Susan.S

SUSAN S. is a scientist, stricken down in 2004 from the effects of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Complications from this disease have affected many of her systems, including the central nervous system. Because connective tissues between her head and neck have dissolved, Susan S. suffers from functional cranial settling with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and a whole mess of transient symptoms including loss of vision, speech, hearing, and temperature regulation under some conditions, such as riding in a car.

“… a research psychologist since the early 1980′s, most of my work has been in the area of physiology with an emphasis on statistical methodology. My publications primarily focused on physiological responses to different types of stress, but my dream was to research the specific effects of trauma on mental and physical health…. I was in the process of writing up my dream paper when I was stricken down.”

Susan's healthy passion, recumbent tricycling, is now very limited due to the effects of this disease and its complications. Much of Susan's days are spent in bed or in a wheelchair while being maintained in a lying down position. She chooses, however, to remain very active through the adavantages of computerized telecommunications.

A very dramatic and risky neurosugical procedure is being proposed for Susan S. which has the potential to dramatically improve tne quality of her life. Before undergoing this 6-8 hour surgery, a weight loss of 80 lbs. is required. Susan S. has opted to accomplish this through diary instead of revision bariatric surgery. This decision is against medical advise, which is to seek a surgical intervention to reduce the weight six months prior to the neurosurgery.

Susan S.'s goal is to lose 80 lbs. in eight months.

Susan's goal is to lose 80 lbs. in eight months.