Sunday and Monday were travel days for my family. In total we drove over 1000 miles. When we left, my ankles and feet were very swollen. I knew that this was a really bad way to start such a long a trip. I really wished that I could elevate my legs, but we were crammed in a Civic. We tried to walk every two hours, but massage saved me.
I rubbed very hard up from the top of my foot all the way to my knee. I took turns and massaged each leg. Doing this massage for most of the trip really helped. Now that I’ve been home a couple of days my ankles and feet are almost normal. There is just a little puffiness on my ankles.
The trip we were on kept us away from home for almost 6 weeks. We were so happy to get off the road and be back in our own beds. I planned to stay in my pajamas for many days and just keep my feet up.
Yesterday, I had an appointment with my orthopedic doctor. When I had my broken shoulder and surgery to repair it, a lot of screws and a metal plate was left to hold my arm together. The last few months I have felt a dull ache in the area where I broke my arm. I wanted to have the doctor check it out.
I got really good news! My bone had totally healed, the plate and screws were all in place, and he said my range of motion was amazing. I mentioned to him that maybe the EDS was giving me that ability. But, he said that he had seen many EDS patients who never regained that amount of motion after a broken shoulder.
The doctor also said that he didn’t think I would ever need a shoulder replacement. Yay! He believes that the pain I felt was from the small amount of arthritis in the bone. This is what I was hoping he would say. I didn’t want arthritis, but I already have it and it’s a better problem than having to go back in and do a surgical repair.
My body is trying to recover from all the traveling and I will keep doing nothing until I feel better. My pain has increased and I’m having constant allergic reactions. Living on tons of Benadryl isn’t working for me. I’m so sleepy and can’t think straight while I’m on this awful medicine. I’m in conversations with my doctor to see about taking low doses of Prednisone all the time. Traveling is tough!
Thankfully, my son took it upon himself to put up most of our bags and suitcases when we got home. He also did four loads of laundry and cleaned up the kitchen. What a blessing! Sometimes when I feel the worst, I get a little unexpected miracle and it’s so encouraging. Thank you, God!
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Is. 40:31
@2022, copyright Lisa Ehrman
Disclaimer: I’m not a medical expert. This post contains my opinions and experiences and is not meant to be taken as medical advice. If you have a medical opinion, please consult your personal physician.
