Headaches, Homework and Hockey

I haven't posted in awhile mainly because I do not have a lot to update on. I did, however, see the neurosurgeon for Chiari and EDS. I have Chiari Malformation and cervical instability of C1 and C2 and that this is the main cause of my symptoms. I had a rotational CT scan to check for this and we will discuss the results at my appointment in May. Aside from the CT scan, I need to get blood work to check for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Significant deficiencies can add to the severity of my symptoms and are known to be a problem for EDSers. I will also go for Urodynamic testing--one of the steps to determining whether or not I have a tethered cord. This will be done on the same day as my follow-up appointment. My headaches and other symptoms have not changed at all. I still have headaches everyday. I am always tired.

After the neurosurgeon appointment we went to Boston for post-op appointments (knee and ankle), hip x-ray follow-up, and to meet my new geneticist at Children's. My knee and ankle are progressing nicely. I have switched from the post-op brace to an ACL brace. I had no work done to my ACL, however the brace gives me the support I need and is a lot smaller. It also prevents hyperextension and that is an added bonus. I am in my old CaligLoc ankle brace. I still have limited flexion and ROM and this is very frustrating--especially in the morning. I will continue in PT with Cam. During this appointment I also had hip x-rays as a standard follow-up. At my last appointment with my PAO surgeon in the summer, he was concerned with joint space narrowing. These x-rays will help indicate whether or not the surgery has been successful. I did not see either of my hip surgeons, but will talk to my primary surgeon about the x-rays via e-mail or when I see him this summer.

As I mentioned, I saw the EDS specialist at Children's. She is so nice and I really liked her. She was thorough yet very laid back. She will see me every year and is available if/when needed. I am going to try to see the Gastro specialist at Children's during my next visit. Stomach issues are a problem for a lot of EDSers.

At the end of my trip to Boston my dad, brother and I went to the Bruins last regular season game. It was my birthday present and was AMAZING. The Bruins won in a shootout and after the game we went to the Fours Bar for dinner and drinks. The Fours Bar is where I met Brad Marchand in November after the Thanksgiving game.

Shane and I in front of "The Goal" statue outside of TD Garden!

After the Bruins game we went to Connecticut for Easter with the Murphy family. Love spending time with family!

I was sick this week with the beginning stages of bronchitis and cancelled PT as a result. I needed the break. I have been exhausted and overwhelmed lately with work and it was nice to sleep in on my days off and just focus on schoolwork (which with an on and off fever and sore throat is not all that easy). Looks like the antibiotics are working because I have not had a fever since Friday and I feel a little better.

I only have 2 more weeks of the semester left and of course it's going to be insane. Professors seem to realize at this time that their time management and lesson plans did not go according to plan and they are scrambling to get everything in. This unfortunately sucks for the students. Once I am done with the Spring semester I am going to Florida. My friend is graduating and I am excited to be able to go to the graduation and spend time with friends. This summer I will be taking 2 courses (Anatomy/campus and Math/online). I have also mapped out my 3 remaining semesters (including this summer and next). I am set to graduate after the Fall 2013 semester. The end is finally in sight.

This weekend was the MNOC reunion. It's always great to see my family. I had a lot of fun and enjoyed a long day of watching hockey with everyone. We also celebrated all of the April birthdays in the family (there are a lot). My birthday cake was Bruins themed and it looked AWESOME. It also tasted great (although it was so hard to cut into it).

Me with my cake! We matched :)

The CAKE!

The Bruins are playing the Capitals in the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. The series is currently tied 1-1. LET'S GO BRUINS! There is nothing better than playoff hockey.