Woman’s Pain Started in Childhood—27 Years Later, She Finally Learned Truth
Leah Mattson has been living with pain since she was a child but she didn't know why.
A woman from Hereford, Leah Mattson, has recounted her 27-year journey of undiagnosed health issues, finally learning the truth at the age of 28. Despite experiencing constant bodily discomfort from a young age, such as bowel problems, hemorrhoids, and excruciating menstrual pain, she was dismissed by doctors and given over-the-counter painkillers.
Mattson, now utilizing her own research, received a diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) after tirelessly advocating for herself, presenting a checklist of criteria for the doctors. She emphasizes the importance of health awareness, advocating for early intervention through physiotherapy and avoiding high-impact sports to support younger individuals facing similar challenges.
EDS, a condition caused by genetic mutations affecting connective tissue, has 13 recognized types, with hypermobile EDS being the most prevalent. While there is no cure for EDS, early diagnosis allows for management of comorbid conditions, often associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Mattson's activism extends beyond her personal journey, as she recently protested in London to highlight the struggles of young people awaiting diagnoses from the National Health Service.
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