Ella sits down with chronic illness advocate Cate Siniscalchi, who has spent over a decade navigating a complex and often misunderstood medical journey. Living with POTS, EDS, SMA, MALS, Nutcracker Syndrome, SIH, MCAS, and more, Cate shares what it’s like to fight for answers in a system that doesn’t always listen.

They discuss intense hospitalizations, medical disbelief, family dynamics, and the long road to diagnosis filled with procedures and uncertainty. Through it all, Cate reflects on the power of sharing her story to raise awareness and help others feel less alone.

After more than 10 years of advocating for herself, Cate continues to be a voice for the chronic illness community.

Keep fighting, friends.

Cate's other Dysunderstood contributions: Dysunderstood Conference Guest https://www.dysunderstood.com/blog/corristoryhttps://www.dysunderstood.com/blog/corristory2

Find Us on Instagram: Cate @catesiniscalchi Ella @ellaeastin, Dysunderstood @dysunderstood

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We want to hear your story! Contact us: hello@dysunderstood.com

Thank you to Nurse Mates for supporting our community, providing compression and comfort footwear. DISCOUNT CODE: ELLA20- check our website for updated discount codes.

Some relevant definitions:

• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS): A group of genetic connective tissue disorders affecting collagen, leading to joint hypermobility, fragile skin, and tissue instability.
• Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMA): A rare condition where the superior mesenteric artery compresses the duodenum, causing symptoms like early fullness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
• Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS): A condition where the median arcuate ligament compresses the celiac artery, leading to abdominal pain (often after eating), weight loss, and digestive symptoms.
• Nutcracker Syndrome: A vascular condition where the left renal vein is compressed (commonly between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery), causing flank pain, hematuria, and pelvic congestion.
• Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (SIH): A condition caused by a cerebrospinal fluid leak, leading to low pressure in the brain and severe positional headaches.
• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): A disorder where mast cells inappropriately release inflammatory mediators, causing symptoms like flushing, allergic-type reactions, GI issues, and cardiovascular symptoms.

For a transcript of this episode, click here.