E.D.S

I have a joint disorder called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.  I was born with a little, extra piece on my 23rd chromosome which hinders the protein in my body that produces connective tissue.  Basically, I was born with ligaments and connective tissue, but once I hit puberty my ligaments stretched and I didn't reproduce any more.  It's an interesting disorder to have.  My clavicle (collar bone) isn't connected to my sternum, my shoulders sit about an inch away from where they're supposed to be in the socket, and I get pinched nerves and dislocate a lot.  It takes a lot of caution to do what I want to do.  Being in scene design and carpentry, I have to be extra careful with heavy-lifting and how I hold my drills, how long I hold my drills, and how I use my arms in general.  I remember my freshman year in high school, I was playing indoor soccer when I rolled my ankle over the ball stepping on it at a 90 degree angle.  Because my ankle dislocated, I only sprained it.  I had to get a cast for it because I can't use crutches due to my dislocated shoulders, but then my collarbone started popping while I was brushing my hair.  I knew that this wasn't normal, so I told my mom and we saw an orthopedist right away.  The doctor told me that he'd never seen anything like it and put me in a sling.  So there I was, a freshman, with a cast on one leg and a sling on one arm.  It was so embarrassing!  I was officially diagnosed that year and given the name of my disorder.  Up until then, I just thought I was weird... okay... so maybe I am.