Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, also known as “Hyperelastic Cutis”, is a rare condition in which there is a defect in collagen synthesis. This inherited disorder has no quick fix or elixir because the severity of the condition can range from benign to malicious. If defined in basic terms, “hyperelastic complexion” is extreme hypermobility, which is defined by joints bending from side to side, leading to constant joint dislocation due to a lack of muscle and collagen. When you look at the numbers, one in ten thousand to fifteen thousand is affected by some particular range of hypermobility.
Two doctors, Edvard Ehlers from Denmark and Henri-Alexandre Danlos from France, defined this condition in the early 20th century.
Mild forms of hypermobility are everywhere. When one can bend the fingers in different directions, that would be a form of hypermobility.
A 3-year-old girl in the UK was born with an extremely acute type of this condition. This 3-year-old named Olivia Court has seen numerous doctors and surgeons and has had two hip surgeries to help her walk.
Olivia’s mother and father, Lena, thirty-six, and Adrian, forty-one, a couple based in Earl Shilton, Leicestershire, were alerted to the condition in which Olivia was still unable to crawl or sit up. the age of one year. After meeting countless doctors and surgeons, they underwent two hip surgeries. However, Olivia would end up with a dislocated hip, even though she wore a cast for eleven months that covered her from chest to knees.
With incredibly weak muscles that couldn’t support her joints, Olivia couldn’t walk, sit or even crawl. After two corrective hip surgeries, the doctors and surgeons gave up on Olivia’s condition.
After being told by doctors that they would never see their daughter run, Lena and Adrian struggled to find a way.
Finally a fool gave them a suggestion. Something along the lines of girdles was suggested for Olivia. It seemed like a great idea, but it was incredibly expensive. Priced at £2,500, this second-skin suit was designed to hold her joints together by strengthening her weak muscles.
After learning that her local NHS Trust was unable to fund the suit due to a lack of medical evidence, the courts were assisted by a local community group who were able to raise the money.
The bodysuit should be worn 5 days a week, 8 hours a day. The suit, made of Lycra, is facilitating a normal life for Olivia.
The suit allows Olivia to attend school regularly without bouts of exhaustion and fatigue.