The Unrelenting Zebra
Jenise Finlay is resilient, determined and unwavering in the face of adversity. Through necessity, she has learned to adapt and advocate for herself in a world that often overlooks the needs of people with disabilities.
Though she may appear outwardly able-bodied, Finlay lives with the daily challenges of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that affects collagen production, leading to joint hypermobility, fragile skin and chronic pain. For her, this means persistent discomfort, frequent joint dislocations and the constant need to carefully manage her health.
Despite these obstacles, Finlay refuses to be defined by her condition. She continues to push boundaries, challenge perceptions of disability and prove that people with disabilities can lead full, ambitious lives when given the opportunity and support they deserve. Her journey is one of perseverance, navigating a healthcare system that often dismisses chronic pain while advocating for greater awareness and accessibility.
Beyond managing her own condition, Finlay is a passionate advocate for others with disabilities. She works to dismantle stigma, educate those unfamiliar with Ehlers-Danlos and push for systemic change to ensure equitable healthcare and accommodations.
Her resilience is a testament to the strength found in adversity. As she continues to break barriers, Finlay exemplifies what it means to not just survive with a disability—but to thrive, unapologetically and unrelentingly.
The Unrelenting Zebra
Women’s Chronic Pain Dismissed in Healthcare, Leaving Many Without Proper Treatment
"Women’s chronic pain is dismissed in the healthcare system," says Jenise Finlay, an advanced practice nurse. "Not only is it overlooked by medical professionals, but women themselves learn to dismiss their own pain after years of engaging with a system that fails to address the complexity of chronic pain disorders."
For many women, advocating for themselves within the healthcare system is an uphill battle. Misconceptions about chronic pain, particularly in female patients, result in inadequate care, delayed diagnoses, and a lack of effective treatment options. Without access to private healthcare or specialists, many are left struggling with debilitating conditions without a clear path forward.
Without proper treatment, chronic pain can drastically reduce quality of life. Many women find themselves caught in a cycle—knowing intuitively that something is wrong, yet unable to secure a diagnosis. This uncertainty leads to self-doubt, social isolation, and diminished self-worth, creating barriers that prevent full participation in daily life.
"You face stigma not just from the healthcare system but also from your friends and family," Finlay explains. "It’s even harder for those without a strong support system."
A 2022 study, “It’s All in Your Head”: A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Research About Disenfranchising Talk Experienced by Female Patients with Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions, draws parallels between the treatment of chronic pain patients today and the early experiences of individuals with HIV/AIDS. The research highlights how medical professionals have historically lacked both the knowledge and the unbiased attitudes necessary to provide comprehensive care for complex conditions.
Despite the significant impact of chronic pain on daily functioning, there are no government subsidies or structured support systems in place for affected women. The lack of recognition and resources exacerbates the issue, leaving many trapped in a relentless cycle of pain, inadequate care, and growing hopelessness.
Until systemic change occurs, countless women will continue to suffer in silence, battling an invisible condition in a healthcare system that too often refuses to see them.