Georgie Ferris: New Zealand: A sad story of the death of a brave young woman suffering from EDS (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) misdiagnosed as Munchausen Syndrome; Author Somasetty's Suresh's moving post on 'Express Healthcare Management' is headed, "Fighting Misdiagnosis and Raising Awareness: The Inspiring Journey of Georgie Ferris"…"In 2018, Georgie shed light on her battle with EDS, recounting how she went from 53kg to a mere 33kg within twelve months due to extreme difficulties consuming solid nutrition. Unfortunately, medical professionals initially dismissed her symptoms, attributing them to factitious behaviors or Munchausen by proxy. Factitious disorder, previously known as Munchausen syndrome, is a mental illness in which individuals fabricate symptoms and willingly subject themselves to painful tests for attention and sympathy. Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a form of child abuse, involves a caregiver, often a mother, either feigning or causing real symptoms in a child to appear sick. Georgie struggled to receive the necessary medical treatment before being diagnosed with EDS. Her journey was further complicated by a psychiatrist’s suggestion that her illnesses were fabricated, resulting in a lack of care and understanding from hospital staff."

PASSAGE OF THE DAY: "Georgie’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by those with EDS and the often frustrating journey to proper diagnosis and treatment. Her experience is not an isolated incident. Stephanie Aston and Norma Hockenhull, both diagnosed with EDS, have also experienced dismissive attitudes from medical professionals, highlighting the urgent need for greater understanding and awareness of this condition. Georgie Ferris, along with countless others, leaves behind a legacy of bravery and resilience. Her story calls on us to advocate for change, ensuring that individuals with EDS receive the care and empathy they deserve."

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POST: "Fighting Misdiagnosis and Raising Awareness: The Inspiring Journey of Georgie Ferris," by Somasetty Suresh, published by Express Healthcare Management, on November 28, 2023.

GST: "Georgie Ferris, a brave young woman from Nelson, New Zealand, left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered during her battle with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). 

On Monday, the Ferris family sadly announced the passing of their “treasured daughter” on Instagram. 

Georgie’s story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, courage, and unwavering kindness in the face of adversity.

EDS, a genetic connective tissue disorder, plagued Georgie’s daily life. Gastrointestinal problems, a common symptom of the syndrome, added to her hardships. 

Despite the challenges she faced, Georgie continued to inspire those around her with her grace and strength.

Her family expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they received from their community. A fitting tribute will be held in the form of a “funeral after-party” at the Shone & Shirley Funeral Directors on December 3rd at 11am.

 It is a testament to Georgie’s vibrant spirit that her loved ones choose to celebrate her life in this unique way.

In 2018, Georgie shed light on her battle with EDS, recounting how she went from 53kg to a mere 33kg within twelve months due to extreme difficulties consuming solid nutrition. 

Unfortunately, medical professionals initially dismissed her symptoms, attributing them to factitious behaviors or Munchausen by proxy.

Factitious disorder, previously known as Munchausen syndrome, is a mental illness in which individuals fabricate symptoms and willingly subject themselves to painful tests for attention and sympathy. 

Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a form of child abuse, involves a caregiver, often a mother, either feigning or causing real symptoms in a child to appear sick.

Georgie struggled to receive the necessary medical treatment before being diagnosed with EDS. 

Her journey was further complicated by a psychiatrist’s suggestion that her illnesses were fabricated, resulting in a lack of care and understanding from hospital staff.

In 2016, Georgie filed a complaint with the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC), pleading for respectful treatment and the removal of any references to Munchausen syndrome and eating disorders from her medical records.

Georgie’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by those with EDS and the often frustrating journey to proper diagnosis and treatment.

Her experience is not an isolated incident.

 Stephanie Aston and Norma Hockenhull, both diagnosed with EDS, have also experienced dismissive attitudes from medical professionals, highlighting the urgent need for greater understanding and awareness of this condition.

Georgie Ferris, along with countless others, leaves behind a legacy of bravery and resilience. Her story calls on us to advocate for change, ensuring that individuals with EDS receive the care and empathy they deserve."

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FAQs

What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a genetic connective tissue disorder that can cause various symptoms, including joint hypermobility, skin fragility, and gastrointestinal problems. It is a chronic condition that affects the body’s collagen production.

What is Munchausen syndrome by proxy?

Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a form of child abuse where a caregiver, typically a mother, fabricates or induces symptoms in a child to make them appear sick. It is a severe mental illness with serious consequences for the child involved.

Why is it important to raise awareness of EDS and related conditions?

