For those living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), especially before getting diagnosed, the journey is often full of confusion, pain, and feeling misunderstood. The symptoms can show up early in life such as joint pain, strange bruises, or flexible joints that made you the “bendy” kid in class.
Many people with EDS say they always felt something was off. They weren’t lazy, but simple tasks made them tired. They weren’t clumsy, but their joints would slip or twist too easily. 23 signs you grew up with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is not just a checklist, it’s a story that many share without even realizing it. And when they finally read it, there’s often a deep sense of recognition and relief.
Here are just a few examples from the common list of 23 signs you grew up with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome:
- You were always called “double-jointed” as a kid.
- Your knees and elbows would pop out of place easily.
- You bruised easily, sometimes without remembering how.
- You had stomach issues that no doctor could fully explain.
- You were often told it’s all in your head, even when you were clearly in pain.
Emotional Impact of EDS
Many people also struggled in school, not because of learning problems but because chronic pain and fatigue made concentration hard. Teachers didn’t always understand. Friends sometimes thought you were making excuses. This emotional impact is just as important as the physical signs.
If you’re wondering whether your childhood experience this, here are simple questions to ask yourself:
- Were you more flexible than your friends but also in more pain?
- Did you have frequent injuries from small movements or light activity?
- Did your doctors seem confused by your symptoms?
- Did people often assume you were exaggerating your pain or tiredness?
- Did it take years to get an actual diagnosis (if you have one now)?
If you said yes to several of these, reading signs you grew up with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome might feel like reading your own life story. The list isn’t meant to replace a diagnosis, but it helps many people connect the dots and seek help.
What makes EDS so tricky?
It is that it affects connective tissue, which is found throughout your whole body. That means symptoms can show up in many different ways, skin, joints, stomach, heart, even mental health. Some kids with EDS miss a lot of school because of pain or fatigue. Others are misdiagnosed with anxiety or growing pains. But the truth is, many of them are dealing with EDS from the start.
The good news is, things are getting better. More people know about EDS today. Doctors are learning to look for signs earlier. And lists like 23 signs you grew up with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome are helping people feel seen and heard. They also help families understand what their child might be going through and push for proper care.
FAQs
Q: What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
It’s a group of genetic conditions that affect connective tissue. This can cause joint hypermobility, stretchy skin, pain, and other health issues.
Q: Is EDS easy to diagnose in children?
Not always. Many symptoms overlap with other conditions or are dismissed. That’s why it can take years to get diagnosed.
Q: What is the purpose of the “23 signs you grew up with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome” list?
It helps people recognize common patterns and early-life signs that may point to EDS. It often encourages people to seek a proper diagnosis.
Q: Can someone have EDS even if they only match a few of the signs?
Yes. Not everyone has all 23 signs, and the condition varies from person to person. Even a few matching signs can be important.
Q: What should I do if I relate to many of the signs?
You should talk to your doctor, ideally one who has experience with connective tissue disorders. They can guide you through evaluation and testing.
Conclusion
Reading 23 signs you grew up with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can be a powerful moment for many people. It offers more than information, it gives validation. It shows you’re not alone. Many have walked the same path, lived through the same pain, and wondered the same things.
Knowing the signs can help you understand yourself better and take steps toward care, support, and healing. Whether you’re looking for answers or already living with a diagnosis, that list is one more way to say: we see you, and your story matters.
