Join a Community That Understands You

Get answers from those who share your health journey

Left Image 1Middle Image 1Right Image 1
avatar

Wanderinglumos

Updated 1y ago

Newly Diagnosed with Hypermobile EDS - Seeking Tips and Resources

Hi! So today I officially got diagnosed with Hypermobile EDS and while I’m glad to have answers it feels a bit overwhelming as well. Would love any tips/resources for a newly diagnosed person. Thanks☺️

Can you help? Connect today

avatar

Kellybelly

2y

I know how overwhelming it is must be a little sense of relief. I was diagnosed back in August. Did the doctor put you on any medication to help? On my good days I try to take walks so I don’t get too stiff. Don’t overdue it though know when it’s ok to relax.
avatar

Wanderinglumos

2y

no medications. I saw a geneticist and she said she just diagnoses and doesn’t treat unfortunately. Only recommended finding a PCP who is understanding and can help me find a team to help. She did send a letter to my PCP with some suggestions and information though so I’ll meet with him to talk about it more.
avatar

whicheveroneiam

2y

Everyone will tell you to try yoga, you might have people who have already been telling you this for a lot of other reasons, but don’t. Yoga is actually not good for people with hEDS bc it is so focused of the flexibility of your body, it’s way too easy to overdo a pose and end up causing more harm than not. If you are an exercise person or looking to get into something Pilates is actually fantastic for hEDS bc its all about strength building in practical ways- especially building muscle around joints.
avatar

whicheveroneiam

2y

also, if you haven’t already hEDS can get you a handicapped parking placard- I would really recommend getting one
avatar

AeL

2y

My main thing would to make sure every doctor you see, whether PCP or specialist has at least some understanding of EDS. Something like GI or Rheum or Surgeon needing more knowledge than like Dermatology Figure out what your biggest EDS problems are find solutions now that you know the cause. For me a major issue was that I had bad issues with my feet my entire life, when I got my EDS diagnosis I went to a podiatrist who specializes in EDS- my Ritchie Braces have changed my walking game completely. There is no medication or treatment, but little changes or different mobility aids can make an enormous impact in your quality of life now that you know what the issue is
avatar

whicheveroneiam

2y

I’ve never heard of it seen a Ritchie Brace before and oh my god. I need to get some right away. Did you get them through a doctors office or just online somewhere?
avatar

Wanderinglumos

2y

thank you!! It’s a great idea to find doctors knowledgeable with it since it affects so many things. My geneticist recommended seeing an orthopedic for my neck and shoulder pain so I’m hoping to find one who understands it all!
avatar

whicheveroneiam

2y

Oh I just remembered this too! ehlers danlos makes you more resistant to local anesthetics so if you get any dentist work done or need stitches or anything let the doctor or dentist know cause they’ll probably have to use a LOT.
avatar

AeL

2y

This! For me local anesthetics wear off after a couple minutes. I don’t even let them try to use it anymore, it’s useless. Injectable anesthetic works a lot better for me. I had a skin biopsy with it and felt nothing for hours.
avatar

Wanderinglumos

2y

I have noticed this! They would have to use a lottt of injections to even give me a filling. I always wondered why it never worked well for me.
avatar

SuccinctAbilities

2y

Absolutely this! Most dentists I’ve been to just use laughing gas, and that has never done anything for me. Once I figured out I likely had EDS, I let them know to use injected anaesthetics (and to keep a close eye on the levels) my procedures went so much better! Even the stronger stuff needed re-upping once, but it is possible to find a level that will work for your body. I had ruled out being comfortable during procedures before learning about EDS anaesthetic resistance, but it just takes a little extra communication 👌
avatar

EDSdancer

2y

I was diagnosed this March, and the pain specialist that diagnosed me put me on low dose naltrexone. It’s for addiction, but a low dose can help with pain management
avatar

ChronicIllnessBabe

2y

did you find that the LDN helped you? I’ve been on it two months and it hasn’t seem to do much for me yet other than put a big dent in my wallet 😭 I’ve tried *every drug* the neuro and rheum can throw at me and this is my last effort before opioids or morphine is going to be talked about.
avatar

Mickey1210

2y

Have printouts of info on eds for doctors. Also look up physical therapy exercises and have braces for the joints that give you the most issues but only use as needed. Also if you aren’t allergic KT tape is a great resource
avatar

EDS4Life

1y

The diagnostic process is the worst. I feel you. It's overwhelming. Especially when Noone in your life understands. I don't have a lot of tips because I'm recently diagnosed myself but just know you're not alone!
avatar

colourfulburrito

1y

Congratulations! I don't have the money to go private and I'm on the NHS waiting list and currently sitting at 7 years to see a rhumetologist

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

feed-footer-0

Free unlimited access

to all community content

feed-footer-1

Find others who are

medically similar to you

feed-footer-2

Pose questions and join

meaningful discussions

pp-logo

Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.

appStoreBtngooglePlayBtn

© 2020-2024 Alike, Inc