Laura's Story
It's nearly #REDS4VEDS and it always reminds me that 5 years ago, I finally got home to see Freddie. 3 weeks after I went into hospital to have him and it's amazing to look back and see how far I have come. And actually how tough I was and will continue to be after having him at 34 weeks under general aesthetic due to vEDS.
Freddie having to go to a completely separate hospital while I was still under, waking up without him in ICU. Being sent to be reunited with him then the same day having horrendous pain which led to a bowel perforation and emergency surgery. Ending with a stoma bag, 9 days in ICU and the rest on a ward where my lungs suffered, my body was poisoned from my perforation and my wound opened up ... but my love for Freddie carried me along. It carries me along every single day.
I wrote this to remind everyone exactly what people with vascular EDS can be up against and why it's so important to spread the word. To help us educate absolutely anyone who will listen about vEDS. Maybe it can help save a life or maybe it can help someone get diagnosed.
Gemma, a close friend of Laura wrote:
My best friend Laura and her little boy Freddie both have vEDS. Laura first had a stroke whilst studying at University aged 18 due to vEDS this was not diagnosed until having a dissection just before she fell pregnant around 5 years ago. Although Laura showed different signs of vEDS in her younger years ( easy bruising/ migraines / usual skin problems/ easy skin tears ) this still did not be picked up due to the little research and awareness at the time.
When giving birth to her little boy 5 years ago Laura didn’t have the experience every women dreams of when giving birth. Instead she was faced with being spilt from Freddie, and fighting for her life after being rushed into emergency life saving surgery ending with a stoma bag and a surgeon that was absolutely relieved go get her out alive. After such a heart breaking time Laura wasn’t out the woods she then had to stay in hospital in intensive care with no visits due to Covid, but ultimately this life changing encounter meant Laura walked away after what was mean to be the best time of her life with vEDS.
This didn’t stop there, the pain and heartbreak continued Laura and partner was told Freddie their precious little boy also has vEDS. The very nature of vEDS is that it’s a ticking time bomb. Freddie wants and deserves more tomorrows and the vascular EDS can take a life in an instant.
