On to 2016

It's time to turn the page on 2015....

It is hard to believe that 2015 is coming to a close, though I can't say I will miss it. It certainly has been a challenging year for both myself and my family, but as always, I am blessed to be surrounded by some amazing people.

A lot has happened in 2015...to name a few:

I had brain surgery just before 2015 kicked off and have spent the vast majority of the year recovering from a surgery that provided no relief.

I broke my ankle 2 weeks before having another hip surgery (on the other leg)--just my luck!

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from nursing school and passed the boards in early Fall. I am officially a licensed RN.

In September I had a tibial derotational osteotomy, spent 14 weeks in a cast post-op, but I am finally completely out of a cast/walking boot for the first time in almost 4 years. I am also thrilled with the outcome so far, as the ankle pain and swelling I dealt with for years is nearly gone.

I was unable to update often...I was incredibly busy with nursing school, studying, and surgeries. So here is a final update in 2015-- joint by joint, problem by problem:

Head/Neck (Chiari Malformation)
Unfortunately, I still have headaches all day, everyday. They are particularly bad when it rains, but even when it isn't raining I don't feel great. Early in January I will receive another opinion to see why I did not respond to surgery and subsequent attempts at relief. Hopefully that will provide some more answers and options.

POTS
I have good days and bad days. I am still learning all of my triggers but bad POTS days tend to correspond with bad headache days. Other triggers include dehydration and low sodium. Sometimes POTS episodes just happen with position changes with no other known trigger.

Shoulder
My left shoulder started dislocating again while on crutches for my last two surgeries. I have been working on strengthening the scapula to help stabilize the surrounding areas to prevent daily dislocations.

Knees
I have residual knee pain from previous surgeries but they remain stable and do not impact my daily activities.

Ankle
Although I am still lacking strength as a result of immobility from the derotational tibial osteotomy in September, my ankle pain that I had been dealing with for years has finally improved and the swelling has calmed down as well. I am very happy with my decision to go through with the osteotomy as I most certainly notice a difference. I am still recovering from that surgery and will continue with PT for awhile longer as I regain strength and ROM.

Hips
I am convinced I re-tore the labrum in my left hip...AGAIN--but we are going to ignore it for now as it doesn't really impact daily activities. I have already had this labrum repaired twice. I have residual hip pain from previous surgeries but for the most part my hips function well enough. I had hip surgery in July to repair the labrum in my right hip, and recovery has gone very smoothly.

CRPS
I am happy to report that CRPS has been in "remission" for quite some time and I did not have any issues with flares during the last year.

One of the highlights of 2015 - The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl and brought another championship back to the City of Champions- BOSTON!

I love my sports teams but nothing comes close to the Bruins. They provide a distraction from pain and give me something to focus on so that I don't become consumed and overwhelmed by the daily challenges and pain of EDS and Chiari.

Tomorrow the Bruins will open the New Year at Gillette Stadium, home of the 2015 Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots, for the 2016 Winter Classic. Go B's!

Every year, everyday, I continue to learn more about myself, my disorders, my capabilities and strengths, and I continue to adapt and adjust as necessary. Having a wonderful support system of family and friends, doctors, surgeons, and therapists makes this all possible. I am truly blessed.

I usually end with my goals for the year, but right now I have far too many to list...so here's to taking positive steps in 2016, one (very small) step at a time ;)

I hope 2016 is a healthier and happier year for everyone!

As Bill Belichick would say....we're "On to 2016"