Unbreakable — Kimberly Zapert

Many people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) experience a form of dysautonomia called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Dysautonomia is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which controls the body’s subconscious functions including digestion, heart rate, perspiration, and breathing. Symptoms of POTS, predominantly an elevated heart rate, are…

Injuries happen just like that. It’s usually senseless: a step taken too soon, an unexpected encounter with a door jamb, lifting a handbag on the way out, driving a car. A small, random action can cause a dislocation or subluxation and change the course of the next few days,…

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is teaching me that I want and need structure in every aspect of my life. Much like the presence of EDS, my need for structure and routine is something that has gone unrecognized for most of my life, despite living with the consequences. Until a few…

Subluxations and dislocations are frequent complications of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Over the past year, my roving joints have made grocery shopping more painful. I have also suffered some acute bruising of my ego from squatting in the grocery store checkout line to relieve the symptoms of postural orthostatic tachycardia…

Many of us are familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) insofar as it guarantees access to public buildings and reasonable workplace accommodations, and protects against employment discrimination. I recently learned that the ADA also allows for accommodations that I need in the courthouse. Over the past year,…

I need my house to be as uncluttered as possible to prevent injury and to function at my best. Unfortunately, bending over, reaching, grasping, and lifting all take their toll on a body that is compromised by the effects of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). A day of housecleaning can mean a…

Pain and the reduced function of my hands significantly affect my life. Knowing what components are structurally compromised and vulnerable to injury due to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) aids me in the prevention and treatment of my injuries. Puppets Have you ever seen a toy grabber hand? It is a…

A distressing observation A couple of nights ago, I watched my youngest child as she settled in to go to sleep. She wrestled with her pillow, trying to position it just so because it hurt her neck. In the process, she managed to hurt her chest. She adjusted herself and…

I write quite a bit about looking for silver linings, embracing joy where I can find it, and celebrating small successes. I embrace thankfulness and enjoy a positive attitude. But before we go any further, I would like to clarify something important. It’s OK to experience and express negative…

There was a time when lampworking was my thing. In fact, my life revolved around it. What began as a hobby grew into a business. When I wasn’t behind a flame melting glass, I was on the phone or on internet message boards furthering my knowledge and sharing it with…

About four years ago, I came out of a multiyear haze that I refer to as the “baby coma.” I hadn’t fully recovered following the birth of my baby. A merciful obstetrician had induced labor at 39 weeks because, at that stage, I couldn’t move without considerable pain. Following delivery,…