Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: These FAQs are meant to serve merely as guidance and consequently have no
legal merit. They can also be subject to amendments
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I think I have an HDCT. What should I do?
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We would recommend reading up on various resources available on the internet. For example, the international classification for EDS can be found here: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/2017-eds-international-classification/ .
If you are experiencing troubling symptoms related to HDCTs, you might want to arrange an appointment with a polyclinic doctor, who can then refer you to the relevant department as needed.
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Which speciality do HDCTs fall under?
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It depends. Usually, HDCTs are seen by the genetics department.
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What other connective tissue disorders are there?
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There are many other connective tissue disorders other than those focused on in this website. Some are mostly autoimmune in nature, somewhat unlike those described in our website. Some are non-hereditary or acquired, such as osteoarthritis (contrasted with rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition).
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Where can I find a geneticist?
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There are genetics department in restructured hospitals in Singapore, such as the KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) and the National University Hospital.
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How do I get an appointment to see a specialist?
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If you are seeking an appointment with a specialist, you can get a referral by consulting a polyclinic doctor, who will help you make an appointment with the appropriate specialist, as necessary. The waiting time might be up to a few months. Otherwise, you could directly call the specialist clinic to schedule an appointment. Please note that you might not qualify for subsidies if you choose to do so.
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What about insurance?
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HDCTs may not be covered by insurance. Ask your insurance provider for more information.
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How should I exercise? Should I even exercise?
In general, yes. It is always good to strengthen one’s muscles and keep fit. However, as HDCTs can cause (problems), not all kinds of exercise may be suitable for each person. Thus, it is best to consult a medical professional to assess what kinds of exercise are appropriate.
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Where can I find out more?
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You can find more resources on HDCTs here:
https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/
https://www.hypermobility.org/
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Mental Health Resources:
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Emergency hotlines: https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/support-groups-and-others/20/call-on-these-when-you-need-help
Singapore association for mental health: https://www.samhealth.org.sg/
Institute of mental health: https://www.imh.com.sg/
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Pain Management Resources:
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If you are struggling with your pain, please consult your doctor. You might also want to consider visiting a pain clinic at one of our restructured hospitals which deal with pain management, such as the one at SGH (https://www.sgh.com.sg/patient-care/specialties-services/Pain-Management-Centre/Pages/Pain-Management-Centre-Overview.aspx).