Hello! 

 My name is April Halleron MD and here is my journey with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. As a child I had bad  “growing pains,” and was always picked last for teams in PE. I was a clumsy teen and always struggled to keep up. I saw doctor after doctor who all told me I was normal and healthy until I finally accepted it. I assumed I must be mentally ill and that I was making up my symptoms. Then I saw a psychiatrist who told me that was not the case. So I went through life thinking my body was just a lemon. My family had similar issues so it felt normal to me. My training in medical school was so poor for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome that I could not even recognize it in myself. Then I saw a post on social media where someone had described their struggles with Ehlers-Danlos. Their experience was so similar to mine that I decided to do more research. And then more and more and more. 

I was formally diagnosed at age 38 and I haven't stopped reading/researching since then. I started to be an advocate for myself. The hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome diagnosis led to other diagnoses including Gastroparesis, Dysautonomia, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, and Craniocervical Instability. Each diagnosis was another piece of the puzzle, and every diagnosis led to more treatment options. One symptom I had was nausea which I learned was actually caused by multiple overlapping problems. Each time I got a new diagnosis and tried a new treatment, it would lessen my nausea by 10-20%. The key was to not stop there. It's hard to keep trying when you feel so bad. Believe me, I know. 

It has taken a few years but I am finally stable. I still have flairs but now I know why and how to treat them. More importantly I am taking care of myself better and preventing most flares. At the end of 2024, the company I was working for presented me with a new contract and refused to work with me for accommodations. After many tears, I decided my health was worth more than a job, even if I did feel it was my calling, and I had to quit my practice of family medicine. After a pause, I decided I did not want to let all my technical skill go to waste and while I could give up my regular patients if I had to, I could not give up my Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome patients.

 I decided to imagine my perfect practice. One where I could meet patients' needs without rushing them. Where hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome patients could find care in Kentucky without having to drive to another state. Where I could work within my limitations and not make my own condition worse by caring for others. 

My personal health journey was confusing, lonely and at many times hopeless. I don’t want you to have to go through this alone. I hope you find hope here. There is no quick fix, but we can feel better together.