The start for me
From a very young age, I had pain and issues. I remember from age 11 on that I had headaches every day to some degree. When I was around 12, I started experiencing chronic knee pain. Eventually, I ended up with hand pain and other joint pains that led me to see a pediatric orthopedic at a children’s hospital around the time I was 16.
First doctor who gave us insight
That orthopedic was the first one to tell us about the hypermobility he was noticing in many of my joints. I don’t know if he officially diagnosed me with hypermobility syndrome, but from that point on, I knew I had it and had a better understanding of where my pain was coming from.
A whole body condition
It has since caused chronic pain in nearly all of my joints, as well as in my bones, muscles, tendons, and more. Hypermobility spectrum disorder (that hypermobility syndrome falls into) affects the connective tissue, which is throughout the body. Due to this, I experience other symptoms and health issues, such as acid reflux, dental problems, easy bruising, poor proprioception and clumsiness, subluxations (partial dislocations), etc. The health challenges I've faced have led to experiencing depression and anxiety.
More doctors
In 2015, when I was 26, hypermobility syndrome was put in my chart at my primary doctor’s office and I was also sent to a rheumatologist within a year of that. He confirmed it. I’ve seen other rheumatologists since then and am currently seeing one regularly.
Since then…
I’ve since learned that hypermobility syndrome goes by different names, depending on the individual doctor, and many of these doctors only have a basic understanding of what hypermobility spectrum disorders are and what all it can entail for the individuals in that spectrum.
My life currently
I now have bad issues with my shoulders, which greatly impact my daily abilities and limit me quite a bit. They are never quite completely in place, I believe they are always subluxated to some degree. I am working in therapy, and with friends and loved ones, to find a new purpose. I also look for joy every day, work on living healthier, and practice gratitude. I still love spending time with my family and friends, drinking coffee, and enjoying chocolate treats.
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