Fatigue

There is overlap in the symptoms of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and ME/chronic fatigue syndrome, though they are not the same condition. Sleep disorders, chronic pain, muscle deconditioning and nutritional deficiencies can all contribute to fatigue in hEDS. There is no medication to alleviate the tiredness itself, but certain drugs are effective for problems that go on to cause fatigue. Physiotherapy, prevention of deconditioning and good nutrition are also recommended.

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue

Author
Dr Alan Hakim, Consultant Rheumatologist and Professor Rodney Grahame, Consultant Rheumatologist, The Hypermobility Unit, Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, London

Summary
An examination of the chronic pain and fatigue than can accompany hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders, and what can be done.

View

Managing fatigue, sleeping problems and brain fog

Author
Jenny Morrison, Neurogenetics Research Nurse, University College London Hospital

Summary
A guide to the chronic fatigue and sleep issues that are so common in EDS.

View

Video: Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia

Presenter
Dr Alan Hakim, Consultant Rheumatologist, The Hypermobility Unit, Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, London

Summary
Long-term pain and fatigue syndromes in hypermobile EDS.

View

Video: Occupational therapy

Presenter
Jo Southall, Occupational Therapist

Summary
How occupational therapy can help you manage your EDS - a look at measures such as pacing, sleep hygiene, and the use of disability aids.

View

Video: Mindfulness

Presenter
Dr Philip Bull, Consultant Rheumatologist and Deputy Chief Medical Advisor, HMSA

Summary
How therapies such as mindfulness and Alexander technique can help manage chronic conditions like EDS.

View

Video: Coping with pain and fatigue

Presenter
Dr Chad Shepherd & Dr Netali Levi, Pain Psychologists, The Hypermobility Unit, Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth, London

Summary
A look at how cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is used to manage chronic pain conditions such as EDS.

View

Video: Management tips in EDS

Presenter
Dr Hanadi Kazkaz, Consultant Rheumatologist, University College London Hospital

Summary
How to deal with pain and other symptoms in hypermobile EDS.

View

Pacing

Author
Action for M.E.

Summary
‘Pacing’ is about balancing activity and rest to enable you to manage chronic fatigue. This step-by-step guide is aimed at people with M.E. but is useful for anyone with a chronic, fluctuating illness. It explains the principles of pacing, how it could benefit you and practical ways of incorporating the methods into your life.

View

What is EDS?

Information sheets, how to get a diagnosis, advice for medical profesisonals......