The Truth About Food Allergy Testing | Office Hours (Ep 124)

In this episode of the Bendy Bodies podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein discusses several key issues affecting the hypermobility community. She addresses a recently reversed anesthesia time limit policy by Anthem Blue Cross, emphasizing the need for patients to communicate with their healthcare providers. Dr. Bluestein provides personalized tips for managing Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), including keeping a symptom journal to identify unique triggers and considering non-standard allergy testing due to limitations in accuracy. She also distinguishes between coaching and medical appointments, highlighting that coaching offers flexibility but not prescriptions. Practical advice for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) patients is given concerning surgery preparation, such as understanding insurance and modifying supplements that may interfere with anesthesia. Additionally, she delves into oral allergy syndrome, the challenges of food allergy testing, and the complexities of managing coexisting conditions like MCAS and dysautonomia, providing actionable insights for both patients and clinicians.