I have kEDS, anyone else?
I have kEDS, anyone else?
I've had a "unspecific but suspected Type 1/2" EDS diagnosis since I was two years old.
Last year I got genetically tested "with modern standards" i.e. 25 years later and they found the exact gene. I have kEDS with the mutations on FKBP14. One of my many doctors said it's "more likely finding a sandcorn twice on the beach" than finding another me.
I feel very lucky compared to hEDS and other subtypes. Because while yes I have insane issues in comparison to able bodied people but I'm doing relatively well compared to some of you guys.
I've obviously had surgery to fuse my spine relatively early I was 12, the surgery took 8 hours. I've had a bladder diverticulum that required 6 hours of surgery. I had my hip dysplasia corrected when I was in kindergarden. It required 6 weeks in bed while being in a cast.
I've had multiple benign skin tumors. I've had times I was on opioids to contain the pain. And my sleep apnea was kinda the worst. I've had a ventilator since 2014 but started to have issues with the therapy around 2020.
Years of fighting for a solution have lead me to being the only one in the whole world according to my doctors.
I have two pacemakers for breathing at night. One moves the tongue forward, the other sends impulses to the diaphragm. So one makes me breathe the other clears the way. I'm the first in at least Germany who had both implemented at the same time. Experts from Greece and the good old USA are coming over each time I need to have a setting changed. I am according to my doctor, who is a world leading specialist in that area the only one with my disability and that therapy.
I have several pairs of leg orthoses one pair specifically for the shower, hand/underarm orthoses, two wheelchairs, hearing aids, glasses and lots of other medical aids.
But currently I am relatively pain free and am expecting to be pain free most of my life. I work out twice/three times a week and have two double sessions of physical therapy on the other days. Being able to do that has stabilized my joints and my whole body. My heart is healthy as are my lungs if you discount the funnel chest.
I do feel kinda alone in the world so if you have kEDS and/or same-ish experiences, I would love to chat with you!