*This episode was recorded 'on the road' as part of the campaign travelling the country to capture the 100 Voices and their stories.

Introducing another Voice to the collection - Sarah B sharing her very complex journey with EDS, POTS, MCAS and Breast Cancer. It took Sarah over 15 years to finally get her diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which is known as a 'zebra disease'. The term zebra disease refers to the fact doctors in medical school are taught to 'think horses when they hear hooves, not zebras' referencing the fact that common things are common. However this culture and attitude means that for people with rarer conditions, it is taking them far too long to get a diagnosis. EDS is a rare condition which means the tissues don't produce enough collagen, and with over 13 subtypes no two EDS patient are the same. Sarah's journey of having so many rarer conditions all complicated by her underlying genetic predisposition means she's felt gaslit so many times by healthcare professionals. Sarah shares what it's like to live with chronic fatigue, chronic pain and an invisible disability, how masking becomes commonplace. When Sarah was further diagnosed with breast cancer, her treatment became complicated because of her underlying conditions and an episode of Steven Johnson Syndrome saw her in HDU. Sarah also talks about having a newer form of breast reconstruction surgery, the Goldilock mastectomy procedure and had just finished chemotherapy prior to this interview. This is another poignant interview putting the spotlight on taboos, gender inequalities in health and raising awareness of these zebra conditions that people (and medical professionals) need to remember, and how important it is to self advocate.

Mortal and Strong is a campaign shining the spotlight on women facing their own mortality - those affected at a young age by a life changing illness or disease. 100 artworks produced by artists across the country along with a powerful photography series ‘Scars of Gold’ inspired by kintsugi. 100 Voices sharing messages of hope and strength through our podcast. Charity led campaign supporting other charities. Founded by Dr Liz Murray.

#mortalandstrong #mas #iammas #scarsofgold #kintsugi #scars #strength #hope #joy #cancer #secondarycancer #breastcancer #secondarybreastcancer #cancerpodcast #womenshealth #podcast #vulvacancer #lungcancer #bowelcancer #lupus #lupusuk #addisonsdisease #pnd #endometriosis #miscarriage #fibroids #adenomyosis #ms #autoimmunedisease #charitycampaign

For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health.

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