How can Ehlers-Danlos syndrome be disabling?

According to the most current research, there are about 13 different types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome — because the illness is produced by a set of variant genetic markers that aren’t totally consistent.

You’re either born with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or you’re not — but many people don’t realize they have the condition until they develop some of its most common complications. Almost everyone with Ehlers-Danlos suffers from hyper-mobility, which often leads to dislocated joints and chronic joint pain.

Aside from the limits caused by their joint pain, Ehlers-Danlos sufferers can also have:

• Skin that bruises and tears easily, which can leave them prone to internal bleeding and infections
• Cardiac-valvular issues due to the mobility of the vales in their heart, which can lead to dizziness, poor circulation, heart attacks and strokes
• Easily ruptured blood vessels that can lead to life-threatening complications and permanent injury after routine surgery or during childbirth
• Torn intestines that can leak fecal matter into their bloodstream
• Severe scarring on their skin, which is often very smooth and soft
• Eye abnormalities, including brittle cornea syndrome

These conditions often combine with the ordinary effects of aging to make it harder for people with Ehlers-Danlos to remain gainfully employed. Pain can make it difficult for someone to concentrate at a desk job. Mobility issues can limit the physical activity of someone with Ehlers-Danlos to a great degree. Treatment often requires heavy doses of muscle relaxants and painkillers that can also make it unsafe for the patient to operate machinery, drive or work with any dangerous tools or chemicals.

If you have been newly diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, you know that there’s still little understanding of the disease and how it affects each sufferer. That means that it may be more difficult for you to present a clear and convincing case for Social Security Disability benefits to the Social Security Administration without some experienced assistance.