Ella Eastin and Dysunderstood

A woman sitting on a bench wearing white nursing shoes, burgundy scrubs and blue socks. A woman sitting on a bench wearing white nursing shoes, burgundy scrubs and blue socks.

Catchin' Up with
Ella Eastin

Former professional swimmer, current Stanford medical student, founder of Dysunderstood, and - for the 3rd year in a row - Nurse Mates Brand Partner!

This year, we met up with Ella to talk about her favorite Nurse Mates items, why she chose to pursue a medical degree, and the story of founding Dysunderstood!

A woman sitting in a chair wearing blue compression socks. A woman sitting in a chair wearing blue compression socks.

Can you walk us through how “Dysunderstood” was born?

Ella is wearing the Dandelion Sky Compression Socks 360 – created in part with Ella Eastin to bring awareness to Dysautonomia!

“Back in 2020 I was a professional swimmer preparing for the Olympic Games. In January I ended up getting sick, and one morning after a practice, got out of bed and fainted when I stood up. It took me 10 months to get a diagnosis… [and] ultimately was diagnosed with dysautonomia and chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as ME/CFS. The physician that diagnosed me told me that it was gonna be a long road but was supportive of me continuing my professional swimming career if that's something that I wanted to do. After fighting for months, I ultimately realized that in order to heal, I was gonna have to retire.

“When I announced my retirement, just a month before the Olympic trials in 2021, I received an outpouring of support from those outside and inside my community. I received dozens of messages from people saying “thank you for sharing your story” and “thank you for sharing your dysautonomia diagnosis.” I didn't realize that there were millions of people in the world struggling with this disease, going untreated and uncured. I didn't know anybody in my life that had been diagnosed with any form of dysautonomia. [So then] it was my goal to be able to connect to people and connect people with dysautonomia to share their stories and share their experiences with one another, to build community and to find support.”

A woman sitting on the floor wearing green scrubs. A woman sitting on the floor wearing green scrubs.

Why did you decide to pursue a medical degree? Why do you want to become a physician?

“In 2020, I got diagnosed with dysautonomia and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) just months before the Olympics I was projected to qualify for. I publicly announced my retirement and opened up about my health circumstances. I was immediately flooded with messages from people thanking me for being so open and bringing awareness to conditions like dysautonomia, ME/CFS and Long COVID. I realized that there were millions of patients like me, needing support, improved medical care, and a voice. With the encouragement of my loved ones, I decided to pursue a medical degree in the hopes of improving the lives of those affected by invisible chronic illness and disability. As a physician I will have the ability to work my mission from multiple angles. I will be a clinician and work with patients directly, conduct research, be involved in policy and advocacy and so much more.”

A woman sitting in a chair wearing orange scrubs while putting on a compression sleeve. A woman sitting in a chair wearing orange scrubs while putting on a compression sleeve.

What are your top three Nurse Mates products?

“It is hard to narrow it down to 3. My new favorite socks are the no show duo! The sock and calf sleeve combo. It is so nice to be able to have a no-show option when I am wearing a professional outfit at a conference or work day. Another one of my favorite products are the Adela slip on shoes. They go with everything, are super comfortable and I can wear them in transition from work to life.

Lastly, I have been loving the "organ party tote". It is the best bag for me to carry my stethoscope, notebook and other necessities, or throw my lunch in. It is a substantial canvas tote, which is sometimes hard to come by, in addition to having a very fun and cute design.

A close up of white compression socks with a lemon pattern printed on the socks. A close up of white compression socks with a lemon pattern printed on the socks.

How often do you wear compression socks and what are the benefits?

I wear my compression socks at least 3 to 5 days out of the week. I spend a lot of time on my feet in medical school, and also spend a lot of time sitting/studying and I think that I feel the most energetic and the most clear headed when I'm wearing my compression socks. And I also notice a big difference in how my legs feel at the end of the day, they feel less heavy. and I feel like I can make it through a longer day when I'm wearing them.

Shop Ella's Picks

Align™
$99.95
25% off Align™
Pale Olive (Green)
Align™
$89.95
30% Off (Almost) Everything!
White
Align™
on sale $39.98 originally $99.95
Final Sale
Work essentials for less!
No Returns
Light Grey (Grey)
$14.95
30% Off (Almost) Everything!
Rainbow Tie Dye (Tie Dye)
$13.95
30% Off (Almost) Everything!
Organ Party (White)
New
$17.95
30% Off (Almost) Everything!
Navy/Denim (Blue)
$38.95
30% Off (Almost) Everything!
White
A woman sitting in a chair wearing black compression socks with hearts. A woman sitting in a chair wearing black compression socks with hearts.

Want to Learn more about Ella and Dysunderstood?