Introduction
Today we discuss 23 Signs You Grew Up With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. It is impossible to be a true survivor of this disorder and not acknowledge the inherent laughter and joy that can be found in the life of an EDS patient. This as we have seen is a disease that interferes with the body’s production of collagen and this triggers several symptoms.
It is therefore important for people who may have EDS to understand the signals and interactions that are connected to the disease. Below, I have listed down 23 signs to prove that you grew up with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome by focusing on the ideas of self-realization.
1. Joint Hypermobility
Some of the signs that are easily observed in a patient that suffers from EDS are joint hypermobility. Perhaps you were the kind of child who could twist their fingers and twist their limbs to poses that no normal person would contemplate.
2. Frequent Sprains and Strains
And if you often injured yourself with what seem like minor twists, turns, and pulls, then it is possible that you are suffering from EDS. Such injuries were considered to take longer than they should to heal.
3. Chronic Pain
Suffering from joint and muscular pain is rather frequent in people with EDS and the pain is often chronic. This pain may significantly impair the health and functioning during each day life.
4. Skin Elasticity
You may have realized that as compared to others, your skin tone is less tight than others. You may try to pinch that skin and quickly it will retract that a sign of EDS that is generalised.
5. Easy Bruising
This is so because, if you frequently found yourself waking up with bruises with no apparent cause, then that could be an indication that you were suffering from EDS. Your connective tissue is quite delicate and therefore your skin may easily allow for the bruising process to occur.
6. Fatigue
Many individuals with EDS experience chronic fatigue. This exhaustion may draw a lot of strength and may not right itself even after a good night’s rest thus reducing your activity levels.
7. Gastrointestinal Issues
EDS, in most cases, is associated with other symptoms such as IBS, acid reflux, or bloating, from the gut. Such symptoms are cosmopolitan and may upset your meal plan.
8. Delayed Wound Healing
One will discover that if they were involved in an accident that required them to be sutured or those small rough injuries which require time to heal, perhaps it took a longer period to heal than it is supposed to, this could be a sign of EDS. Your body does not have that capability to produce collagen in large quantities to enable the speedy healing of the skin.
9. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Most EDS sufferers also get POTS, a disorder which affects blood circulation and results in dizziness and fainting episodes upon standing. Probably, if you ever felt dizzy when getting up from a sitting position, it was associated with this condition.
10. Allergies and Sensitivities
During ones developmental periods one may have realized that he/she is sensitive to some types of foods; some conditions in the environment or some medications. This is seen in patients with EDS due to the problems that are associated with connective tissues.
11. Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness is a chronic complaint for patients of EDS and this weakness tends to increase after they engage in mild exercises. This weakness can be annoying and can also reduce the participation in conducing physical activities such as sports among others.
12. Frequent Headaches
If one had to experience frequent headaches or migraines, this could also point towards EDS. Such headaches are usually due to muscle contraction or vascular causes linked to the syndrome.
13. Scoliosis or Other Skeletal Issues
It is a commonly known fact that most individuals living with EDS are likely to develop either scoliosis or other skeletal disorders. It is a form of connective tissue disorder which can be related to a history of several spinal problems.
14. Joint Dislocations
Knowing this type of dislocation, even of the joint from such activities and typical movements is most likely familiar. These dislocations can be very painful and therefore may call for some medical attention.
15. Difficulty with Coordination
There are few reasons that could indicate joint hypermobility and muscle weakness which may lead too poor coordination and balance. This may prove difficult when engaging in some physical exercise or other physically demanding activities.
16. Emotional Sensitivity
It is crucial to note that growing up with EDS entails encountering numerous emotional complications. The second set of questions was worrisome if you felt more sensitive or cried more in the past week than others: As you might have inferred, this question may have something to do with chronic pain and fatigue that the individuals endured.
17. Family History of EDS
Having next of kin who have similar symptoms or who has been diagnosed with EDS might be an indication of genetic based syndromes. With reference to the prompt, one is likely to learn a lot about his own experience if he tries to get to know the family history.
18. Difficulty Finding Proper Footwear
Whereas the fact that the shoes may have lacked proper support could have been an issue. Most of those with EDS need to wear custom shoes or shoes that are recommended to help them meet their needs.
19. Physical Therapy as a Common Activity
Perhaps, if you were a child who required physical therapy, it was to help with development and the strengthening solitary joints.
20. Sensitivity to Temperature Changes
This must have made you to notice that you used to get more sensitive to temperatures as compared to other kids of your age. This may cause a sensitivity that may interfere with your day to day comfort and health.
21. Increased Risk of Surgery
In the event a person grows up with EDS, he or she is likely to undergo surgeries as a consequence of joint issues or other complications. If one had more than one surgeries, it must be EDSrelated.
22. Chronic Tendonitis
If one often experienced tendonitis for instance in the elbow or knee then one stands high chances of being a victim of EDS. Arthrokinematicy instability and increased joint mobility are much more likely to cause chronic tendonitis.
23. Need for Specialized Care
Last, if you ever sought a specialistic health care, like visiting a geneticist or a rheumatologist, this could have been one of the most important aspects of being raised with EDS.
Conclusion
Learning what it means to live with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can be a rather difficult and challenging road during childhood and adolescence. It is only crucial to understand these 23 signs you grew up with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome to highly appreciate what you go through in life.
In this way, each story educates people about EDS and provides the suffering individuals with the company and understanding that they need.
If you find any of these symptoms in yourself, or a loved one, it is advisable to consult a doctor, who would guide the individual with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) on how to proceed.
