Samantha Reicks, ARNP, DNP

For 3-4 years, I’ve been in and out of doctors’ offices for random ailments that usually end in “we’re not sure what it is. Wait it out”. This time I’d come in for a rash. During her eval, she was very clear and explanatory with what she was doing, why, and what it meant, which made me feel a lot better. Not only that, but she noticed my symptoms I’d just been told to “wait out,” like persistent joint and back pain, some sensitivity, constantly getting super sick for a long time, exhaustion, and frequent bruising. She explained the issue with the rash but asked some follow-up questions about hypermobility, family history, and a couple of other things. Because she was the first professional to look beyond the presenting symptoms I came in for, she guided me to look into EDS. I finally had an answer to my years of problems, but I also finally felt heard rather than dismissed.