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POST 1 — Zebra Files Book + Website Are LIVE
The Zebra Files project is officially LIVE. The book.The website.The whole ecosystem. This is the place where chronic illness, neurodivergence, trauma, and survival finally get the language they deserve — without shame, without gaslighting, without the medical maze. And yes… the Zebra Smoothie System lives there too. zebrafiles.wordpress.comCome see what we’re building. ZebraFiles #SurvivorLiteracy #ChronicIllness… Continue reading
Conformity and Control, food addiction, Identity, Panthenogenesis of Power, Personal Growth & Self‑Navigation, Rare Diagnoses, Relational Anthropology, Self‑Repair, Social Issues, Survivor Literacy, Wealthcareadhd, anthropology, Autism, bear, carry, chronic illness, conformity, control, cptsd, EDS, ehlers danlos, episkevology, hostage, instagram, iykyk, linguistics, mcas, money, patriotism, Pluriology, politics, power, psychology, relational anthropology, Relational Field Theory, RFT, social science, socials, sociology, survivor literacy, survivors, theory, trafficking, Zebra, zebra files -
19) Presidential Fitness Test
The Presidential Fitness Test, established in the 1950s to assess youth fitness in comparison to European peers, emphasized military-style performance. Over the years, it became associated with body shaming and emotional trauma for many, particularly those facing physical limitations. The test was abolished in 2013 after widespread criticism. Continue reading
Conformity and Control, cult of the ego, cycle breaking, Erasing The Silence, grooming, Health and Healing, Poetry, Social Issues, theory, Uncategorized, Wealthcareabuse, advice, anthroplogy, anthropology, autoethnography, children, communication, community, comparison, content warning, cptsd, cycle, cycle breaker, cycle breaking, cycles of abuse, EDS, ehlers danlos, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, eisenhower, family, fat, fitness, Free, government, gym, health, help, institutionalized trauma, journal, life, lifestyle, me too, Mental Health, mile run, no more, no paywalls, not on my watch, outreach, pain, personal truth, perspective, Presidential Function Test, psychology, ptsd, public shaming, pull ups, push ups, resources, rope climb, school, self help, self improvement, shame, sit ups, social science, sociology, structural violence, struggle, survivor, therapy, torture, trauma, trauma informed, trauma recovery, trigger warning, Zebra -
Survivor Literacy
Survivor Literacy I’ve really struggled, since the inception of this blog, to find an adequate umbrella title. I didn’t want it to be disjointed, or all over the place. I wanted to clearly document the medical journey of an outcast. That alone, is an overwhelmingly large topic. But it’s not alone. My medical journey is… Continue reading
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Zebra files 46) Treatment Follow Up
The author provides an update on their experience with hyaluronic acid knee injections. After the third round, they report significant pain relief and improved mobility, particularly in relation to their hips. While pain persists, the injections have eased daily activities and reduced overall discomfort. They express gratitude for support during the treatment process. Continue reading
advice, communication, community, content warning, EDS, ehlers danlos, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, family, Free, health, help, journal, life, lifestyle, me too, Medicine, no paywalls, outreach, personal truth, perspective, resources, self help, self improvement, struggle, survivor, therapy, trigger warning, Zebra -
Zebra Files 45) Treatment Review- Lumbar Nerve Ablation
The author shares their painful experience with lumbar nerve ablation, detailing the diagnostic rounds and procedures. After two painful rounds of injections with minimal relief, the author concluded the diagnostic tests were unsuccessful. They are now considering a spinal cord stimulator, but express fear and skepticism about further pain management options. Continue reading
acupuncture, advice, back-pain, communication, community, content warning, EDS, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, family, Free, health, help, journal, life, lifestyle, me too, Medicine, nerve ablation, no paywalls, outreach, pain, pain treatment, personal truth, perspective, resources, sciatica, self help, self improvement, struggle, survivor, therapy, trigger warning, Zebra -
Zebra Files 44) Treatment Review-Hyaluronic Acid
