Joint hypermobility disorders :

Hypermobility vs HMS and lots more ??'s - - Posted by Stacey (Stacey), 25 May 2003

Hi everyone

Well i went to a rheumy on friday and it was just a waste of time in my opinion.  He did a physical exam (very brief) and stated that everyone of my joints were hypermobile (wow i thought i only had a few but nop every single one ). THen he said since it wasnt a mechanical (??) problem my OS will not be able to do anything for it and i pretty much just have to live with it.  Okay the questions:  
1)How can you tell the difference between hypermobility and HMS?  Is it that HMS has a lot of pain associated with it?  Cause if that is the only difference it is definatly HMS.
2) How do i go about getting a confirmed diagnosis?  Does anyone know any good doctor in the southern ontario region??  My GP doesnt think i have anything wrong with me
3) I know that i have figured for a whiel that that is what is wrong with me but hearing a doctor say it is totally different,  ever since I have felt really depressed (more so than normal)  How do you deal with that?  I mean i went out with friends and injured 2 fingers just trying to play a game of pool (billiards)!
my parents are still kinda just blowing it off, my dad jokingly calls me gimpy since i moved home.  I was driving home today and actually started crying when a certain song came on the radio (Matchbox 20's unwell is not a good song to listen to when you feel depressed).  Sorry this is rambling and not really asking much I just had to get it off my chest.  I am goign to call the other rheumy i have an appt wiht (in december) to ask if she deals with hypermobility becuase if she doesnt i am not going to waste my time going.  I am also goign to call my OS's office to get an appt to see what i am supposed to do now.  Thank you everyone!

Stacey
Posted by Shazinoz (Shazinoz), 26 May 2003

Hey Stacey ,
The main difference between Hypermobility and HMS is that Hypermobility is JUST the ability to have your joints move more than normal and doesn't usually cause pain unless you have a specific injury.
Where as HMS is Hypermobility + Symptoms (Especially Generalised Pain (for No real reason, or injury)) and also other things like Stomach problems and lots more.
Here is a link on HMS and also on the Brighton Score that tells you how to pick the difference.
http://www.hypermobility.org/diagnosis.shtml
http://www.hypermobility.org/index.shtml
You may also want to see a genetic councellor and Geneticist to see what they think and try to find a Rheumy who deals with Hypermobility issues and not just arthritis (ask on CEDA).
Hope this Helps
Sharon

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