Navigating College with EDS: A Firsthand Experience (EP 126)

In this episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein reconnects with her first Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) patient, Lauren Vasko, who shares her journey navigating life with EDS, including Cranial-Cervical Instability (CCI) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Despite severe challenges, such as using a wheelchair and overcoming misdiagnoses, Lauren describes her path to regaining independence through self-advocacy, physical therapy, and mindset shifts away from a victim mentality. Key elements in her recovery included advocacy for her health, making small, incremental improvements, and setting personal boundaries. Lauren also discusses the importance of believing in one’s capability to heal and how nonpharmacological interventions like specialized physical therapy and cervical traction played crucial roles in avoiding invasive surgeries. Her story emphasizes finding joy beyond the diagnosis and engaging in new passions like art, contributing to a hopeful and empowered existence.