Ehlers Danlos Syndrome ~ Living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders. There are 13 subtypes. I have Hypermobile/hEDS (formerly Type III). Connective tissues are made up of proteins that support skin, bones, blood vessels, and other organs. They make up about 80% of the human body. In hEDS, patients present with an unusually large range of joint movement (hypermobility). The loose joints are unstable and prone to dislocation, chronic pain, and early-onset arthritis. There is no cure and treatment plans are individualized.

Because connective tissue can be found all throughout the body, there are a lot of secondary conditions that are believed to be connected to EDS-- IBS, Dysautonomia (POTS, orthostatic hypotension, neurocardiogenic syncope), Chiari Malformation, asthma, heart complications (Mitral Valve Prolapse), gastroparesis---the list continues.