Award-winning filmmaker and journalist Karina Sturm joins the show to talk about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder she lives with. She opens up about the medical gaslighting she experienced during her long path to diagnosis and how she transitioned from laboratory technician to chronically ill patient to journalist and filmmaker. Karina then talks about her feature-length film, We Are Visible, the challenges she faced while making it, and the false ‘fabricated or induced illness’ (FII) allegations many of her interview subjects experienced.'
We Are Visible' highlights the challenges people living with invisible illnesses face every day, specifically in the context of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. The film features seven stories including people of all ages (5 - 60 years old), from six different countries with diverse backgrounds, different financial standing who are all differently affected by this invisible condition. They will share their challenges, fights, and fears, but also their achievements, hopes, and triumphs.
A full transcript with photos is available in the show notes
Karina Sturm
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Discomfort Zone Podcast
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Produced by: Jason Herterich
Audio Engineering by: Justin Maradin
Editing help provided by: Melanie McPhail
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