Tamara BowmanI am a nurse practitioner who has spent the majority of my career caring for patients and families facing pain. I am also the mother of three daughters.
In 2007, my middle child, Julianna was diagnosed with EDS. Prior to this time; she was a healthy, active teenager.
After developing a severe headache that failed to respond to treatment. It was eventually determined she had a spontaneous leaking of cerebrospinal fluid. After multiple failed attempts to repair the leak, she had surgical repair several months after her symptoms first began.
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Prior to surgery, there were suspicions and testing to determine if she had EDS. However, after surgery, there was no doubt she had a connective tissue disease when the surgeons viewed her tissue.
As a healthcare provider, I spent years educating patients, families and other health care professionals about pain management and how to advocate for themselves. As the mother of an ill child, I have gained a new perspective on the battles, barriers and challenges in the health care system. EDS has changed our lives forever. With EDS Network CARES, I hope to help others facing this illness.
Volunteer Activities
American Pain Foundation- Power Over Pain Action Network State Leader 2007- present
South Carolina Pain Initiative- Professional Education Committee Chair 2006- present
Pain Resource Nurse Training across North and South Carolina
Professional Certification
Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Pain Resource Nurse
