Zebra, Not Horse

I'm Kelsey, I'm 25 years old, and I'm a zebra. In other words, I live with a constellation of chronic illnesses, all boiling down to a big ol' mess called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, (Hypermoblility Type).

[positivity-in-recovery]

[stanleylt]

Just a set of quick photos I did for class.

[recoveringfr0mcfs-deactivated20]

Chronic illness 101.

[fibro-larious]

This is a simple yet beautiful depiction of thousands of people’s daily lives. Everyone who does not understand the Spoon Theory or chronic illness (physical or mental) needs to see this kind of thing.

Some days I start my day in that half-drained yellow stage. Some days I start my day even lower.

[dryyoureyes-startbelieving]

[zebranothorse]

Nurse: I'm going to name different types of pain and I want you to tell me if you've ever experienced any of them

Nurse: Burning

Me: Yep

Nurse: Aching

Me: Yep

Nurse: Radiating

Me: Yep

Nurse: Tingling

Me: Yep

Nurse: Stabbing

Me: Yep

Nurse: Dull or sharp

Me: Both

Nurse: ...

Nurse: Okay the doctor will be in shortly

[stephaknee]

[cenkrett]

In case I haven’t mentioned it lately, chronic illness sucks and I want a refund.

[hickorynut94]

"This medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or increased fatigue."

Lol how would I even know

[recovrywarriors]

Productivity and Happiness: Why You Need to Give Yourself Permission to Rest and Relax | Recovery Warriors

You have full permission to rest and relax. Here are some tips for placing equal value on rest and productivity to keep a healthy work/life balance.

So spot on!

[justanotherblog0987654]

[meowthiesaurus-deactivated20190]

[leo-libertarian-deactivated2018]

[librarydweller]

I did not choose the sick life, please don’t bill me for it.

[princess-of-positivity]

[dyssupport-deactivated20230307]

One Gene Mutation Links Three Mysterious, Debilitating Diseases

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome are so obscure that most doctors have never heard of them.

Here is more information about the recent research breakthrough that links Mast Cell Activation Disorder, POTS and EDS. This is exciting information for many of us living with this complicated combination of disorders. #hope #EDS #Dysautonomia #POTS #MCAD #MCAS #research

[spooniediaries-deactivated20171]

Cool

[yowulf]

[quadriparesis-deactivated201908]

“medication is a crutch!” “accommodations are a crutch!” “that is a crutch!”

yes. crutches are tools that help people do things more effectively and efficiently, just like meds, school/work accommodations, and everything else. there is nothing wrong with using crutches, and there’s nothing wrong with using other “crutches”. that’s not what’s being said here, though, and we all know it.

using “crutch” this way not only stigmatizes needing these other tools, but it stigmatizes having a physical disability and using crutches and other mobility aids.

so if we could stop using this expression, that’d be great.

[chronic-perks]

Chronic Illness Perk #11

You know what’s super fun? DIETARY RESTRICTIONS!!!! Everybody knows how awesome it is to watch everyone else eat while you awkwardly sip a glass of water!

[iplaywithstring]

and the best is when yu’re doing everything you’re supposed to do and only eating safe foods and *still* have a flareup and symptoms!