Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or EDS is a condition that involves the simultaneous presence of several different disorders that impact the body's connective tissues. In particular, the walls of blood vessels, the various joints of the body, and the skin are affected by this syndrome. While there is no way to reverse the conditions caused by Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, it is possible to learn to manage them and minimize further damage.

All in all, there are six different types or classes of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Each of these classes share a core group of symptoms as well as manifesting symptoms that are more commonly associated with each type. The more general symptoms include skin that is unusually fragile and bruises easily, weakness in the joints and surrounding muscles, and a delay in proper motor development. There is also an increased risk of hernias, heart problems, and aneurysms.

In addition to general symptoms, each type of the syndrome has at least one expression that stands out. The hypermobility type is characterized with the occurrence of mitral valve prolapse. Slow wound healing is indicative of the classical type of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Protruding eyes, a small chin, and thin lips are indicators of the vascular type of this syndrome. A progressive curvature of the spine is often found with the kyphoscoliosis type, while rapid bone loss is common with the arthrochalasis type. The sixth class of the syndrome, known as the dermatosparaxis type, is often indicated by a lack of normal growth and the development of short fingers.

Most of the treatments for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome focus on alleviating the health issues that arise as a result of the condition. Collagen injections are sometimes used to help strengthen connective tissue and ease the chances of ruptures or bruising. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct health problems, although this is usually not considered until other treatments have failed to produce the desired results. The reluctance to engage in surgery is usually due to the fact that the skin is weakened and healing of the connective tissue will be far more problematic than with patients who do not live with this syndrome.

Physical therapy and pain relievers can often help with keeping joints mobile and easing the variety of aches and pains that will occur all over the body. Certain activities, such as weight lifting or any physical activity that puts a great deal of stress on the joints, is usually discouraged. In general, people suffering with this condition will be encouraged to wear protective clothing and sunscreen when outdoors, keep the home relatively free of clutter, thus reducing the potential for cuts and abrasions in the event of a fall, and consider using appliances that create less stress on the joints. This can involve something as simple as opting for using an electric can opener rather than a manual model that requires repetitive movements of the finger joints and the wrist.