uses to network with others that have CRPS, chronic pain, and chronic illness. ​She is grateful to participate in the online community in any way to bring awareness and understanding to CRPS sufferers.

CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

This week we are talking about the Vagus Nerve.&nbsp; The vagus nerve (10th cranial nerve) is a critical part of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for regulating vital functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration. It extends from the brainstem (medulla oblongata) through the neck and chest to the abdomen, with motor and sensory fibers allowing communication between the brain and organs. The vagus nerve has two branches—left and right—which overlap in regulating autonomic functions. Functions and Importance   Cardiac and Pulmonary Regulation: The left vagus nerve primarily innervates the heart, while the right focuses on the lungs, though both contribute to overall regulation.   Digestive System Support: It promotes digestion by increasing blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract and stimulating enzyme release.   Mental Health and Inflammation: The vagus nerve influences mood, anxiety, and stress by connecting to brain areas that regulate emotions. It also modulates inflammation, reducing pro-inflammatory molecules.   Enteric Nervous System Connection: Acting as a bridge between the brain and the "second brain" in the gut, the vagus nerve ensures coordination of digestive processes.   Vulnerability to Injury Due to its extensive pathway, the vagus nerve is prone to injury from trauma, surgery, infections, tumors, or certain medical conditions. Common causes include:   Trauma: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries affecting the neck or chest.   Surgical Complications: Procedures in the neck, chest, or abdomen can unintentionally damage the nerve.   Medical Conditions: Disorders such as gastric ulcers, reflux, or tumors may affect the nerve. Infections like Lyme disease or meningitis are also potential causes.   Idiopathic Cases: Sometimes, the cause of vagus nerve injury remains unknown, requiring further investigation.   Symptoms of Vagus Nerve Injury Injury symptoms depend on the severity and location of damage and may include:   Cardiovascular: Rapid or irregular heartbeat, blood pressure changes.   Digestive: Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or difficulty swallowing.   Voice and Throat: Hoarseness, voice changes.   General: Anxiety, depression, or excessive sweating.   Diagnosis and Management Diagnosing vagus nerve damage involves imaging, nerve conduction studies, and blood tests to assess functionality. Early detection is crucial for effective management and preventing complications. Prompt medical intervention can improve symptoms and enhance quality of life. Understanding the vagus nerve’s anatomy and functions underscores its significance in maintaining overall health, aiding healthcare professionals in diagnosing and addressing related dysfunctions.

Vagus Nerve Injury

This week we will discuss possible treatment methods for AFIB. &nbsp; Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:   Palpitations (a feeling of a racing or irregular heartbeat)   Fatigue   Shortness of breath   Dizziness or lightheadedness   Chest discomfort   ​   AFib can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. ​ Treatment Options for AFib Management of AFib focuses on controlling the heart rate and rhythm, preventing blood clots, and addressing underlying conditions contributing to the arrhythmia. The choice of treatment depends on the individual's symptoms, overall health, and risk factors. 1. Medications Medications are often the first line of treatment for AFib. These include:   Rate-Control Medications   Aim to slow the heart rate to a normal range.   Common drugs: Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), and digoxin.     Rhythm-Control Medications   Help restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm.   Common drugs: Antiarrhythmics like amiodarone, flecainide, or sotalol.     Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)   Reduce the risk of stroke by preventing blood clots.   Examples: Warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like apixaban (Eliquis) or rivaroxaban (Xarelto).     2. Ablation Therapy Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at correcting the electrical signals causing AFib. It is typically recommended for individuals who:   Do not respond to or cannot tolerate medications.   Have recurrent or persistent AFib that significantly impacts quality of life.   Types of ablation:   Catheter Ablation   Uses thin tubes (catheters) inserted into blood vessels to deliver energy (radiofrequency or cryotherapy) to destroy small areas of heart tissue causing abnormal electrical signals.     Surgical Ablation (Maze Procedure)   Often performed during open-heart surgery for other conditions, creating scar tissue to block abnormal signals.     Both options have high success rates, but catheter ablation is more commonly performed due to its minimally invasive nature. Choosing the Right Treatment Deciding between medications or ablation depends on factors such as:   The severity and frequency of symptoms.   The presence of other medical conditions.   Patient preference and lifestyle.   Consultation with a cardiologist or electrophysiologist is crucial to tailor treatment to the individual’s needs.

Ablation or Meds for AFIB

The first human vaccines against viruses were based using weaker or attenuated viruses to generate immunity. The smallpox vaccine used cowpox, a poxvirus that was similar enough to smallpox to protect against it but usually didn’t cause serious illness. Rabies was the first virus attenuated in a lab to create a vaccine for humans. Vaccines are made using several different processes. They may contain live viruses that have been attenuated (weakened or altered so as not to cause illness); inactivated or killed organisms or viruses; inactivated toxins (for bacterial diseases where toxins generated by the bacteria, and not the bacteria themselves, cause illness); or merely segments of the pathogen (this includes both subunit and conjugate vaccines).

Vaccines/ Re-Run

Gina Rapacz is a 48 year old mother of 2 teenage daughters living in the Chicago suburbs.&nbsp; She recently had a liver transplant after hers failed and she lingered on the transplant list in Chicago for over a year. &nbsp; &nbsp; Her transplant was completed at Duke Medical Center in Durham, NC. She is now on her way to a healthier life with a new liver.

Liver Transplant PodcastDX Episode 2

This week's we speak with&nbsp;Kathy about her ongoing battle with Multiple Sclerosis.&nbsp;&nbsp;Multiple sclerosis, or&nbsp;MS, is a long-lasting autoimmune disease that can affect your&nbsp;brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves in your&nbsp;eyes. It can cause problems with&nbsp;vision, balance, muscle control, and other basic body functions.

Multiple Sclerosis

Diane is a stage IV lung cancer survivor. She lives in Momence, Illinois with her husband, two dogs, and one cat. She works full time as a supply chain clerk. In her free time, she loves to travel and spend time with her family including her twin sister, new niece and two nephews. Non-small cell lung carcinoma is a type of&nbsp;lung cancer, also commonly referred to as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This is a dangerous disease that can cause breathing difficulties and ultimately affect your quality of life. If diagnosed late or left untreated, it can be life-threatening. NSCLC occurs when healthy cells become abnormal and grow rapidly. One danger of this form of cancer is that there’s a high likelihood that the cancer cells will spread from the lungs to other organs and body parts. There’s no single cause of NSCLC, although smoking puts you at a significantly higher risk. However, even nonsmokers can get this type of lung cancer. Other risk factors include exposure to air pollution and chemicals, as well as a family history of the disease.&nbsp; (Healthline.com)

Stage 4 Lung Cancer

Our guest today is Lita again, she has recently had her torn rotator cuff repaired.&nbsp;  I would like to refer to the&nbsp;Mayo Clinic to explain this complex group of muscles and ligaments:&nbsp; The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. A rotator cuff injury can cause a dull ache in the shoulder, which often worsens with use of the arm away from the body. Rotator cuff injuries are common and increase with age. These may occur earlier in people who have jobs that require repeatedly performing overhead motions. Examples include painters and carpenters. Many people with rotator cuff disease can manage their symptoms and return to activities with physical therapy exercises that improve flexibility and strength of the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint. Sometimes, rotator cuff tears may occur as a result of a single injury. In those circumstances, medical evaluation should be provided as soon as possible to discuss the role of surgery. Extensive rotator cuff tears may not be fixable, and transfer of alternative tendons or joint replacement may be possible.

Rotator Cuff Repair

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