I was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome in 2002

United States
October 11, 2011 6:44am CST
I've noticed not many people or even Doctors are aware of what Marfan Syndrome is. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disease that causes weakness in the connective tissue. Unfortunately I was diagnosed though genetic testing in 2002. My father and grandfather also had marfan. As long as I can remember I have been dislocating joints and parts of my body ache and hurt so bad on some days that I dont want to crawl out of bed. I am now 28 years old and about to have yet another surgery for a dislocation thanks to this genetic nightmare. Last Thursday night my knee buckled underneath me and my patella (knee cap) went to the side of my leg. I was taken to the emergency room where I was treated like crap. I explained to the triage nurse, resident doctor and intern that I had Marfan's and they looked at me like I was speaking a different language. The doctor sat there and told me that there was no dislocation, no broken bones, nothing that he could see wrong. He gave me a referral to Orthopedics, put my leg in an immobilizer and discharged me. Well, Monday I was seen in Orthopedics and was informed that I am likely going to have surgery to replace my kneecap and fix the MCL. So much for not having anything wrong, right?! I am a member of the National Marfan Foundation, but I havent really found anyone else who has the problem I do other than family. Does anyone know anyone or maybe is a person who is living with Marfan?
1 response
• Philippines
11 Oct 11
It's my first time to hear about Marfan syndrome either but I read an article just now that 1 out of every 5,000 people in the U.S have Marfan Syndrome but severity varies.So,it's not at all uncommon.It can affect the skeletal system,eyes,heart and blood vessels,nervous system and lungs.Thus, it's important for you to have regular check-ups.