-It meant taking the year off from college in order to have (3) surgeries and recover.
-It meant discovering that I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and the realization that it is incurable.
-It meant painful PT sessions with Cam, with the goal of being pain-free by the years end!
-It meant falling over a dog gate..thank you gymnastics for the coordination!
-It meant having over 200+ injections in my knee/hip/shoulder.
-It meant many MRIs and x-rays and crossing fingers that nothing else was torn or out of place!
-It meant many trips to Boston to see surgeons and specialists..never leaving the hospital without the understanding that I needed another surgery!
-It meant waking up every morning with one question..."Which/what joint(s) am I going to have to deal with today?"
-It meant not being able to walk (unaided) for 8+ months!
-It meant experiencing the worst migraine headache times a million and not being able to lift my head off the bed for a week!
-It meant a lot of painful times, but a lot of joyous times as well.
-It meant finding a fantastic support group (Hip Chicks) with wonderful women who understand what it's like to live in chronic pain from disabling hip conditions!
-It meant a trip to Florida to see the Rascal Flatts concert with my best friends!!
-It meant reconnecting with an old friend, who would prove to be very supportive through this whole process.
-It meant a trip to the Poconos to relax and have a "mini vacation."
-It meant welcoming 2 beautiful puppies into our family--Mick and Roo!
-It meant deciding to "conquer" EDS rather than use the diagnosis as a shield.
-It meant learning more about myself and what I am capable of.
-It meant understanding what the power of positive thinking can do to your overall outlook when things aren't going your way.
-It meant having a sense of humor about my situation and learning that laughter is a very powerful tool in the process of recovery!
-It meant realizing that even though my own situation is not ideal, there's always someone else who is worse off--God Bless them!
-It meant helping others who are struggling or need advice.
-It meant realizing that I am so fortunate to have a fantastic support system-my family, my friends, Dr. Shiple, Cam and everyone at Excel, my surgeons in Boston, and of course all of my Hip Chicks...Thank you!
..but most importantly
-It meant truly "Living" with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome--something that will remain true for the rest of my life..because that's how I choose to live!
I may not be free of pain just yet, but it is a goal I have set for myself for 2011! So here's to taking a positive step in that direction...one (very small) step at a time ; )! Overall, I hope that 2011 will be a healthier and happier year for everyone!
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