The Trifecta Passport: Tools for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

by Amber Walker

The “trifecta” refers to three conditions that commonly occur together: mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and the hypermobile type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). These three conditions are gradually becoming more recognized in the mainstream medical world as more and more patients find themselves struggling with debilitating and often mysterious symptoms. However, recognizing these conditions is only the first step on the healing journey. With the right approach and toolbox, patients can reverse many of these symptoms to find lasting vitality. Written by a Doctor of Physical Therapy who has additional certifications in functional medicine and nutrition and extensive experience in working with these conditions, this book serves as patient guide that empowers individuals to put all of the puzzle pieces together as part of an individualized healing plan. Part One (3 chapters) is an overview of the three trifecta conditions, and Part Two (9 chapters) outlines the important pillars of an essential plan to address any (or all) of these conditions holistically. The book wraps up with a chapter of patient case stories. Accompanying the purchase of this book is access to a free 20-page PDF document that serves as a customizable workbook for readers to use as they read along. The Trifecta Passport dives into topics such as nervous system regulation, mold and other biotoxins, nutrition, exercise, detoxification, mental/emotional health and trauma, structural/musculoskeletal issues and the many underlying root issues (related to hormones, bacterial/viral load, gut health, etc.) that can trigger or exacerbate these conditions. This resource unpacks many different tools and practical treatment options that should be on the radar of patients living with these (and other) chronic conditions. When faced with these labels, it can be overwhelming to weed through all the resources out there to figure out how to move forward with a comprehensive and personalized road map. By helping readers put it all together in an organized manner, this book is a great resource for any patient with chronic illness as well as the caregivers and doctors who support them.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Medical, Disability, Education

536 pages, Paperback

Published January 21, 2021

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most helpful books I’ve ever read!

[Tara Smith Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title is perfectly chosen. For someone that has traveled the path of the Trifecta, you do need a passport to get through. This book is not only a passport but an encyclopedia of information for the journey. As a patient and advocate, I have researched this path thoroughly, but still found so much information to glean from this book. I appreciate the format and vocabulary used. The charts, graphs and photos are a nice addition. For someone with less experience, a glossary may be helpful, as well.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect balance of scientific information to improve understanding, yet structured around clear and achievable practical advice. You won’t get bogged down with hard to comprehend data, this really is a book for anyone and everyone who is suffering, or wanting to support someone who is. Lots of actionable steps that are organised well in the chapters of the book. I have no doubt I will be revisiting this book many times as I continue my health journey. You may already know a lot of the information inside if you have one of the trifecta conditions. But the depth and comprehensive nature of each ‘pillar’ makes healing feel achievable. Wholeheartedly recommend this book.

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 5 out of 5]

So incredibly helpful if you have MCAS, POTS, and EDS! Amber Walker is so knowledgeable and this book really helped me.

[Lady Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good resource for people with chronic illness of many kinds, not limited to the trifecta.

What would make this book more helpful would be resources to find professionals for each type of intervention described--professional organizations, perhaps.

The grammar in this book is comically flawed, and the book could have used a copy editor. There are bulleted lists with full paragraphs at each bullet point, which isn't really the purpose of bulleted lists. The book is also very repetitive.

Something I really like though, is that Dr. Walker includes a list of resources for content like podcasts and movies. That is something unique to this book.

The idea of the passport is interesting, and I'm glad a link to the passport is included in the book. I'll include it here (https://originwellnesscolorado.com/wp...). It's a helpful way for people to organize their journey, and make it less overwhelming. I also appreciate that she doesn't harp on early intervention, which is key for children, but for people who were diagnosed as adults and had to go through medical trauma to receive their diagnoses, it can hit differently emotionally. Leaving that out made the book more inclusive than others on the topic.

At the beginning, the book breaks down what is traditional medicine and what is not, but this gets a little muddled throughout the book, and information gets presented without labels. I wish that were a little clearer nearing the end of the book.

[Kathy Van Zeyl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great comprehensive resource for three very poorly understood conditions.

[Julie Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and useful information to help me with better knowledge on my journey to recovery with POTS and hEDS.