Ouch!
I've dislocated ankles, wrists and even a hip before. My mom even referred to one shoulder as "permanently dislocated." But this is the first time it has ever hurt THIS much!!
Looks like what happened is I weakened the elbow doing yard work, such is the nature of spring. Then I made the mistake of reaching for something on the table and was hit with an amazing wave of pain! I iced it, rested it, checked it out and knew it had dislocated and managed to reset it a day later, but the pain wouldn't go away.
After another day I called my Dr, and he sent me to an orthopedist. The ortho found that I had reset the elbow but managed to seriously pull the muscles and tendons around it until the elbow was so weak it keeps slipping - hence the continual pain.
He wrapped it and had me measured for yet another brace. This time it is a compression brace, from the same company that makes the shoulder brace I have had wonderful luck with. I'll wear the brace (once it arrives) for several weeks so the elbow can start healing, then begin yet another set of strengthening exercises. At least it wasn't too serious (I was afraid I was finally facing surgery and pins - pushed that one off a while longer :-) )
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Taking Winter One Day at a Time
I wish I could say that things are getting easier. At least it seems that EDS is getting more manageable.
I think the biggest help has been in the area of pain management. If I can keep my pain under control then I don't seem to have as many episodes of clumsiness or exhaustion. What is seeming to help the most are little things that I wouldn't have expected to make such a big impact.
For example, keeping a pair of thin knit gloves around and remembering to wear them whenever I go out (even if just to take out the trash). For longer excursions outside or even driving I have found that Isotoner gloves are amazingly comfortable, keep my hands warm and even help stabilize the loose finger joints. Now, if I could just find a pair of gloves that allow me to operate the latch on my dog's leash!
Another thing that is helping is to remember to rest. Sounds silly, but the little change of stopping and lying down for 30 minutes instead of pushing through until I complete something works wonders! I am only able to do this on the weekends, but it helps enough right now that my pushing through the work week isn't leaving me as worn out by Saturday as it used to.
I think the biggest help has been in the area of pain management. If I can keep my pain under control then I don't seem to have as many episodes of clumsiness or exhaustion. What is seeming to help the most are little things that I wouldn't have expected to make such a big impact.
For example, keeping a pair of thin knit gloves around and remembering to wear them whenever I go out (even if just to take out the trash). For longer excursions outside or even driving I have found that Isotoner gloves are amazingly comfortable, keep my hands warm and even help stabilize the loose finger joints. Now, if I could just find a pair of gloves that allow me to operate the latch on my dog's leash!
Another thing that is helping is to remember to rest. Sounds silly, but the little change of stopping and lying down for 30 minutes instead of pushing through until I complete something works wonders! I am only able to do this on the weekends, but it helps enough right now that my pushing through the work week isn't leaving me as worn out by Saturday as it used to.
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