At 48 I had both hips replaced, at 51 both knees replaced. I have no rheumatologic issues - plain old-fashioned osteoarthritis. I get inflammed shoulder tendonitis (severe arthritis here too), elbow tendonitis, and frankly everything hurts everyday (except my head - no headaches). Had Wikipedia reference-linkMRI's of shoulder, neck and low back -- all show mod to severe degenerative changes. My rheumatologist thinks I have hypermobility syndrome. All I know is that I could function pre-knee replacements - but never really 'recovered' from them. I now must take pain medication daily. Upon awakening my arms are so stiff and sore it's crazy. My legs feel heavy and weak. My back in recent months is stiff and sore and spasms. I tried a return to work after one year off a couple of months ago and was fired for not keeping up with productivity standards (aka I couldn't meet the physical demands of the job though they loved me). Neuro says some nerve damage from the surgeries but fails to comment more. EMG says some L5 and S1 Wikipedia reference-linkradiculopathy. My adaptive home changes are: cushions to raise furniture seat height, toilet riser, a roll about chair in kitchen to peek into low cupboards and the refrigerator. I am very healthy, I look healthy. But look closer and you see someone moaning and with the functionality of a well aged senior citizen at age 52. SO....... A year of PT for knee rehab -- the rehab went quickly for the knee but the rest of me -- couldn't even get my leg up a four inch curb for 7 months -- no one could explain why. Had OT for my arms. I'm not much better. In fact my back is now the latest body part to the 'not functioning right club'. There is some lumbar stenosis.

I've read here that hypermobility patients can be a pain to deal with -- I'm sweet and kind but have a most ridiculous case of miserable quality of life when I look healthy and the world states, "my but you look great, you get around so well!" -- it's enough to make you think you are going insane. Each day is a battle to endure and try to not get depressed about it all.

I think I definitely need PT or physio to address my weak pelvic girdle and my near absent core strength. Also to document the level of weakness they find so I don't have to feel as though I'm fabricating this -- to specialists who can't figure my case out. Many are in the dark as to the debilitating nature of HMS or what is sometimes coined Ehlers-Danlos type 3 -- equally.

Any insights or advice as to how to proceed I would be grateful. I have ruled out any obscure neuromuscular diseases at a major medical center recently....so back to square one trying to deal with the unexplainable or trying to accept that hypermobility syndrome could be this debilitating.

Thanks so much in advance!

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