Elissa Hanneman was initially misdiagnosed with Classical Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (CEDS) as a child, but a colon perforation during her pregnancy prompted genetic testing for Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (VEDS). Years after her diagnosis, Elissa lost all of her intestines in a two-year hospital stay due to complications from VEDS.

Please be advised that in this episode, we discuss suicide and suicide intent. If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available to you. In the US, you can get help by calling or texting 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24/7. If you are outside of the US, I’ve linked a list of hotlines and resources below.

Find more information about VEDS, including support groups and medical webinars, at https://TheVEDSMovement.org.

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