Christie Cox’s life changed forever the day she fell asleep behind the wheel and rear-ended the car in front of her. This was the last of many times she found herself swerving due to unexplained drowsiness. After a lifetime of seeking answers as to why she seemed so accident-prone and being dismissed by one doctor after another, she finally had the answer to all her questions. The severe neck injury she sustained due to her car accident led to a battery of tests that gave a name to her condition. Cox now knew–she had hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS).

Holding it All Together When You’re Hypermobile, by Christie Cox, is the author’s own story of her battle to find a diagnosis that accurately explained the chronic symptoms she experienced throughout her life. In this open, caring, and motivating piece, Cox gives hope to others who suffer from chronic disorders and are fighting what seems to be a losing battle when it comes to finding a physician they can trust, finally receiving an accurate diagnosis, and managing their own healing habits.

Cox provides readers with an intimate look at her own experience and explains in great detail what makes EDS so incredibly debilitating. It’s this type of openness and willingness to share personal stories that helps others suffering with the same condition know they are not alone. In addition, patients and family members of those with EDS can find, not only solace, but information about EDS. Cox goes out of her way to provide hope and reassurance to readers, and this is a welcome tone in a book that contains facts that could easily become overwhelming.

The list of calming and healing techniques Cox offers is extensive. This is one of my favorite parts of her writing. She goes out of her way to offer readers dozens of strategies for coping on their most challenging days. Meditation is an important part of the advice Cox provides. She helps readers both recognize when they need to try meditation and instructs them on the most effective techniques for their situation. Everything about her writing exhibits care and concern for her readers and fellow patients.

It is difficult to share deeply personal stories, especially those that deal with debilitating diseases and the struggles with medical diagnoses. Cox manages to do so with grace while broadening readers’ knowledge and giving them the hope they so desperately seek. I recommend Cox’s book to anyone who has been diagnosed with EDS or POTS or believes they may suffer from them. I also believe Cox’s story can provide immense comfort to family members and caregivers of anyone with a chronic illness. 

Pages: 374 | ASIN: B0B7QGX5BD

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/09/22/holding-it-all-together-when-youre-hypermobile/