Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders that affect the skin, joints, and blood vessels. It is characterized by joint hypermobility, skin fragility, and tissue fragility. Growing up with EDS can be difficult, as the symptoms can often be overlooked or misdiagnosed. Here are 23 signs that you may have grown up with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Recognizing the Signs of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
EDS is a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissues in the body. It is characterized by joint hypermobility, skin fragility, and tissue fragility. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and they can affect different parts of the body. Symptoms can include joint pain, skin bruising, muscle weakness, and fatigue.
23 Indicators of Growing Up with EDS
- Joint pain and instability: Joints may feel unstable or painful, and they may be prone to frequent dislocations.
- Stretchy skin: Skin may have an unusually soft and stretchy texture, and it may be more prone to bruising.
- Poor wound healing: Wounds may take longer to heal and may be easily re-injured.
- Fatigue: Constant fatigue and exhaustion may be experienced.
- Digestive issues: Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, bloating, and reflux may be experienced.
- Chronic pain: Pain may be experienced in muscles and joints, and can be chronic and widespread.
- Muscle weakness: Muscles may be weak and easily fatigued.
- Poor coordination: Balance and coordination may be affected, leading to clumsiness.
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): POTS is a condition in which the heart rate increases when standing up, leading to lightheadedness and fatigue.
- Low blood pressure: Blood pressure may be low, leading to dizziness and fainting.
- Hypermobility: Joints may be unusually flexible, leading to frequent dislocations.
- Dental issues: Teeth may be fragile and prone to erosion and cavities.
- Skin issues: Skin may be fragile and prone to bruising and tearing.
- Anxiety and depression: Anxiety and depression may be experienced as a result of chronic pain and fatigue.
- Poor vision: Vision may be affected, leading to blurred vision, double vision, and sensitivity to light.
- TMJ dysfunction:
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of 13 connective tissue disorders caused by genetic mutations in the encoding of the protein collagen, making it weaker and more fragile. People with EDS have a wider range of issues than most, ranging from cardiovascular issues, to chronic pain, to impaired mobility. If you suspect you have EDS, here are a few key signs to look out for.
1. You’re often told you’re too flexible. People with EDS tend to have hyper-flexible joints, making them overly flexible and prone to dislocations.
2. You have hyperelastis skin. Skin can be fragile, thin, and brightly coloured. People with EDS often stretch their skin and leave fingerprints in the tissue.
3. You suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain can occur even without obvious injuries, including joint and muscle pain.
4. You’re tired all the time. People with EDS can experience extreme fatigue.
5. You’ve had small recurrent dislocations. Joints in the hands, feet, and elbows commonly experience recurrent dislocations.
6. You bruise easily. Minor injuries can often result in extensive bruising.
7. You don’t heal quickly. Wounds can take an unusually long time to heal, or they may never fully heal.
8. You have digestive issues. Gastrointestinal issues can be common, including recurring constipation or diarrhoea.
9. You’re overly sensitive to medications. People with EDS often require lower doses of many types of medications, as they can be overdosed easily.
10. You have scoliosis. Curvature of the spine is common.
11. You have poor vision. Visual disturbances can occur, such as nearsightedness, astigmatism, or blurred vision.
12. You’re stiff after first waking up. People with EDS often experience stiffness and pain when first waking up.
13. You experience dizziness or lightheadedness. Low blood pressure is common, leading to experiences of lightheadedness or dizziness.
14. You have a history of miscarriages. It’s more common for people with EDS to experience miscarriages.
15. You have a perspiring disorder. EDS can cause abnormal perspiration or dryness.
16. You have gum issues. Gums can be swollen and easily bleed.
17. You have POTS. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is a common condition in people with EDS.
18. You often feel faint. Symptoms can cause people to feel sick and faint easily.
19. You experience migraines or headaches. Migraines can be debilitating for those with EDS.
20. You’re more prone to infections. Immunodeficiency can make people more susceptible to infections.
21. You suffer from Raynaud’s Phenomenon. Raynaud’s is a condition in which the fingers and toes change colour when exposed to cold temperatures.
22. You have allergies. Allergies may be developed more easily or be more severe.
23. You have Keloids. People with EDS commonly develop Keloids, which are raised scars caused by the overproduction of collagen.
If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible to get tested. There is currently no cure for EDS, but with the right treatment plan, you can manage your symptoms and lead a normal life.