DISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.  

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Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. 

Welcome to another episode of *Ditch the Lab Coat*! I am your host, Dr. Mark Bonta, and today we're diving deep into the intricate world of post-viral syndromes with our esteemed guest, Dr. Ric Arseneau. In the first part of this fascinating conversation, we'll explore the far-reaching impacts of COVID-19, particularly focusing on long COVID and other post-viral conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Dr. Arseneau brings a wealth of expertise on how these conditions manifest and affect patients long after the initial viral infection. We'll discuss the often confusing distinctions between post-COVID and long COVID, and the critical need for consistent terminology in medical literature. Dr. Arseneau will also share insights into the downstream effects of COVID-19 on various organs and systems, the challenges in recognizing post-viral syndromes, and the societal stigma that often accompanies these "invisible" illnesses.

Moreover, we'll delve into the current state of COVID treatment options, the barriers posed by cost and availability, and the essential role of healthcare professionals in acknowledging and treating these complex conditions. Dr. Arseneau's approach to managing chronic conditions, including the importance of pacing, neuroplasticity work, and non-pharmacological treatments, provides a comprehensive look at improving patient outcomes.

Join us as we bring attention to these crucial yet often overlooked aspects of health in the aftermath of COVID-19, and stay tuned for even more riveting discussions in Part 2 of our conversation. Whether you're a healthcare professional or simply someone eager to understand the long-term effects of the pandemic, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Let's get started!

Episode Timestamps :

02:30 Doctor Arsenault leads exploration into mysteries of healthcare.
03:33 Dr. Arsenault excels but long COVID support lacks.
09:30 Post viral syndromes, neuroimmune adrenergic phenomenon, long COVID.
13:37 Healthcare system adapts to living with COVID-19.
14:43 Post-COVID issues neglected, patients not properly cared.
18:20 Physicians suffer from Sherlock Holmes fallacy hubris.
23:03 Recommended 9 grams salt/day, more effective orally.
24:59 Factors involved: hypovolemic, small fiber neuropathy, cardiac output, neuroinflammation, autonomic overdrive.
29:32 Challenging societal perceptions of chronic fatigue syndrome.
31:34 Syndrome-based diagnoses limit understanding of conditions.
37:44 Neuroplasticity for pain with psychiatrist's new approach.
40:00 Neurological features, depression, misdiagnosis, chronic fatigue syndrome.
42:02 Patients open to depression's effect on symptoms.
48:34 Bias in medical legal cases, patients denied benefits.
49:30 You are a pioneering expert in Canada.
53:42 COVID treatments aim to reduce severity, not cure.
58:45 Long COVID and treating patients with compassion.
01:00:26 Tune in for part two next time.