All Posts

Unsplash Photo Living with hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) often means embracing flexibility and joint mobility. Yet, as people with this condition age, many face an unexpected challenge of increasing stiffness and pain with movements. This shift can feel frustrating and confusing, especially when movement once felt effortless now requires focused efforts. Understanding how to keep moving safely and comfortably despite stiffness is crucial for maintaining quality o

Unsplash Photo People living with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS) often face challenges beyond joint hypermobility and chronic pain. One lesser-known issue is the increased risk of vitamin deficiencies. These deficiencies can worsen symptoms and affect overall health. Understanding why vitamin deficiencies occur in HEDS is crucial for managing the condition effectively. Vitamin deficiencies in people with HEDS are not just about diet. They often result from how the

Unsplash Photo Plantar fasciitis causes sharp heel pain that can make walking and standing difficult. For people with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS), this common foot condition can be even more challenging. HEDS affects connective tissues, leading to joint hypermobility and fragile ligaments. This makes the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue supporting the foot arch, prone to injury and inflammation. Understanding how plantar fasciitis presents in HEDS helps pa

Unsplash Photo Living with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS) presents unique challenges that often go unseen by others. One of the most difficult aspects is managing an invisible illness—symptoms that are real and impactful but not obvious to those around you. This invisibility can lead to misunderstandings, isolation, and frustration for people with HEDS. HEDS is a connective tissue disorder characterized by joint hypermobility, chronic pain, fatigue, and other sympt

Unsplash Photo Drawing blood is a routine medical procedure, but for patients with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS), it can be a difficult and sometimes painful experience. Many healthcare providers find it challenging to collect blood samples from HEDS patients due to the unique characteristics of their connective tissue and vascular system. Key Features of HEDS Impacting Blood Draws Fragile veins: The veins in HEDS patients are often more delicate and prone to brui

Unsplash Photo A chronic cough and constant throat clearing are usually blamed on allergies, reflux, or lingering respiratory irritation—but in some cases, the root cause may actually be your neck. The cervical spine plays a surprisingly important role in how the nerves and muscles of the throat function. When there is dysfunction in the neck—whether from muscle tension, joint instability, or nerve irritation—it can create symptoms that feel like they’re coming from your thro

Unsplash Photo People with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) experience immobility for many interconnected reasons rooted in connective-tissue fragility. The core issue is widespread joint hypermobility: joints move beyond their normal range because ligaments and joint capsules are lax. Repeated subluxations and dislocations damage soft tissues and cartilage, cause inflammation, and make weight-bearing or coordinated movement painful and unreliable—so people limit act

Wix Media Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the body, essentially directing cells to repair, regenerate, or regulate inflammation. In hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), where collagen structure and connective tissue integrity are impaired, peptides have become a growing topic of interest because of their potential to influence healing pathways, collagen production, and tissue resilience. While they are not a standard or approv

Unsplash Photo Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a common and frustrating complication for people living with gastroparesis. When the stomach empties slowly, bacteria can accumulate in the small intestine, leading to recurrent infections that worsen symptoms and reduce quality of life. Managing recurrent SIBO in gastroparesis requires a clear understanding of the connection between these conditions and practical strategies to reduce flare-ups. Gastroparesis slow

Unsplash Photo People with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) often experience a range of physical and neurological differences. One intriguing observation is that individuals with EDS are more likely to be ambidextrous compared to the general population. This connection raises questions about how EDS influences brain function and motor skills. Exploring this link can help us better understand the unique traits of those living with EDS and offer insights into their daily experience

Unsplash Photo Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic disorders that affect connective tissues, leading to symptoms like joint hypermobility, skin elasticity, and tissue fragility. Given the complexity and variety of EDS types, a common question arises: Can one person have multiple forms of EDS at the same time? This post explores this question by examining the nature of EDS, its classification , and what current research and clinical experience reveal. EDS is n

Unsplash Photo Snapping Scapula Syndrome SSS is a condition that causes a noticeable snapping or grinding sensation around the shoulder blade during movement. For people with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS), this syndrome can be particularly challenging. HEDS affects connective tissue, leading to joint hypermobility and instability, which can increase the risk of developing SSS. This post explores what Snapping Scapula Syndrome is, why it occurs in HEDS, and how i

Unsplash Photo People living with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS) face a range of health challenges, but recent research highlights a concerning connection between Pentad Super Syndrome, white matter disease , and an increased risk of stroke . Understanding this link is crucial for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to recognize warning signs and take proactive steps to reduce risks, Pentad Super Syndrome is a complex condition that can occur in individ

Unsplash Photo Carotid artery tortuosity is a condition where the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain, become twisted or curved more than usual. This can affect blood flow and sometimes lead to symptoms like dizziness or stroke risk. One factor linked to this condition is HEDS, or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder. I am aware of carotid tortuosity because my mom has been diagnosed with it. Hers is not severe. It is being monitor

Unsplash Photo Chronic cough can be a frustrating and persistent symptom for many people. When it occurs in individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), it often raises questions about the connection between this genetic condition and respiratory issues. Understanding why chronic cough happens in EDS helps patients and caregivers manage symptoms better and seek appropriate care. This post explores the main reasons behind chronic cough in EDS and offers practical insights.

Unsplash Photo When someone experiences a head injury , the immediate concerns often focus on visible trauma or cognitive effects. Yet, for some individuals, symptoms related to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) may appear or worsen after such an injury. This connection can be confusing and alarming. Understanding why EDS symptoms might emerge following a head injury helps patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers better manage these complex cases. A head injury can range f

Unsplash Photo I’m LaDonna Burns, NP — a middle-aged woman who, for years, lived with a constellation of symptoms that didn’t make sense until someone finally gave them a name. If my story sounds familiar, you’re not alone. As a child I wore glasses as thick as coke bottles and sat “like a frog.” I was clumsy, bruised easily, and always tired. At 12, when my menses began, so did debilitating migraines: three-day headaches with aura, nausea, and vomiting that left me curled on

If you live with POTS, you probably know the feeling of being way hotter or colder than everyone else in the room. One minute you’re bundled up like it’s winter in Alaska, and the next you’re peeling off layers because your body suddenly decided it’s a sauna. It’s confusing, uncomfortable, and honestly pretty exhausting. The good news is: there are reasons this happens, and once you understand them, the whole experience feels a little less random. Why POTS Messes With Your

Unsplash Photo Living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) often means managing a wide range of symptoms that don’t always appear connected at first. One lesser-discussed but increasingly recognized issue is pelvic congestion, a condition that can significantly affect comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life. In hEDS, connective tissue fragility doesn’t just impact joints—it can also affect the veins, leading to reduced structural support. As a result, veins

Unsplash Photo Small organ cysts can be a concerning finding for anyone, especially for those diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS). Many wonder if these cysts increase the risk of organ rupture , a serious complication. Small organ cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in various organs such as the kidneys, liver, pancreas. lungs, or spinal column. These cysts are often benign and may not cause symptoms. In the general population, small cysts are co