Hypermobility syndrome, benign hypermobility syndrome, elhers danlos type three. Call it as you will, it is the silent illness, the hidden disability and I hate it. I struggled as a teen. I battled with joint pain, with low blood pressure, with passing out. I saw the look of disbelief in peoples eyes, I heard their whispers. I was ignored, not listened too.
Thankfully things seem to have a changed a little. My girls are hypermobile and they have that acknowledged by medical professionals. I wonder if Erin’s hip is to thank in an abstract way as that too is a sign of hypermobility in the extreme.
Chloe has always had growing pains, she was diagnosed with osgood slaters at age 8. I rubbed her legs as she grew and dosed her with calpol. In recent years she has broken. Broken ankle, metatarsals, fingers, suffered whiplash and aches and pains. Right now she is in pain.
Both wrists.
It hurts her.
Thankfully she is listened too and the GP quickly referred her back for more physio. We saw a hand specialist who quickly identified how weak her wrists are, below expected and if you know Chloe, if you know my strong, athletic, county hockey player this may surprise you. It surprised me.
Physio shows that at the moment they cannot begin exercises to strengthen her, she needs to get through the flare up and pain first. She is wearing metal splints to help her heal, to help her rest. It’s all abit rubbish.
But at least she is believed and listened to.
One Response
I am 45 and have suffed since a child with such pain. My knees and hips keep me awake every night. My 4 & 5 yr old are constantly up the hospital with their arms dislocated. I spend many nights rubbing legs (hard with arthritic hands) and a bottle of calpol. I suffer IBS and constant urine infections. My children are late for school for I cannot move fast enough. This dreadful disease is so sneered at but is such a struggle to live with. Thank yo for making me feel like I’m not whinging or making it up.