My name is Pashondra James and I am a CHRONIC ILLNESS WARRIOR! 
My fight with my health started way before I was diagnosed. I was misdiagnosed twice before 2011, and it was as at that time I learned that I was fighting a rare or rarely diagnosed illness called “Ehlers-Danlos III with vascular crossover.” After learning of my official diagnosis, it made everything else in my life make sense. I have several comorbidities that often coincide with EDS. It took 13 years and lots of tears to finally have an answer. I was seeing several specialists for different health issues, but no one was able to put all the pieces together until March 2011. I was taken to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida for a week-long series of test and procedures. Finally we had an answer, and it was not made up in my head as a doctor once suggested. I was horrified to get back home and learn most doctors have never heard of this illness and certainly have not treated one.
It became my mission to find a team of doctors that could take over my case. I still have several doctors, but now they work together as a team with my best interest in mind. This disease has caused so much heartache, and at times fear, of what my future will look like. It has caused complete hearing loss in my left ear, several GI issues, mitral valve prolapse, and POTS. The severe chronic pain that I feel from the dislocations and breaks is relentless and never-ending. As a result of this illness, I suffered two late-term fetal demises 10 years apart that I had to deliver knowing I would not bring my daughter or my son home with me! It was at that time I knew I would never get pregnant again as I fight this illness everyday. I have had to leave corporate America due to disability, but in spite of it all, my life is still good — I refuse to feel disheartened and defeated.
I am an invisible-illness and chronic pain warrior! I have had 23 surgeries, and at times felt very ugly and ashamed of my illness and scars, and not feeling like a woman due to not having my children with me. It is in those moments I remember that at least they are not suffering this illness and never had to know pain! I was born fighting and I’m a survivor; that’s all I know to do! I hope that somehow my life story of resilience will help someone’s life be better because of me.
In spite of all the health issues, I have been blessed with wonderful supportive family and friends, and I’m forever thankful! I’m so thankful to still be here and able to advocate for myself and others! This has truly been a journey of faith over fear for me!!
Original author Pashondra James is a Chronic Illness Warrior and ambassador for the US Pain Foundation.
