In this Office Hours episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein tackles some of the most challenging questions from our listeners and dive deep into the overlooked intersections of hypermobility, surgical complications, and neurodiversity. What happens when five rectal prolapse surgeries fail? Dr. Bluestein breaks down why so many surgical interventions fall short for people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and what you must consider before your next procedure, including essential imaging, anesthesia concerns, pelvic floor support, and mesh alternatives. Then, she explores a lesser-known but increasingly discussed connection: how vision dyspraxia and dyscalculia often go hand-in-hand with hypermobility, and why challenges with balance, motor planning, and even math might be far more physical than we think. Plus, you'll hear my own hypermobility hack for surviving the dreaded shampoo bowl at the salon. Whether you're navigating chronic pain, misunderstood learning challenges, or a body that just won’t follow the rules, this episode is packed with the nuanced insight you’ve been waiting for.
Takeaways:
Why rectal prolapse surgeries often fail in HEDS and the exact workup to request before considering another one.
The real risks of mesh, sutures, and tension-based surgical repair in connective tissue disorders.
How vision dyspraxia and convergence insufficiency can disrupt learning and quality of life and why they’re so common in EDS.
Dyscalculia explained: not just a math issue, but a brain-body mismatch often missed in neurodiverse bendy bodies.
Two hypermobility hacks worth stealing including a genius way to get your hair washed without neck pain.
Find the episode transcript here: https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/rectal-prolapse-dyscalculia-dyspraxia-the-connective-tissue-connection-office-hours-ep-177/
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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.
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
01:51 Honoring John Furman: A Legacy in EDS Advocacy
03:11 Addressing Listener Questions: Rectal Prolapse and Surgery Options
17:07 Break and Bendy Bodies Boutique
18:01 Neurodiversity and Hypermobile EDS: Vision and Learning Challenges
25:56 Listener Question: Eye Health and Dyscalculia in EDS
27:38 Understanding Dyscalculia
28:24 Dyscalculia in EDS and Hypermobility
29:15 Signs and Symptoms of Dyscalculia
29:36 Supporting People with Dyscalculia
31:21 Diagnosing Dyscalculia
33:01 Cost and Accessibility of Dyscalculia Testing
34:26 Educational and Therapeutic Support
35:13 Hypermobility Hack: Shampoo Bowl Solution
40:08 Neurodivergency Hack: Externalize Everything
43:58 Conclusion and Community Engagement
