Like many Zebras, I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome after a culmination of unexplainable physical problems. Although my diagnosis came as a relief, it didn't mean that the abnormal boy issues would end. Here are 13 things you'll only understand if you have hEDS:
1. You're extremely flexible.
Splits? No problem!
2. Things snap crackle pop every time you move.
Basically every time you sit or stand your body sounds like a box of rice crispy treats.
3. "Popping" your bones out of place is no biggie.
If anyone else popped their bones out of place, it would warrant concern. All you have to do is pop it back in!
4. Running is not a thing.
Unless you want your ankles rolling all over the place and shin splints.
5. You're not really sure where the line between stretching and subluxing exists- it's pretty much the same thing.
6. There's always a new issue.
New year, new joint problems. Am I right?
7. Your Facebook support groups pretty much know more than every doctor you've ever met.
Honestly, if you hadn't been diagnosed you wouldn't have known about EDS either!
8. You're never sure what to believe.
9. People underestimate your pain.
10. You're not really sure what to tell people when they ask what's wrong with you.
Sometimes you just say you have an injury because it's way easier than explaining that you have a condition they've never heard of called EDS. Because then you have to explain that EDS is group of genetic connective tissue disorders- and who really cares?
11. Sports were never your thing.
12. You basically feel 20 years older than you are.
If you're already falling apart, what are you going to be like when you actually are old?
13. It was hard to accept that you'll never be "normal" but you're a zebra.