The author discusses their experience with Hyaluronic Acid injections for knee pain relief due to the ineligibility for steroid and stem cell treatments. Despite the painful procedure, initial results show significant improvement in pain levels and knee functionality. The injections, required every 3-6 months, are covered by Medicaid, offering a hopeful solution. Continue reading
advice, chronic pain, communication, community, content warning, EDS, ehlers danlos, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, family, Free, health, help, hyaluronic acid, injections, journal, knee, knee pain, life, me too, Medicine, no paywalls, outreach, pain, pain clinic, personal truth, perspective, resources, self help, self improvement, struggle, survivor, therapy, treatment, trigger warning, Zebra -
Zebra Files 42) Assessment
The author describes their journey of seeking formal assessments for Autism and ADHD due to exhibiting related traits without a diagnosis. Despite multiple attempts including consultations with doctors and a mental health group, they face barriers in accessing evaluations, ultimately frustrated but determined to continue pursuing diagnosis options. Continue reading
adhd, advice, anthropology, Autism, autoethnography, barriers to care, communication, community, content warning, EDS, family, Free, health, help, journal, life, me too, Medicine, Mental Health, no paywalls, outreach, personal truth, perspective, psychology, resources, self help, self improvement, sociology, struggle, survivor, therapy, trigger warning, Zebra -
Zebra Files 39) Nope
The author shares their struggles with a physical therapy program, experiencing pain and setbacks despite effort. They emphasize the difficulty of radical acceptance and the societal pressures surrounding therapy. The post includes resources for others facing similar challenges, highlighting the need for understanding and support in managing chronic pain. Continue reading
acceptance, advice, communication, community, content warning, depression, EDS, family, Free, health, help, journal, life, lifestyle, me too, Medicine, Mental Health, no paywalls, outreach, personal truth, perspective, physical therapy, Radical Acceptance, resources, self help, self improvement, struggle, survivor, therapy, trigger warning, writing, Zebra -
Zebra Files 35) Pain Group
The author attended a Pain Support Group for the first time, prompted by feelings of mild suicidality, depression, and anxiety. While reflecting on their struggles, they shared emotions and experiences with others, finding some usefulness in the conversation. Although physically exhausting, they’re open to the potential benefits of the group. Continue reading
advice, chronic pain, communication, community, content warning, EDS, ehlers danlos, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, family, Free, gaslighting, group therapy, health, help, journal, life, lifestyle, me too, medical gaslighting, Medicine, Mental Health, no paywalls, outreach, personal truth, perspective, resources, self help, self improvement, struggle, support, survivor, therapy, trigger warning, waste of time, Zebra -
Zebra Files 34) Hypermobility Workout
The post introduces a daily routine for managing hypermobility, particularly focusing on lower-body workouts available in two parts on YouTube. While not medical advice, the author hopes to raise awareness about the effort required for hypermobile individuals to function and encourages others to consider their own bodily needs. Continue reading
advice, communication, community, content warning, EDS, ehlers danlos, exercise, family, flexibility, Free, health, help, journal, life, lifestyle, loose, loose joints, me too, movement, no paywalls, outreach, personal truth, perspective, resources, self help, self improvement, stability, strength, struggle, survivor, therapy, trigger warning, workout, Zebra -
Zebra Files 32) Getting My Butt Kicked By Everything
The author reflects on their challenges managing physical pain and limitations, particularly during physical therapy. Despite planning and efforts, they struggle with pain that affects their work and daily activities. Yet, they experience moments of improvement and hope. Upcoming dental surgery and participation in a pain support group offer potential paths forward. Continue reading
