Crooked Willow Wellness

11/17/2025

Good EDS info

The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of 13 heritable connective tissue disorders, each caused by specific gene variants that affect the structure or processing of collagen and related proteins. These genetic changes weaken connective tissues throughout the body, leading to symptoms like joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility.
Genetic Basis of EDS Subtypes: With the exception of hypermobile EDS (hEDS), all EDS subtypes have an identified genetic cause that can be confirmed by molecular genetic testing. The inheritance patterns are typically autosomal dominant (AD) or autosomal recessive (AR). An autosomal dominant condition only requires one copy of the altered gene to cause the trait or disorder, with affected individuals having a 50% chance of passing it to each child. An autosomal recessive condition requires two copies of the altered gene (one from each parent) to manifest, meaning affected individuals typically have parents who are both carriers but do not show symptoms themselves

* The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes:

EDS Subtype: Classical (cEDS) Gene(s) Involved : COL5A1, COL5A2, rarely COL1A1. Inheritance Pattern : AD. Affected Protein/Process: Type V collagen (structure/production).

EDS Subtype: Classical-like 1 (clEDS). Gene(s) Involved : TNXB. Inheritance Pattern: AR . Affected Protein/Process: Tenascin XB (ECM interaction).

EDS Subtype: Vascular (vEDS). Gene(s) Involved : COL3A1, rarely COL1A1. Inheritance Pattern : AD. Affected Protein/Process: Type III collagen (processing/secretion).

EDS Subtype: Hypermobile (hEDS). Gene(s) Involved: Unknown. Inheritance Pattern: AD. (suspected). Affected Protein/Process: Cause unknown.

EDS Subtype: Arthrochalasia (aEDS). Gene(s) Involved: COL1A1, COL1A2. Inheritance Pattern: AD. Affected Protein/Process: Type I collagen (N-propeptide cleavage).

EDS Subtype: Kyphoscoliotic (kEDS). Gene(s) Involved: PLOD1, FKBP14. Inheritance Pattern: AR. Affected Protein/Process: Lysyl hydroxylase 1 or a protein involved in collagen folding.

EDS Subtype: Dermatosparaxis (dEDS) Gene(s) Involved : ADAMTS2. Inheritance Pattern: AR. Affected Protein/Process: Procollagen N-peptidase (cleavage of propeptides).

EDS Subtype: Cardiac-valvular (cvEDS). Gene(s) Involved: COL1A2. Inheritance Pattern: AR. Affected Protein/Process: Type I collagen.

EDS Subtype: Brittle Cornea Syndrome (BCS) . Gene(s) Involved: ZNF469, PRDM5. Inheritance Pattern: AR. Affected Protein/Process: Transcription regulation of collagens.

EDS Subtype: Spondylodysplastic (spEDS). Gene(s) Involved : B4GALT7, B3GALT6, SLC39A13. Inheritance Pattern: AR. Affected Protein/Process: Glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis or zinc transport.

EDS Subtype: Musculocontractural (mcEDS). Gene(s) Involved: CHST14, DSE. Inheritance Pattern: AR. Affected Protein/Process: Dermatan sulfate biosynthesis.

EDS Subtype: Myopathic (mEDS) Gene(s) Involved: COL12A1. Inheritance Pattern: AD or AR. Affected Protein/Process: Type XII collagen.

EDS Subtype: Periodontal (pEDS) Gene(s) Involved: C1R, C1SCHST14, DSE AR Dermatan sulfate biosynthesis. Inheritance Pattern: AD. Affected Protein/Process: Complement components (collagen degradation)

Collagen Defects: The primary issue in most types of EDS is a defect in collagen synthesis, processing, or structure, which compromises the strength and integrity of connective tissues throughout the body.
Inheritance: The specific inheritance pattern (autosomal dominant or recessive) depends on the subtype, meaning some cases can be passed on from a single parent and others require variants from both parents.
De Novo Mutations: In some instances, the genetic change is not inherited from a parent but occurs spontaneously (de novo) in the affected individual.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis is primarily clinical, especially for hEDS where no genetic marker has been found. For all other types, genetic testing is used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions like Marfan syndrome or osteogenesis imperfecta.
Variable Severity: Even within the same family and the same EDS type, symptoms can vary significantly in severity.
Genetic Testing: Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis for all subtypes except hEDS. For the hypermobile type, diagnosis is based solely on clinical criteria due to the unknown genetic cause.

10/07/2025

If you would like to follow my baby girl’s journey with mosaic Edwards Syndrome, I am putting the link in the comments. Or you can just go to CaringBridge.com and search Baby Evans. Thank you to all who have expressed your support and joy for our family. 🩷

09/29/2025

Good info

Dr.Chubacks channel https://youtube.com/?feature=sharedWebsite: VitasupportMD.com📲 Follow Dr. John Chuback:Instagram: | ...

09/28/2025

I have nerded out with several of you about lipidema, lymphedema, and general lymphatics. So I thought some may benefit from knowing Viasox is having some great sales right now. They make compression socks, as well as easy stretch socks. Easy stretch are lippy leg friendly socks that don’t dig into the skin and leave marks. I’m not affliated with the company, but I am a fan!

09/26/2025

Baby girl Evans is coming in December! We are so grateful and excited to meet her. She has a genetic syndrome called mosaic trisomy 18, AKA mosaic Edwards syndrome. We’ll be following up on various interventions as she develops. The expression of the Edwards syndrome seems to be a mild one. We appreciate your prayers for her healthy development! I will put info about trisomy 18 in comments.

09/04/2025

Where Does the Lymph Go After Drainage?

From Puff to Flush—Your Body’s Hidden Detox Highway!

