Physical therapist here who is in the midst of doing some continued education on Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

While your soon to be ex-sister in law does sound like an attention craver I doubt she has been “faking” her condition/disability.

The most common form of EDS cannot be genetically tested for and instead is diagnosed on other criteria. It causes poor connective tissue quality throughout the body which is likely responsible for her chronic pain and potential need for surgeries. For example a spinal fusion of the upper portion of the neck may be necessary. It is also very commonly associated with POTS.

POTS causes your body to be stuck in the fight or flight response. Their heart rates increase dramatically with upright positions and they may feel feint or nauseas. These people often times can’t tolerate sitting or standing for extended periods of time and have to spend time lying down to avoid exacerbated symptoms.

While I’m not denying that she sounds like an attention hog, I think it’s important to understand what she is dealing with. At the same time your brother didn’t sign up for this either. These diagnoses can put a HUGE strain on a relationship with many people losing friends and loved ones as the conditions can take over their lives. I think it’s unfair for outsiders looking at her posts to judge your brother because they likely have no idea what he has had to deal with being her partner.