TW: Terribly Graphic Photo – A Glimpse Into My Daily Battle with EDS Neck Pain”
Life with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and the accompanying neck instability and pain can be overwhelming, and sometimes, a picture speaks a thousand words. Recently, I came across a graphic image that perfectly captured the intensity of what my neck feels like on a daily basis when I don’t take the four different types of pain medications required to manage my symptoms. It may seem dramatic to some, but honestly, this is how my neck feels when the pain is untreated, and the struggle is real.
I know it’s been a while since my last post — I’ve been in a bit of a burnout mode. The exhaustion from managing chronic pain can sometimes make it difficult to find the energy to share updates, but today, I felt it was important to show a raw moment of what my life is like, in hopes that others who are also going through similar battles can relate.
The image I found really resonated with me. It’s a terrible, graphic photo that visually illustrates the sort of discomfort and strain I experience from neck instability, especially without the proper medication. Without these medications, it’s not just physical pain; it can feel like you’re slowly losing control of your body, with each movement becoming a painful challenge.
And while I know it might seem a bit dramatic, this is the reality of living with EDS. It’s not just an occasional flare-up — it’s a constant, exhausting cycle of managing symptoms and trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy. The image shows the graphic toll that untreated pain can take, and in my case, it speaks directly to the neck instability that comes with EDS.
On a lighter note, I do want to mention that despite this burnout period, I’ve been working on posts that I’m excited to share — including pictures from Dylan’s birthday celebration at the rec center, as well as Elliot’s birthday moments. I can’t wait to post an album of those memories soon, but today, I felt compelled to speak about something that’s been on my mind.
Living with a chronic condition like EDS means dealing with pain every day, and for those who understand, it’s crucial to be open about it. The challenges can be isolating, but I want to share my journey with all of you — especially when I find something so relatable that it feels like it could have come straight out of my own experience.
In the meantime, feel free to check out the Late Night TV Show episode where this happens. Watch it here: Cr24h.