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Kristyn has CVS
Hey, I’m Kristyn! I’ve had CVS for awhile now. The road to getting my diagnosis has been such a rollercoaster. Learning about how the brain and gut are connected really helped me understand CVS better. Even though I still find it hard to live with, I know doctors are learning more about it, so I try to stay positive and not let it stop me from achieving my goals, like doing my competitive powerlifting!
I’ve learned so much about CVS over the years, and the effect it can have on your life is very real. I hope my story encourages you, teaches you something, and opens up conversations with your doctor. Don’t let CVS stop you from living your life!
Watch my video to hear a bit more about me!
And feel free to share 👇
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Meet the Xperts involved in CVS Xplained
There were a lot of medical experts that helped create the CVS Xplained story and made sure the medical information is spot on. We’ve got a pretty great panel. Take a look.
PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Takeda
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502/NYSE: TAK) is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan, committed to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments, guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Genetic and Hematology, Neuroscience, and Gastroenterology (GI). We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. We are focusing on developing highly innovative medicines that contribute to making a difference in people’s lives by advancing the frontier of new treatment options and leveraging our enhanced collaborative R&D engine and capabilities to create a robust, modality-diverse pipeline. Our employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients and to working with our partners in healthcare in approximately 80 countries.
takeda.comCVSA USA
With 25 years of advocating for CVS, Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association’s (CVSA) mission has been to spread awareness, provide patient education and support, and to advocate for and fund research that’s being done on the topic of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. Boasting over 40 medical advisors and volunteers in the USA and Canada, and over 30 sister foundations internationally! The ultimate goal the CVSA hopes to one day achieve is to find a cure for CVS!
cvsaonline.orgCVSA UK
The CVSA UK is an all-volunteer charity whose goal is to ease the suffering that people with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome experience. They aim to do this by being a source of advice, education, and counseling for those with the syndrome and their families and caregivers.
Their other goal is to spread the word about medical research happening in the CVS world with the hope of developing better ways to prevent and treat CVS - or possibly even cure it.
cvsa.org.ukInternational Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD)
The IFFGD is a nonprofit education and research organization, whose mission is to inform, assist, and support people affected by gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Their work involves many people including patients, families, physicians, nurses, practitioners, investigators, regulators, and employers in order to broaden understanding about GI disorders, support or encourage research, and improve digestive health in adults and children.
iffgd.orgMedicine X Story
Working as a medical doctor I realized that far too many people are confused about their diagnoses, their conditions, and their treatments. The language that doctors use, and what every day people understand, can be two totally different things.
We believe everyone should feel informed and empowered, so they can engage with their doctors and be involved in making medical decisions. That’s why Medicine X isn’t just another boring and complicated fact sheet – we explain medical issues through stories based on real people. It’s relatable, simple and gives you the information you need.
We hope this helps you in your journey!

Dr. Kim Chilman-Blair
Founder, Medicine X
About CVS Xplained
Real People
The CVS Xplained story is based on real people — Kristyn and Jacen! It reflects their stories, experiences and advice to others based on how Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome played a role in their lives. There have also been lots of people who contributed along the way with their stories and advice. Thanks to everyone who helped create CVS Xplained!
Our Team
The Medicine X team are doctors, artists and creative writers who all work to make sure of one thing — the information is easy to understand. No more medical jargon! Everything is correct and up-to-date!
Experts
Each of our stories has a line up of rockstar-like experts behind it to make sure the story is spot on in terms of medical information. We’ve got a pretty great panel in the field of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome! Take a look.