
LIVING WITH EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME: Sarah Hamilton's Insights on Diagnosis, Management, and Advocacy for this Rare Disorder
10/08/23 • 26 min
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Are you ready to unravel the complex world of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)? This in-depth discussion with Sarah Hamilton from Ehlers-Danlos Support UK is set to provide an enlightening perspective on this rare connective tissue disorder that affects roughly one in 500 people. From offering a closer look at the myriad of symptoms to unravelling the challenges in securing an accurate diagnosis, this comprehensive dialogue is designed to shed light on the often overlooked serious consequences of EDS.
As we delve further into the societal impact of EDS, one cannot ignore the inadequate government response to the healthcare needs of those affected. The narrative of EDS going undiagnosed due to scarce resources, lack of education, and a lackluster government response is sadly all too common. Yet, as Sarah and I explore, it's not just about joint issues; many individuals experience more debilitating symptoms and are left without adequate support.
Beyond the academic discourse, our conversation takes a pragmatic turn as we discuss self-management strategies and workplace accommodations for chronic illness. Sarah lends valuable insights on the importance of self-advocacy, pacing, and advocating for reasonable adjustments at work. We also examine the potential impact of initiatives like the red seeds framework, the major conditions strategy, and MSK services. If EDS affects you or someone you care about, this conversation is a treasure trove of insights, strategies and hope. Tune in, learn and lend your voice to the conversation.
https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/
https://www.angelawalkerreports.com/
Are you ready to unravel the complex world of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)? This in-depth discussion with Sarah Hamilton from Ehlers-Danlos Support UK is set to provide an enlightening perspective on this rare connective tissue disorder that affects roughly one in 500 people. From offering a closer look at the myriad of symptoms to unravelling the challenges in securing an accurate diagnosis, this comprehensive dialogue is designed to shed light on the often overlooked serious consequences of EDS.
As we delve further into the societal impact of EDS, one cannot ignore the inadequate government response to the healthcare needs of those affected. The narrative of EDS going undiagnosed due to scarce resources, lack of education, and a lackluster government response is sadly all too common. Yet, as Sarah and I explore, it's not just about joint issues; many individuals experience more debilitating symptoms and are left without adequate support.
Beyond the academic discourse, our conversation takes a pragmatic turn as we discuss self-management strategies and workplace accommodations for chronic illness. Sarah lends valuable insights on the importance of self-advocacy, pacing, and advocating for reasonable adjustments at work. We also examine the potential impact of initiatives like the red seeds framework, the major conditions strategy, and MSK services. If EDS affects you or someone you care about, this conversation is a treasure trove of insights, strategies and hope. Tune in, learn and lend your voice to the conversation.
https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/
https://www.angelawalkerreports.com/
Previous Episode

SACKED BECAUSE HER DAUGHTER HAS CANCER: Christina Harris's Battle for Job Security for Families with Seriously Ill Children
Imagine receiving the life-altering news that your child has been diagnosed with a serious illness and then losing your job when you take time away to look after them.
Christina Harris has lost her job of 19 years because she is looking after her daughter Skye who has been diagnosed with leukaemia. Christina courageously shares her struggles of balancing the care of her critically ill daughter with the fear of financial insecurity.
Christina tells us about her petition, demanding the government makes it a parental right to take a career break for families grappling with serious childhood illnesses. Garnering over 80,000 signatures, Christina's fight has drawn significant attention but still lacks solid governmental backing. Is it too much to ask that parents' jobs be held open for them until they can return to work?
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/638449
https://www.angelawalkerreports.com/
Next Episode

PREGNANCY TEST BIRTH DEFECTS: Marie Lyons' Fight For Justice Against Government and Bayer
Updated: 13th February 2025
Families whose children suffered serious disabilities or miscarriage after their mothers took an oral pregnancy test prescribed by their GPs have been excluded from the government's review of redress for health scandal victims - against the wishes of the the patient safety commissioner.
A report published on Wednesday by Dr Henrietta Hughes, found a “clear case for redress” for thousands of women and children who suffered “avoidable harm” from the epilepsy treatment sodium valproate and from vaginal mesh implants but government officials did not allow the Primodos campaigners to be included.
Marie Lyon took the oral hormone pregnancy test in 1970. Her daughter was born with a badly deformed arm. But the potential risks of the damage to unborn babies had been raised by medical professionals years earlier.
You can listen to her story here:
This podcast was recorded in October 2023.
EXCLUSIVE. Government commits to reviewing new evidence in Primodos scandal for first time.
Families who believe miscarriages and devastating birth defects were caused by the NHS-prescribed pregnancy test Primados say it's a fantastic positive that the British government has told this programme it is "committed to reviewing all new evidence on hormone pregnancy tests and adverse effects in pregnancy."
The Government and pharmaceutical company Bayer have been accused of bullying the campaigners into silence, by threatening that, unless they commit to never making another claim, they will have to pay the legal bills of the lawyers used to block their joint action.
Marie Lyons took the oral hormone pregnancy test in 1970. Her daughter was born with a badly deformed arm. But the potential risks of the damage to unborn babies had been raised by medical professionals years earlier.
In our enlightening talk with Marie, an advocate from the Association for Children Damaged by Oral Hormone Pregnancy Tests, we trace the timeline of events that began with the introduction of Primados in 1958. We hear Marie's poignant recollections of her daughter Sarah's struggles during her schooling years and in relationships due to her disability.
Marie discusses the Association's High Court battle and how the Government and Bayer filled the court with teams of legal experts, dwarfing their representation.
Fifty years since she started her campaign for justice, Marie remains determined to uncover new evidence to prove her case. We hear statements from the Department of Health and Social Care and Bayer who maintain their denial of any link between HPTS and foetal harm. They were invited to take part in the discussion but declined.
In the final segment of our talk with Marie, we expose the devastating consequences of the drug company's decision to unlawfully distribute the drug in nations where abortion is illegal. Hear Marie's fears for her daughter's future health, the distressing tales of other association members, and the complexities of estimating the number of people affected. As we ponder the heated debate in Parliament and Theresa May's actions post-reading the expert working group's report, Marie stresses the need for an independent review of the MHRA and funding for an independent review of synthetic hormones. Her message is clear and uncompromising: the quest for justice and safety in healthcare is a fight that's far from over.
https://primodos.org/
#Primados
#NHSprescribedpregnancytest
#H
https://www.angelawalkerreports.com/
Angela Walker In Conversation - Inspirational Interviews, Under-Reported News - LIVING WITH EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME: Sarah Hamilton's Insights on Diagnosis, Management, and Advocacy for this Rare Disorder
Transcript
It's a rare connective tissue disorder with a range of symptoms from joint hypermobility through to gut problems and organ prolapse . It was thought to affect one in 5,000 people , but the latest research suggests it could affect one in 500 . I'm journalist Angela Walker , and in this podcast I talk to inspirational people and discuss under-reported issues . Today I'm in conversatio
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