For most of my life, other people told my story. As a teenager, I saw my story appear in newspaper articles, documentaries, and conference presentations, focused on my rare genetic condition, scientific discovery, and perseverance. The stories helped other families find answers and gave people hope, and I remain grateful for the community they created. […]
If you’ve ever coughed while eating, felt like food got stuck in your throat, or found yourself avoiding certain foods because they’re harder to swallow, you’re not alone. Many people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) describe these experiences, yet swallowing problems are often overshadowed by other symptoms like joint pain or […]
Living with EDS often comes with navigating an ongoing cycle of injuries, fatigue, symptom flares, medical appointments, unexpected setbacks, and uncertainty about what your body will do next. For many people, EDS-related stressors are cumulative, where each new experience adds to an already heavy emotional burden. Over time, this constant state of stress and adaptation […]
There’s a good chance you’ve heard how important “getting stronger” is for bendy people. And it’s true: bendy people have been shown to generate about 30% less muscular force (i.e. be 30% weaker) at baseline than their non-bendy counterparts. And yet, the bendy body relies even more heavily on muscular support than others, thanks to […]
There is exciting news for the recently reported 17% of hEDS patients and 14.7% of HSD patients who experience polycystic ovary syndrome, now renamed to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. On May 12th, 2026, a new article was published in The Lancet announcing the name change from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic […]
“What if it causes anaphylaxis?” “What if it makes me sick?” “What if it doesn’t work?” “Once I take it I can’t undo it.” For most people, starting a new prescription is routine – pick it up, get generic instructions from the pharmacist, take it, then report back to your doctor in a few […]
A recent 2026 study is providing additional clues about the biology of hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). In this article, we’ll explore what the researchers discovered, why they believe the two conditions may share common biological mechanisms, and what these findings could mean for future research. How the Study Was […]
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 […]