Meet this soft, squishy, wobbly Abhijeet
Suspected EDS. Complex chronic connective tissue disorder affecting multiple body systems.
Walks with a left knee brace and walker support for short distances. Wheelchair required for long distances.
Do not grab or apply pressure — the skin tears and bruises easily and heals slowly.
Avoid invasive procedures unless critical — sutures may not hold, and bleeding is difficult to control.
Thin, delicate bones and hypermobile joints prone to fracture. Permanent left knee dislocation.
Carries a personally tailored first aid kit — check with him before reaching for anything else.
Unlike others' thick, leathery skin, Abhijeet's skin is thin — a bit silky, a bit plasticky, and a bit velvety. It's fast to tear and slow to repair.
Minor bumps or everyday friction that leave no mark on most people can tear or bruise his skin or cause bleeding.
Blood doesn't clot as efficiently. Even small cuts bleed longer and need consistent wound care. Sutures may not hold as expected, complicating wound closure.
Sensation is also unreliable in some areas — cuts or bruises may go completely unnoticed until visible damage is already done. He may not feel or report something that needs immediate attention.
Bones are thinner than average — a hard impact can fracture them. Joints are unstable and hypermobile, turning at awkward angles and moving further than they should.
Low-grade joint pains are constant in multiple locations, including shoulders, hips, and knees. Massage or rest often don't provide any relief.
A fall in 2020 caused a permanent left knee dislocation. Manages some walking with a knee brace on.
A fall in 2006 resulted in a fracture. A metal screw and wire were inserted during surgery — both still inside.
Walking with a walker after the 2020 knee dislocation altered posture, leading to a curved spine.
One foot was corrected surgically, the other with corrective shoes. Balance has been poor throughout.
Thin fingers with swan-neck joints and reduced grip strength. Fingers sometimes stay stuck and require shaking to loosen.
Flat or near-flat feet on both sides, with the left more pronounced.
Resting weight on the elbows can trigger sharp burning pain, with fluid accumulating in some cases.
Undescended right testis at birth, surgically corrected.
Constant muscle fatigue with quick wearout and slow recovery. Walking with a knee brace and walker takes far more energy than it appears to.
10 steps to the washroom triggers significant perspiration. Climbing 20 stairs is a considerable exertion. Winter is the only time he functions without constant overheating.
Abhijeet spends most of his time on bed or a chair. It's how he stays safe from falls, cuts, or injuries from contact with others.
High-power corrective glasses in both eyes since 1998. The right eye suffered retinal detachment, operated on in 2003 — vision didn't fully return. Depth perception and right-side peripheral awareness are reduced. Retinal issues in the left eye corrected via laser surgery.
Hearing in the left ear reduced noticeably — onset was sudden, possibly related to audio trauma. Functional for regular use, but may miss sounds in noisy environments.
Abhijeet's TGN is active on the right side of his face. When the nerve misfires, it results in an electric-shock-like jolt of intense pain.
He manages it with a heavy daily dose of prescribed anticonvulsants and antidepressants. Some drowsiness or slower reaction time can be expected.
Important: Avoid any unexpected contact on the right side of his face. Even light contact or skin movement may trigger severe nerve pain. Avoid offering hard or crunchy food — it not only triggers pain but also stresses his weakened, decaying teeth.
Causes severe localised skin reactions and irritation on contact. Must not be used for wounds under any circumstances. Use Spirit / Dettol / Savlon instead.
Caution advised with IV administration. Causes significant localised hypersensitivity reaction at the infusion site — pronounced itching and discomfort along the veins.
Causes nausea and vomiting — often severe. Should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, and with full awareness of this response.
When in doubt — ask them.