Episode 10: Chronic Illness Explained: MCAS, POTS, Long COVID and The Septad Framework with guest Dr. Ilene Ruhoy

In this eye-opening episode, neurologist Dr. Ilene Ruhoy joins Dr. Eleanor Stein to share her groundbreaking insights into complex chronic illnesses. From her personal experience with a life-threatening brain tumor to treating thousands with long COVID, POTS, MCAS, and connective tissue disorders, Dr. Ruhoy speaks with clarity, compassion, and clinical depth.

• Learn how she uses her clinically formulated septad framework to identify patterns in chronic illness.
• Hear how deep patient histories, environmental exposure analysis, and immune responses guide personalized care.   
• Understand the impact of long COVID research on treating ME/CFS, spike protein persistence, and immune dysregulation.   
• Discover her careful use of trial-and-error treatments, starting low and adjusting based on individual response.  
• Explore the importance of mutual trust and therapeutic alliance between doctor and patient.   
• Gain insight into how infections, toxins, and genetics intersect to shape chronic health challenges.

With training in neurology, environmental toxicology, and integrative medicine, Dr. Ruhoy brings a unique lens to healing. This conversation is rich with practical knowledge, scientific precision, and hope for people living with misunderstood conditions.  

Listen now and share with someone seeking answers. You are not alone.

(00:05:12) Navigating a Brain Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment  
(00:09:43) Preventing Burnout in the Medical Field  
(00:14:06) The Importance of Doctor-Patient Relationships 
(00:18:36) Navigating Complex Chronic Diseases: Trial and Error Approach 
(00:23:10) Managing Symptoms in Chronic Illness  
(00:27:38) Advances in Immunotherapy Treatments  
(00:32:05) Understanding Hypermobility and Connective Tissue Disorders 
(00:36:26) Understanding Acquired Hypermobility and Inflammation 
(00:41:02) Understanding Chronic Illness and Resilience  
(00:45:37) The Role of Supplements in Health Management 
(00:50:08) Examining the Risks of Supplements and Microplastics

Resources & Links Mentioned
Dr. Ilene Ruhoy’s Atria Profile https://www.atria.org/doctors/dr-ilene-ruhoy/
Order your copy now of Dr. Ilene Ruhoy’s "Invisible No More" book https://read.macmillan.com/lp/invisible-no-more-9781250910912/

Dr. Ruhoy's Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/ileneruhoymdphd/

More on ME/CFS & Chronic Illness
Solve ME/CFS Initiative: https://solvecfs.org/
ME/CFS Clinician Coalition: https://mecfscliniciancoalition.org/
CDC ME/CFS Toolkit: https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/toolkit/index.html

Welcome to my podcast!

I am a retired medical doctor and psychiatrist specializing in chronic complex diseases. With over 33 years of experience, I have worked with thousands of patients, integrating both conventional and integrative approaches to enhance health and function. Since retiring from medical practice at the end of 2022, my passion is to help others find healing by sharing science-based, no-to-low-cost health strategies.

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