Photo testimonial: if Ehlers-Danlos could talk

Emmanuelle's testimonial
If Ehlers-Danlos syndrome could talk

Hello, my name is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Yes, I know it's a bit of a barbaric name! I am a rare disease of collagen and hyperlaxity and believe me, considering all the collagen you have in your body and the movements it makes on a daily basis, I have the pleasure of bothering you endlessly.

I have all the time in the world because I'm incurable. Only physical therapy will give you a little relief, but often you will find that it is not enough. I will prevent your wounds from healing normally, I will create post-operative complications since I will affect your fibrous tissues. I will also cause sprains, dislocations, and fractures.

Anyway, I'm a big burden to those whose bodies I live in. For some, the pain will be such that they will find themselves in a wheelchair. I'm going, I'm coming, I'm going my way.

I can totally ruin your life and especially as my impact is not visible, I imprison my victims in a misunderstanding and non-recognition of the medical profession.

Oh yes, I am often misdiagnosed because I am regularly confused with fibromyalgia or ankylosing spondylitis.

As you will have understood, this is my daily battle.

There is this sentence that I will never forget from a Medical Practicioner who was totally lacking in empathy and who once told me: "Madam, we must take it upon ourselves, we all have our little health concerns". I invited him to attend, like me, a hospital's rehabilitation centre three times a week as well as private physical therapy, and I told him "we'll talk about it again"...

Many thanks to Emmanuelle for sharing her story!

Don't forget to comment on this testimonial, provide your support, and share with other members what is the most difficult for you on a daily basis with your condition.