advice, chronic pain, communication, community, content warning, EDS, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, family, fitness, Free, health, help, journal, life, lifestyle, me too, Medicine, Mental Health, no paywalls, outreach, personal truth, perspective, PT Physical Therapy, resources, self help, self improvement, struggle, survivor, therapy, trigger warning, Zebra -
Zebra Files 31) Physical Therapy
The author shares their experiences with physical therapy, highlighting the challenges and discomfort encountered while addressing hip, back, and shoulder issues. Despite initial soreness and excitement about progress, they face setbacks including increased shoulder pain and joint issues. The journey emphasizes the complexity of rehabilitation and the importance of careful exercise management. Continue reading
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Health and Healing, Protyus Quest for Care, Rare Diagnoses, Social Issues, Uncategorized, Wealthcareadvice, anthropology, appointments, autoethnography, back, balance, communication, community, content warning, EDS, ehlers danlos, exercise, exercises, family, Free, frustrationi, global joint laxity, health, healthcare, help, hip, hips, hurt, Hypermobility, injury, joints, journal, laxity, life, lifestyle, me too, Mental Health, motion, muscle strength, muscles, no paywalls, outreach, overdoing it, pain, personal truth, perspective, physical therapy, psychology, pt, pushup, pushup plus, range of motion, resources, self help, self improvement, sessions, shoulder, shoulder pop, shoulder sprain, shoulder strain, small muscles, sociology, strain, strength, strength-training, struggle, surprise, survivor, therapy, trigger warning, Wealthcare, xray, Zebra -
Zebra Files 30) Failing At Everything, Everywhere, All At Once
The author shares a challenging life update, highlighting difficulties in managing health amidst a supportive family and job. Despite attempts to follow a strict diet and start physical therapy, pain persists, complicating daily life and work. Financial strains from insurance issues and personal struggles exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm. Continue reading
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Health and Healing, Protyus Quest for Care, Rare Diagnoses, Social Issues, Uncategorized, Wealthcareadvice, boddy, capitalism, communication, community, conspiracy, content warning, diet, dietary needs, EDS, failing, failiure, family, Free, health, help, insurance, insurance companies, journal, life, me too, Medicine, no paywalls, outreach, overextended, overtaxed, overwhelmed, personal truth, perspective, planning, resources, self help, self improvement, special diet, struggle, support, survivor, therapy, trigger warning, Zebra -
Heartbreak and Hoofbeats
Heartbreak and Hoofbeats by Protyus A. Gendher Heartbreak and HoofbeatsProfessionals are trained to unsee me Even when they’re looking for things unseen They can’t or won’t or don’t look deep Even when I spread it all out before their eyes Tying pieces together like an episode of CSI Flimsy red string connecting the bits of the puzzle But they listen like… Continue reading
advice, ally, anthropology, art, autoethnography, bi, closet, communication, community, content warning, dazzle, EDS, ehlers danlos, family, feminism, Free, gay, genderr, health, help, hypermobile, journal, lesbian, lgbt, lgbtq, life, me too, Mental Health, no paywalls, outreach, personal truth, perspective, Poetry, pride, psychology, resources, self help, self improvement, silence, sociology, struggle, survivor, therapy, trans, trigger warning, writing, Zebra -
Zebra Files 24) Settling In
On day two of a lifestyle change, the writer confronts strong cravings and the challenge of balancing allowable, appealing, and easy-to-prepare foods. While struggling with discomfort, they acknowledge that improvement feels minimal, focusing instead on reducing misery. Acceptance of this ongoing journey becomes crucial for long-term success. Continue reading
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, food addiction, Health and Healing, Protyus Quest for Care, Rare Diagnoses, Social Issues, Uncategorized, Wealthcareadvice, back-pain, changes, chronic illness, chronic pain, communication, community, content warning, diet, disability, EDS, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, failure, family, Free, health, help, journal, life, lifestyle, lower back pain, me too, misery, no paywalls, outreach, pain, personal truth, perspective, resources, self, self help, self improvement, settling in, struggle, success, survivor, therapy, trigger warning, Zebra
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