Raising awareness of EDS and related conditions is crucial to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment for affected individuals. Misdiagnosis and dismissal of symptoms can exacerbate patients’ suffering and lead to severe physical and emotional consequences. Education and understanding within the medical community can help improve the lives of those living with EDS.

The entire post can be read at
https://www.expresshealthcaremgmt.com/news2/rare-soul-who-inspired-everyone-sufferer-of-rare-condition-dies/378630/#gsc.tab=0

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FROM RELATED NEW ZEALAND HERALD STORY:  (Link Below): "In 2018, Ferris spoke to the Herald about her condition and said in the space of 12 months she went from 53kg to 33kg due to not being able to consume solid nutrition. During an admission to the National Intestinal Failure Service at Auckland Hospital in 2015, prior to being diagnosed with EDS, a doctor said there was reason to be suspicious of factitious behaviours or Munchausen by proxy. Previously known as Munchausen syndrome, factitious disorder is a mental illness where a person creates symptoms and is willing to undergo painful or risky tests to get sympathy and special attention. Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a mental illness and form of child abuse where the caregiver of a child, most often a mother, either makes up fake symptoms or causes real symptoms to make it look like the child is sick. After an assessment conducted by the doctor and a psychiatry registrar, Ferris said she struggled to get medical treatment for increasing complications stemming from visceral hyperalgesia - sensitivity to pain in the internal organs. The alleged lack of care forms part of a complaint she made to the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) in September 2016. In the complaint, she asked that hospital staff treat her with the care and respect she deserved and that all references to Munchausen syndrome and eating disorders be deleted from her file. “It takes away all my care options and it’s incredibly embarrassing because it’s actually not true,” Ferris said. “It’s hard enough going to hospital as it is and when you’re there you are wanting help and you are turned away because of this label, and I just don’t think that’s fair at all.” In September, Auckland woman Stephanie Aston, 33, died at her home. Aston fought a public battle against EDS after being told she was faking her symptoms by doctors. Despite her diagnosis, she was later told she was wasting medical professionals’ time and was told she was faking her illness because she would not dislocate her shoulder on command. Norma Hockenhull, who was diagnosed with EDS in 2017, has also spoken about her own battles. Having trouble digesting liquids and solids, Hockenhull’s weight dropped critically low earlier this year, at almost 178cm tall, she only weighed 46kg “I was told by my specialist that I was critical and needed intervention else I would be at risk of death.” Despite this, Hockenhull was referred to a health psychologist who implied her issues were due to an eating disorder. But one surgeon fought for Hockenhull and placed a stent in her stomach to help her digest food, which led to the discovery that she also had pyloric stenosis which was impacting her food digestion."

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/ehlers-danlos-syndrome-sufferer-georgie-ferris-dies-family-remember-treasured-daughter/5ROVBIEUVNB3NITEUORLPFZWUI/

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PUBLISHER'S NOTE: I am monitoring this case/issue/resource. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog for reports on developments. The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at: http://www.thestar.com/topic/charlessmith. Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at: http://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2011/05/charles-smith-blog-award-nominations.html Please send any comments or information on other cases and issues of interest to the readers of this blog to: hlevy15@gmail.com. Harold Levy: Publisher: The Charles Smith Blog;

SEE BREAKDOWN OF SOME OF THE ON-GOING INTERNATIONAL CASES (OUTSIDE OF THE CONTINENTAL USA) THAT I AM FOLLOWING ON THIS BLOG, AT THE LINK BELOW: HL

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/120008354894645705/47049136857587929

FINAL WORD: (Applicable to all of our wrongful conviction cases): "Whenever there is a wrongful conviction, it exposes errors in our criminal legal system, and we hope that this case — and lessons from it — can prevent future injustices.

Lawyer Radha Natarajan;

Executive Director: New England Innocence Project;

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FINAL, FINAL WORD: "Since its inception, the Innocence Project has pushed the criminal legal system to confront and correct the laws and policies that cause and contribute to wrongful convictions. They never shied away from the hard cases — the ones involving eyewitness identifications, confessions, and bite marks. Instead, in the course of presenting scientific evidence of innocence, they've exposed the unreliability of evidence that was, for centuries, deemed untouchable." So true!

Christina Swarns: Executive Director: The Innocence Project;

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YET ANOTHER FINAL WORD:

David Hammond, one of Broadwater’s attorneys who sought his exoneration, told the Syracuse Post-Standard, “Sprinkle some junk science onto a faulty identification, and it’s the perfect recipe for a wrongful conviction.

https://deadline.com/2021/11/alice-sebold-lucky-rape-conviction-overturned-anthony-broadwater-123488014\