In this episode of 'Let's Talk About The POTS Life,' hosts welcome Dr. Poorvi Desai, a hematologist oncologist with a unique perspective on both practicing medicine and being a patient with chronic illnesses. Dr. Desai shares her journey through medical school while managing symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and other related conditions. She delves into her background, her accelerated medical training, and the personal and professional challenges she faced. Dr. Desai also discusses her diagnosis and treatment journey, including her experience with the complex syndrome MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome), the emotional and physical toll of her conditions, and the importance of advocating for oneself in the medical system. The episode emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, emotional support, and reducing stress to manage chronic conditions effectively.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:13 Dr. Desai's Medical Journey

02:44 Living with POTS and EDS

04:46 Challenges in Medical Training

07:03 Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis

10:59 Physical Therapy and Coping Strategies

21:02 Impact of COVID-19 and Career Struggles

27:49 Struggling with Saying No and Emotional Stress

29:00 Facing Emotional Abuse and Therapy

29:27 Cultural Expectations and Self-Care

30:50 Learning Boundaries and Self-Advocacy

31:44 Positive Reinforcement in Physical Therapy

32:58 Navigating Medical Training and Hierarchies

34:15 Seeking Diagnosis and Community Support

35:35 Understanding and Diagnosing MALS

42:30 Surgical Interventions and Recovery

52:38 Advice for the Newly Diagnosed

55:42 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

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