Why the Zebra?
Zebras are unique and amazing animals, so it’s natural to wonder why these amazing animals are representative of EDS and HSD. Eleanor and Jessica explain.
During their training, a phrase that most medical students will hear is ‘when you hear hooves, think horses, not zebras’. In simple terms, this means that doctors learn to expect the most common diagnosis rather than the rare one – a problem for patients who really are zebras, making it difficult to obtain a diagnosis. For instance if there is a more common condition or illness, that is more likely to be diagnosed.
It’s also important to note that no two zebras are alike – no two zebras will have identical stripes, just as no two people with EDS/HSD will have identical experiences. Despite our differences, the Zebra symbol allows us to find community so that we may be stronger as one and this is why we refer to ourselves as a ‘dazzle’ (the name for a herd of zebras). This is the same for people with EDS and HSD. Everybody is unique and different – this means that the symptoms can be different for everyone. For instance some people will experience more pain than others and some people will dislocate more easily than others.
Zebras are amazing, unique, and special just like us.
Actor Ellie Henry talks about her diagnosis here
