Community Voices: Jessica 'Living with Gastrointestinal (GI) Pain and Gastroparesis

Jessica shares her experiences living with gastrointestinal (GI) pain and gastroparesis.

"My name is Jess, I am 23 years old and was diagnosed with hypermobile EDS (hEDS) aged 20 after over 18 years of problems. I have major gastrointestinal involvement with my hEDS.

I have always enjoyed using my flexibility to my advantage and tried to keep myself strong through dancing to a high level. I also recently qualified as a Paediatric Nurse in order to use my experiences living with chronic illness to help others."

Evidence suggests a link between connective tissue disorders such as the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and digestive system (gastrointestinal, GI) symptoms. Patients with EDS can come to the doctor with hernias, out of place organs, and prolapse, as well as functional problems such as changes in the speed of the digestive system (gut motility). Patients with hypermobile EDS (hEDS) show GI symptoms related to the gut and often meet the criteria for disorders such as indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. The presence of GI symptoms in EDS patients influences their quality of life. Specific evidence based guidelines for GI symptoms in EDS patients do not exist, but there is recognition that precautions need to be taken for those undergoing surgery. Future studies are required to identify mechanisms leading to GI symptoms and more specific treatment guidelines are required.

Read more on gastrointestinal issues in EDS and HSD: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/2017-ed...

Watch videos on gastrointestinal issues in EDS and HSD:    • Gastrointestinal