Unravelling Medical Complexities with Dr. Ilene Ruhoy and Dr. David Kaufman
Dr. Ilene Ruhoy and Dr. David Kaufman discuss their approach to treating complex patients with conditions like POTS, ME/CFS, and MCAS. They highlight the importance of taking thorough patient histories, which often reveal interconnected issues described as the 'septad': POTS, MCAS, joint hypermobility, gastroparesis, autoimmunity, chronic infections, and connective tissue disorders. The doctors emphasize treating conditions like POTS and mast cell activation first, as these are often more straightforward to manage and can significantly improve patient quality of life. They also address anatomical issues, such as cranial cervical instability, which require surgical intervention for full resolution. They advocate for more physicians to adopt a holistic and investigatory approach, using ample history-taking and leveraging available resources, such as their podcast, to improve patient outcomes.