I was in a dark place, thankfully I'm still here.

Nothing seems to shift my focus. I am seeing the Dr today where my parents are coming with me as they are very concerned about my health. I've struggled recently as when I've been out for walks, where I've had people make nasty remarks about my appearance. It is getting progressively worse and even when I try to accept it I feel like I'm unable to switch off from it and these encounters make it all the more worse.

Bless You. So glad you have your parents to go with you....2 extra set of ears to listen with you.
I apologize on behalf of the people who made nasty remarks about you. Nobody knows what you are going through unless they are in your shoes.

Praying fervently for you. Keep moving forward. Don't lose hope. Keep us all updated. Lots of caring people on this website.

Thank you, it is just difficult when you no longer recognise yourself and with that you are harshly mocked for something you have no control over. Unfortunately my appointment with the GP wasn't the best. They couldn't understand the symptoms and changes in appearance so left it and gave me some antidepressants and sleeping pills. They did recognise that my liver function was elevated along with folate and vitamin d being deficent so they are doing some further blood work. As hard as it is I just need to wait until I see this geneticist as he'll be much more knowledgeable and thorough.

I'm trying to embrace it rather than allow it to consume me. These photos are only a few months apart where the GP said that it wasn't a concern. I have a limited budget when seeing the geneticist. Other than EDS which I can afford the panel for, does anyone suggest of any other test that may be worthwhile, many thanks. I know I said that spending times on forums is bad but I'm finding it therapeutic expressing my thoughts. I also find the advice of the great people on here much more beneficial than what I've received from my Dr. It was actually the other forums such as reddit which are highly toxic and detrimental to my mental health - so I'm strictly staying on here.

change25, You are very wise. Do you journal? Get you a notebook and journal your thoughts. It helps greatly with depression and anxiety.

You are very wise to stay away from the negativity. Be around positive people at all costs.

Don't give up. I believe there's help for you and I am praying fiercely for you.

Keep us all posted. This is a very encouraging website.

Absolutely, thank you as always for your kind words.

@change25 I am glad you can see we are here to help you. And that staying away from other social media sites can be detrimental [like reddit as you posted].

Here is a discussion about journaling that is here on Mayo Clinic Connect. You don't need much. a pen and paper. Just write. don't worry about grammar, or spelling, or mixing up topics. I think most of us who have tried this will tell you it helped. There are no rules.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/journaling-the-write-stuff-for-you/
Ginger

Thanks for that, I'll give it a go tonight.

@change25 I hope you had the opportunity to sit for a while last night and write out some thoughts. For me, sometimes just getting the first words or pictures out is the big challenge! There is not a particular place to start, just start.

I will be interested to hear how you are doing today,
Ginger