More Detailed Look into what Ehlers Danlos is

Hi,

I know that my description of Ehlers Danlos wasn't very in depth so I thought that I should write a more detailed post about it. If any of you think I have missed something out please tell me and I will add it in :)

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is a connective tissue disorder which is caused by a lack of collagen. Collagen is found in 90% of the body and is basically the glue that holds the body together... without it you fall apart. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is a chronic condition that until such time as a cure is found it isn't going to get better... or as I had doctors tell me when I was younger 'grow out of it. Doctors often think that Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is growing pains or the person who has all the medical problems is a hypochondriac or is just seeking for drugs. Until someone diagnoses the person and then all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place.
There are several different types of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome:

• Classical- This type causes- joint hyper mobility, smooth, stretchy velvety skin that bruises easily, dislocations and sublaxtions of the joints and scoliosis
• Hyper-mobility- hyper-mobility and dislocations/sublaxtions of the joints
• Vascular- increased risk of rupturing, visible veins through the skin and dislocations/sublaxtions. Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is the most life threatening type of Ehlers Danlos.
• Kyphoscoliosis- fragile globe of the eye, joint hyper-mobility, scoliosis and dislocations.
• Arthochalisia (this is the type that I have)- joint hyper-mobility, skin issues, dislocations/sublaxtions particularly of the hips.
• Tenasin-X- This is a new type that they are doing research into at the moment- joint hyper-mobility, hyper-elastic skin and dislocations.

The different types of Ehlers Danlos are each classified according to the differing symptoms. These are in no way the only symptoms that each type has but just a general idea of what the doctors look for when diagnosing the specific types. Even people with the same type can have differing symptoms and levels of severity. In every type of Ehlers Danlos there are certain symptoms such as fragile skin and loose joints which each type has. Every type of Ehlers Danlos can have life threatening complications not just vascular even though there is more of a risk with vascular. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is an inherited disorder.

Hopefully this was a bit more in depth and helpful.

Love,

EDSgirl