Hey Lymphies!
Ever wondered what actually happens to the lymph after your MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) or dry brushing session? Where does all that puffiness and extra fluid go? Let’s take a journey through your body’s magical drainage map—because the flow doesn’t stop at your skin!

First Things First—What IS Lymph?

Lymph is a clear-ish fluid filled with:
• Water
• Proteins
• Cellular waste
• Immune cells
• Bacteria, viruses, and toxins

It’s like your body’s wastewater, and your lymphatic system is the plumbing network designed to collect it from your tissues and send it packing!

The Drainage Route (The Fun Part!)

After you stimulate your lymphatic system (through MLD, exercise, rebounding, or infrared saunas), here’s what happens step-by-step:

1. Tissues → Lymph Capillaries
Lymph fluid is collected from between your cells (where waste builds up). Think of this as your body picking up trash from every neighborhood.

2. Lymph Capillaries → Collecting Vessels
These vessels have valves to push lymph forward (like a one-way street!). They move it toward central lymph nodes.

3. Nodes → Filter Party!
Lymph passes through lymph nodes, where it gets filtered. Immune cells here attack bacteria, viruses, and debris.
It’s like your lymph goes through a security checkpoint!

4. Cleaned Lymph → Ducts
Filtered lymph travels to the thoracic duct (left side of your neck) or right lymphatic duct—the final stop before exiting!

5. Ducts → Subclavian Vein
Here’s the magic moment!
The ducts drain the lymph directly into your bloodstream, at the base of your neck, where the subclavian vein lives.

6. Bloodstream → Kidneys + Liver
Now the filtered lymph becomes part of your circulating blood. From here:
• Kidneys filter out water-soluble waste → p*e it out!
• Liver handles fat-soluble toxins and waste → p**p it out!

And voilà!
Your lymph just became waste… and left your body.
Flush complete!

That’s Why You Might Notice…
• More p*eing after a session
• Increased bowel movements
• Feeling thirsty
• Fatigue (your body is processing the detox!)
• Reduced swelling or puffiness

So YES—you’re not imagining it. The flush is real.

Fun Lymphie Facts:
• You have 500–700 lymph nodes in your body!
• The thoracic duct drains around 75% of your lymph!
• Your lymphatic system can move 1.5–3 liters of lymph per day with the right support!
• No heart? No pump! The lymph system depends on movement, breath, and pressure (that’s why you NEED to move!).

Support the Flush:
• Hydrate (lymph is mostly water!)
• Move daily (walking, rebounding, stretching)
• Breathe deep (diaphragmatic breathing helps move lymph!)
• Massage & MLD
• Eat clean (to reduce toxin load)

So, Where Does It Go?

In simple terms:
Lymph → Blood → Kidneys/Liver → Toilet!
Your body is brilliant. And your lymphatic system? Even more so.

So the next time you finish your session and head to the loo—give a little thanks to the silent flow keeping you well.






References / Research Links:
• Cleveland Clinic – Lymphatic System Overview
• NCBI – Physiology of the Lymphatic System
• Lymphatic Research and Biology Journal

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

©️

08/25/2025

It has been such a joy owning my small business. I hope you felt the nurture and care that was my intention in your massage. Whether you visited one time or ten times, I’m very grateful for your support. I couldn’t have lived my dream without you. It really does make a small business owner’s day to get a new client, to get a positive review, or be recommended by word of mouth. I encourage you to keep supporting small and local businesses. I am closing my doors, effective immediately, in order to attend to family matters, I will not be deactivating the FB page, so if I eventually start a new venture, I will announce it here. God bless you all, Katie Evans

08/10/2025

Love this page for good educational visuals!

🩸 Lymph vs. Blood – Why We Need Both 💧

At first glance, you might think blood is the only fluid keeping you alive.
But your body actually has two major circulatory systems:
• The blood circulatory system (powered by the heart)
• The lymphatic system (powered by your movement, breathing, and muscle contractions)

Blood: The Delivery Service 🚚❤️
• Carries oxygen and nutrients to every cell
• Removes carbon dioxide and some waste
• Circulates continuously in a closed loop
• Kept moving by the heart’s powerful pump

Lymph: The Cleanup Crew 🧹💧
• Collects waste, toxins, and excess fluid from tissues
• Transports immune cells to fight infection
• Moves in one direction only — toward the heart
• Has no pump — depends on your movement, hydration, and breathing

How They Work Together 🤝

When blood delivers nutrients to cells, some fluid leaks out into the spaces between them (interstitial fluid). The lymphatic system picks up that extra fluid, filters it through lymph nodes, and returns it to the bloodstream — clean and ready to go.

Without blood, your cells would starve.
Without lymph, your tissues would swell, your immune system would weaken, and waste would build up.

💡 Fun Fact: You have about 1.5x more lymph fluid than blood in your body — but because it moves so quietly, most people don’t even know it’s there.

07/26/2025

Becoming a small business owner has made me even more earnest to support other small makers and doers! These are my treasures frim the Country Western Market Day at Will Rogers Downs. What a market! Free admission, open tomorrow 11-4! Thank you Tracie Nowlin Books Fergy's Designs Lynch Family Farm Ramhead Laser Products for sharing your passions!

06/21/2025

06/11/2025

https://www.massagebook.com/crooked-willow-wellness/massage/deals/Thanks-dental-hygienists-and-dental-field-employees-/172173

Send this link to a friend who works in the dental field so they can get a 60 min massage for $45!

I am a certified manual lymphatic drainage therapist (Vodder technique) and a licensed massage therapist. I love working in the Crooked Willow studio in a serene country setting. I offer infrared and red light therapy in addition to the Swedish and therapeutic massage and manual lymphatic massage.

06/04/2025

It is time for another special to show my appreciation. Tag your friends who work in any capacity in the dental field! During June they can get a great deal on a 60 min massage. Link is in comments. This is only for those working in dental field.