IBS Symptoms: How to Tell If You Have IBS vs Something Else
IBS is a diagnosis of pattern, not exclusion. Here’s what IBS symptoms look like, the red flags that point elsewhere, and when testing is needed.
Stem Cell Therapy for Shoulders: Rotator Cuff, Arthritis, and What the Research Shows
At a Glance Common shoulder conditions treated: Rotator cuff tears (partial), labral tears, glenohumeral arthritis, frozen shoulder Cell sources: Bone marrow concentrate (BMAC), adipose-derived stem cells, or umbilical cord tissue Procedure time: 1-2 hours including cell harvest and injection Recovery: Sling for 1-2 weeks, gradual return to activity over 6-12 weeks Cost: $3,000-8,000+ depending on…
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): Diagnosis, Treatment, Triggers, and the MCAS-POTS-EDS Connection
A comprehensive guide to MCAS — what mast cells do, diagnostic criteria, triggers, layered treatment approach, the MCAS-POTS-EDS triad, and how to find an MCAS-literate provider.
Prolotherapy Injections: What to Expect Before, During, and After
A detailed guide to the prolotherapy injection experience — what happens during treatment, recovery timeline, conditions treated, and how it compares to PRP and cortisone.
Brain Fog After COVID: Causes, Duration, and Treatment
At a Glance Brain fog affects 20-30% of COVID survivors, making it one of the most common Long COVID symptoms. Mechanisms include neuroinflammation, microglial activation, blood-brain barrier disruption, micro-clotting, and possible viral persistence in the CNS. Most cases resolve within 3-12 months, but a subset persists for 1-2+ years. Brain MRI is usually normal –…
SFN and Autoimmune Disease: The Hidden Connection
At a Glance Up to 50% of “idiopathic” small fiber neuropathy cases may be autoimmune in origin – meaning the immune system is attacking the nerves. Sjögren’s syndrome is the leading autoimmune cause, followed by celiac disease, lupus, sarcoidosis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Specialized antibody testing – TS-HDS and FGFR3 antibodies – can identify autoimmune SFN,…
Eczema Treatment: Steroids, Biologics, Natural Options
Eczema treatment has moved far beyond steroid creams. Here’s the full treatment ladder from moisturizers to dupilumab, with realistic expectations for each.
Fibromyalgia Brain Fog (Fibro Fog): Why It Happens and What Helps
Fibro fog is one of the most frustrating symptoms of fibromyalgia. Learn why cognitive dysfunction happens in fibromyalgia, what the proposed mechanisms are, and which treatments (from sleep optimization to NAD+ and neurofeedback) actually help.
LDN for Fibromyalgia: What the Research Shows
At a Glance Multiple clinical trials (including from Stanford University) show LDN can reduce fibromyalgia symptoms by approximately 30 percent. LDN works through a different mechanism than standard fibromyalgia drugs, it modulates glial cell activation and reduces neuroinflammation. Typical dosing starts at 0.5 mg and titrates up to 4.5 mg at bedtime over several weeks….
Lyme Disease: Testing, Treatment, Chronic Lyme, and Integrative Approaches
Lyme Disease at a Glance Cause: Borrelia burgdorferi (spirochete bacterium) Primary Vector: Ixodes (black-legged/deer) ticks CDC Estimated Cases: ~476,000/year in the U.S. Hallmark Sign: Erythema migrans (bull’s-eye rash) Standard Testing: Two-tier ELISA + Western Blot First-Line Treatment: Doxycycline (adults), Amoxicillin (children) Common Co-infections: Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma Chronic/Persistent Lyme: Actively debated in medical community Lyme…