family

Four colorful walking canes decorated with charms lean together in a corner, used as mobility aids for someone with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).

What Helped You After an EDS Diagnosis?

Being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can feel like a major feat to some. Maybe you’ve been advocating for a diagnosis for a while, or maybe this was a shock to you. In both scenarios, sometimes you get to the other side of the diagnostic process and realize it doesn’t just stop there. Now is the […]

Novelty disguise glasses with bushy eyebrows, a large plastic nose, a small mustache, and a drawn frown on a white background.

The Pressure to “Perform Wellness”

There’s a particular kind of exhaustion that has nothing to do with the joint pain, dysautonomia flares, or GI symptoms. It has everything to do with how you’re expected to present those things to other people, specifically your healthy, able-bodied friends or coworkers or strangers on the street. If you have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) or […]

Things People Have Done That Made Me Feel More Comfortable as Someone with Chronic Illness

Chronic illness can be isolating in ways that are hard to articulate, even to the people who love you most. It’s not just the physical reality but also the guilt of canceling plans, the exhaustion of explaining yourself, and the fear that your illness is impacting your relationships. I have found great value in people […]

Several DNA strands in green color.

Why Is It So Hard To Get A Genetics Appointment For My Child?

If you are a parent who is trying to get your child evaluated for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, you may have already discovered that it is often not a straightforward process. The Ehlers Danlos Society estimates it can take 10-12 years on average for a diagnosis. That can be a lifetime for a child. However, obtaining a […]

holiday candles with joy knocked over

Navigating the Holidays with EDS

Yes, it’s time to get ready for travel, dietary changes, and potential overwhelm. But we’re here to help you keep the peace!The holiday season can bring joy, but it also tends to come with stress, pressure, and endless obligations that can wear us down. For those of us with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), this time of […]

two young women appearing to be in an argument

Emotions When Choosing Self-Health Over Dysfunctional Family Dynamics

TW: If you feel dismissed by loved ones, or struggle especially from family of origin issues related to your invisible illness, this post can be triggering.  As I navigate the choppy waters of my chronic invisible illness, I’ve come to a heart-wrenching realization: my family dynamic, instead of being my safe haven, is a downward […]

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The picture shows a person smiling at the camera, wearing a tie-dye shirt with yellow, pink, and blue colors. They have short hair, glasses, and a black neck brace with white trim. On their face, there is a small flower-shaped patch on their right cheek. They are holding up a feeding tube. Behind them is a background of various stuffed animals.

Complicated – the must-watch documentary on Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

A new documentary on Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Complicated, will soon be released. Chronic Pain Partners was honored to preview the film, which dives deep into many of our community’s challenges. Directed by award-winning and Oscar-shortlisted filmmaker Andrew Abrahams and co-produced by TCAPP board member and advocate Donna Sullivan, this film is the most comprehensive and accurate […]

A boy playing soccer in a green garden surrounded by trees. Title: The Game, a short film by Charlotte Gwinner

Filmmaker Suri Ellerton, Her EDS Journey & New Film Highlighting The Challenges Of Disabled Parents

Suri Ellerton is a filmmaker, has three children, and lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and various comorbid conditions. In this interview with Chronic Pain Partners’ Karina Sturm, Ellerton shares her EDS journey, what it means to be a disabled parent, and how her own experiences relate to her latest film project, “The Game.”  Sturm: Hi, Suri! […]