Selma Blair not too long ago shared an replace on her well being—and revealed a analysis she hasn’t talked about earlier than. In an Instagram video, the actor lounged in mattress and detailed her expertise with Ehler-Danlos syndrome, a situation that impacts essential connective tissues all through the physique.

“I damage on a regular basis,” Blair mentioned whereas receiving intravenous immunoglobulin (or IVIG, an antibody remedy that’s typically used to deal with immunodeficiencies and autoimmune circumstances). “I say that just for you those that damage additionally. Like, I get it. And for all of us…simply growing old, it hurts. You must stretch. However for me, it’s laborious to stretch as a result of the Ehler-Danlos…your muscle tissue simply aren’t as steady.”

Blair, who’s in remission from a number of sclerosis, mentioned she’s due for extra testing quickly. However, “I appear to be doing superb and this helps a lot,” she added, referencing the IVIG.

The feedback on Blair’s publish have been flooded with properly needs, in addition to messages from individuals who additionally reside with Ehler-Danlos syndrome. Blair famous in her video that the situation is “one thing so many extra folks have now than I spotted”—some estimates present that the situation may have an effect on as much as one in 5,000 folks.

Ehler-Danlos syndrome is a gaggle of genetic problems that have an effect on the physique’s potential to type and use collagen and different proteins that function the constructing blocks for pores and skin, bones, muscle tissue, tendons, ligaments, and extra. This will set off an unlimited vary of signs, from barely free joints to life-threatening issues, per the US Nationwide Library of Medication. Most individuals with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome have an unusually giant vary of movement of their joints (often known as hypermobility), together with pores and skin that’s notably stretchy and fragile. Simple bruising and scarring are hallmarks of the situation too.

Sadly this implies residing with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can result in the next threat of creating continual ache and accidents. “Connective tissue is what holds our our bodies collectively and, with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, the joints are looser than anticipated,” Staci Kallish, DO, an affiliate professor of genetics and translational drugs at Penn Medication in Philadelphia, tells SELF. “That may make the joints unstable, transfer in and misplaced, and even trigger true dislocation, all of which may result in ache and fatigue.” These elements can even increase an individual’s threat of creating arthritis at a youthful age, she says.