Navigating the healthcare system with suspected or diagnosed Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) can feel like an impossible feat - from the frustrating experience of dismissal to healthcare professionals’ limited knowledge about connective tissue disorders. The vast amount of symptom variability further complicates the issue, leading many physicians to struggle to piece the puzzle together. Health Care Provider Skepticism About EDS and HSD Many people suffering from symptomatic joint hypermobility initially face dismissal or skepticism from healthcare provide ..read more

The holiday season often brings joyful gatherings, festive lights, and heartwarming traditions. It’s usually a time of immense joy for many. However, for those living with chronic pain, the holidays can bring a unique set of challenges that can dampen the spirit of the season. As an integrative pain management physician who specializes in treating conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and dysautonomia (eg: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome or POTS), I observe the dire affects these conditions have on ..read more

Disabilities have long been subjected to stigmatization and misconceptions. While progress has been made, the journey toward equality and inclusion has been far from easy. It was in this spirit that Congress took a significant step forward by enacting a law designating the first week of October as 'National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week' back in 1945. The observance aimed to promote employment opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities and raise public awareness about their capabilities. However, it's important to recognize that mental health conditions were not initial ..read more

By: Kimby Maxson Moms are relentless when it comes to their children's health. As a recent patient said to me, "Angry moms are what change the world!" A fierce advocate for her daughter, Kimby Maxson recently published an inspiring, fun storybook for children and adults facing joint hypermobility and associated conditions. She shares how and why she wrote this beautiful book. Enjoy! -Linda Bluestein, MD In the summer of 2000 my teething, vomiting little baby girl came shrieking into the world with skin like a porcelain doll and feet that pointed towards each other. Her dad's feet turned in so ..read more

By: Taylor Wiesmann Imposter Syndrome can show up in many facets of life, but we rarely think of it in conjunction with chronic illness. Having a chronic illness can cause us to doubt ourselves, especially when our symptoms have been dismissed by family, friends, and healthcare professionals. If you have ever struggled with Imposter Syndrome, you won't want to miss this inspiring guest blog post by Taylor Wiesmann. -Linda Bluestein, MD What is Impostor Syndrome, and How Does It Show Up in Individuals With Chronic Illness? Impostor Syndrome has become a widely recognized term in professional a ..read more

Chiropractic care has been around for over 100 years, but many people don’t quite know what it entails. Artistic athletes may be told to add regular chiropractic visits to their regimen to help relieve pain without really understanding why. How does a method best known for joint manipulation work for those with hypermobile bodies? Is it a valid treatment option? And what exactly is it, anyway? Dr. Carrie Skony is a certified chiropractic sports physician and owner of Perform Active Wellness Dance Medicine. Specializing in dancers, Dr. Skony sees many hypermobile bodies and sat to talk with us ..read more

Living with a chronic illness like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) can be demoralizing. You may not have access to the care you need, loved ones do not get it, and loneliness can be a reality for so many people. Gigi Robinson was diagnosed with EDS at 11 years old, and one of the lucky ones to receive support and care from a very early age. Even so, heading off to college and needing to advocate for herself was a difficult transition. As she moved into adulthood, her natural passion for learning turned into a desire to help others who experience some of the same issues. She quickly became an outs ..read more

Life with multiple chronic illnesses is physically and mentally challenging. Feelings of exhaustion and emotional fatigue crowd in with physical symptoms and can be overwhelming in your daily life. How do you find balance? How do you find a way forward and regain joy in your life? We posed these questions to Keeya Steel, founder of the popular Hells Bells and Mast Cells on social media. As someone who lives with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome), and hEDS (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), she is all too experienced at trying to find that ..read more

For most artistic athletes, competition is a part of life. Whether you’re a dancer, skater, gymnast, or cheerleader chances are you’re competing at some point. Competitions can be grueling, multi-day events consisting of 14-hour days, multiple performances, and little access to fresh whole foods. So how do you prepare for a competition, and what can you do during the event to make sure you are at the top of your game and come out of it injury-free? We decided to approach this topic from a multi-disciplinary angle, so Jennifer, Dr. Bluestein, and resident Bendy Bodies nutrition expert, Kristin ..read more

Hypermobility disorders can lead to health complications that may require surgery. Joint hypermobility and associated conditions can present complications for surgery, anesthesia, and more. If you’re anticipating surgery, how can you, your surgeon and anesthesia care team be as prepared as possible for those hypermobile “quirks”? Bendy Bodies founder Dr. Linda Bluestein spent years in the operating room as a top anesthesiologist. We asked her for advice on this often-overlooked aspect of dealing with symptomatic joint hypermobility. Dr. Bluestein discusses the possible medication reactions th ..read more