After being spotted by the paparazzi using a cane last week, Girls star Lena Dunham{
'I could choose to be embarrassed by these paparazzi pics — I mean, that’s probably the point of someone publishing them in the first place — but I’m really not,' the actress wrote in an emotional Instagram post. 'This is what life is like when I’m struggling most with chronic illness. An Ehler-Danlos syndrome flare means that I need support from more than just my friends … so thank you, sweet cane!'
'For years, I resisted doing anything that would make my physical situation easier, insisting that a cane would “make things weird,"' she added. 'But it’s so much less weird to actually be able to participate than to stay in bed all day.'
In October, Australian singer-songwriter Sia also said that she suffers from the disease. The notoriously private singer, who often wears wigs which cover her face on stage, tweeted, ‘I just wanted to say to those of you suffering from pain, whether physical or emotional, I love you, keep going. Pain is demoralizing, and you're not alone’.
What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
According to the NHS there are 13 types of EDS, which is caused by faults in certain genes that weaken connective tissue that provide support in skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, internal organs and bones. Symptoms can include an increased range of joint movement (joint hypermobility), stretchy skin and fragile skin that breaks or bruises easily. The disease can be inherited, but this is not always the case.
There is no specific treatment for the disease. According to the NHS, hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is the most common type. Other types of EDS include classical EDS and kyphoscoliotic EDS. Vascular EDS (vEDS) is a rare type of EDS and is often considered to be the most serious, as it affects the blood vessels and internal organs, which can cause them to split open and lead to life-threatening bleeding.
You can find further support for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome at The Ehlers-Danlos Support UK – you can also call their free helpline on 0800 907 8518. The Hypermobility Syndromes Association (HMSA) helpline number is 0333 011 6388.
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