managing symptoms

Illustration of a young Black woman coughing during a meal while holding her throat, with a bowl of soup containing a spoon and a glass of water in front of her, representing swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD).

Why Is Swallowing So Hard? Dysphagia in EDS and HSD 

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 […]

Collage with different portraits. Going clockwise: Professional headshot of Jeevan Mann smiling outdoors, wearing a navy blazer and light blue button-down shirt against a softly blurred background Headshot of Krista Brack smiling at the camera indoors, wearing glasses and a white top, with informational displays blurred in the backgroun Portrait of Jacqueline Teti wearing a blue jean dress with large brown curls, smiling against a green leafy background Portrait of Kaleena Deshawn outdoors wearing colorful braided hair and bold green makeup, smiling slightly while wearing a green Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome awareness T-shirt with awareness ribbon graphics and text about chronic illness experiences

Beyond the Myths: Four People Talk About the Reality of Living With EDS & HSD

We wanted to end EDS Awareness Month by spotlighting the lived experiences of four individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD). Through these perspectives, we aimed to tackle a few of the many myths surrounding these conditions. We also wanted to offer a glimpse into the reality of living with EDS/HSD, including […]

Minimalist pencil sketch of a woman with long dark hair and a calm, contemplative expression, facing slightly to the side. Subtle abstract shapes and a faint anatomical heart appear behind her. Soft handwritten text in the background reads, “Survival is not resilience. It is grit.”

Persistent

Many timesI have been called resilient. A title inflicted on melike a brilliant,gleaming badge of honor. But it was one that I never asked for.Worn without choiceor the ability to claima different perspective,a different name. I give myself a new description,a title that encompassesthe pain and infliction. I am persistent. Resilience is to bendand not […]