Pecatonica woman with rare genetic disorder refuses to let condition rule her life

By: Kathleen Cohen

www.mystateline.com, 11/16/18

ECATONICA, Ill. - Her limbs tend to pop in and out. She's had multiple surgeries. And, she's hooked up to a central line feeding tube. But that isn't stopping April Wight from staying active and living a fulfilling life.

"My shoulders, they sublex on their own, in and out, in and out," 36-year-old Wight said. She has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissues.

"You're born with it," she said. "When I think back, there were clear signs. I was a little bit different. I have the hypermobile type, which is the most benign form. I'm hypermobile, so people will say I'm double-jointed."

Wight was officially diagnosed three years ago, when she went to the doctor for stomach and digestive problems.

A local geneticist conducted a series of tests, which led to tests at the Mayo Clinic, where a diagnosis of EDS was made.

Click here to read more about April Wight's story.