At a Glance
- A 40-year-old Marine veteran was finally diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Chiari malformation after 20 years of dismissed pain.
- The disorders have caused frequent joint dislocations, vision loss, and a risk of paralysis.
- A GoFundMe campaign seeks $70,000 for a life-saving surgery.
- Why it matters: It highlights how chronic conditions can be overlooked and the urgent need for proper medical evaluation.
Ciera Buzzell, a 40-year-old mother from Warrenton, Virginia, spent two decades battling migraines and joint dislocations that were repeatedly dismissed by doctors as stress or PTSD. Only in August 2022 did she receive a diagnosis that could explain her escalating symptoms.
A Career Interrupted by Pain
Buzzell joined the Marine Corps in 2004, where she first noticed her hip popping out of place during Boot Camp. She recalled, “I remember doing a flex arm hang and my shoulder dislocated but it went right back in so I didn’t know what that was at the time.” She later described a run where her hip slipped back into place, followed by frequent dislocations of her sacroiliac joint.
After serving eight months in Iraq and Kuwait, Buzzell was honorably discharged in 2009. She sought relief through a chiropractor, but the treatment only worsened her pain. She said, “It was this constant battle of trying to get better.”
The symptoms spread to every joint, causing her to lose vision regularly, wear a neck brace for stability, and use a jaw device to eat. She quit her job as an ICU dietician because the migraines made her bed-bound and unable to function.
Misdiagnosis and Mental Health
For years, doctors attributed Buzzell’s pain to stress, depression, and PTSD. She recounted, “Every single time the doctor would say, ‘Are you depressed right now? Is your depression flaring up?’ They blamed it all on my mental status.” The repeated dismissal left her feeling hopeless, even contemplating that she might be “crazy enough to make my body do these things.”
Her eye issues worsened to the point of fainting, forcing her to stop working. The cumulative effect of pain, vision loss, and fainting episodes made her life untenable.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
In August 2022, Buzzell was finally diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a group of inherited connective-tissue disorders. According to medical sources, EDS causes chronic pain, overly flexible joints, and fragile skin. Buzzell’s EDS also revealed a Chiari malformation-a rare condition where the skull compresses the brain stem into the spinal cord.
She remarked, “It’s ironic that doctors dismissed me as being ‘all in my head’ but, ironical, it is all in my head.” The diagnosis explained the joint dislocations, vision problems, and looming risk of paralysis.
Facing Paralysis and the Need for Surgery
Buzzell now faces the constant threat of paralysis. She is preparing for major surgery that would permanently stabilize her skull to her spine, aiming to prevent total loss of movement. The procedure is estimated at $70,000.
She explained, “As a mom with young kids it would be heartbreaking to completely lose my ability to move. It’s just going to get worse and worse.” She added, “I have kids that I have to raise. If there’s something out there that would alleviate even 10 percent of these symptoms then I will take it.”
GoFundMe Campaign
Buzzell’s family launched a GoFundMe page to cover the surgery’s cost. The campaign highlights how medical misdiagnosis can lead to life-changing financial burdens and underscores the importance of seeking second opinions.
Key Takeaways
- Persistent symptoms can signal serious conditions that may be overlooked if only mental health is considered.
- EDS and Chiari malformation can cause joint dislocations, vision loss, and risk of paralysis.
- Early and accurate diagnosis can prevent prolonged suffering and costly emergency interventions.
- Support networks and fundraising can play a critical role in accessing life-saving treatments.
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