Daily Struggles

      What does EDS mean for me? Lately I have been having some bad days. I went a good two months symptom-free, but it always comes back without warning. I cannot walk too far at all without my legs deciding they are done. When they decide they are done, they feel like jello and I can hardly keep it together to make it to chair. The pain is sort of throbbing, tingling, but so deep I cannot get to it. I want to beat on my legs with my fists. It doesn't help, but for some reason I do it anyway. And its not just when I'm walking. Trying to sleep is always an issue because I cant get comfortable. The picture above is from a support group I am in. EDS is a connective tissue disorder that affects your whole body. Yes, your whole body! Think of everywhere you have joints or muscle... connective tissue holds them together. My connective tissue is faulty. The girl in the picture is wearing braces. I have them all. In a bin in my room is my "EDS" bin with physical therapy things, knee braces, a back brace, and custom wrist braces. Luckily, I don't have to wear them all the time and never at the same time. Its just a daily thing. I wake up and decide if it is a good or bad day and what needs bracing. I did learn the hard way that if I act too tough and do not wear the brace I need, it will dislocate! I used to end up at MD 360 or the ER with dislocations, but now that I know what it is and that it will happen often, I am able to "relocate" things on my own. OUCH!
      I have been trying to find positive moments in this past week as I have been struggling with the pain and being annoyed that it is slowing me down. I was reading my "Jesus Calling" every night before bed, and every night it spoke to me in some way or another. For example, on June 27th (a particularly bad day) it said "Rest with me a while. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey." What an awesome thing to hear! Though I do not know what my body will feel like day to day, HE DOES. He is there ahead of me and promises not only to watch over me, but to equip me for whatever awaits. Isn't that so reassuring? Whatever you are going through right now whether it be health related, relational, financial, anything....He has equipped you to handle it and He is there before you.
     I have been so encouraged by the comments from some of you and how this has touched your life or someone you know. I encourage you to leave comments on the blog for others to see, as a lot of people may be encouraged by them too. As you read this blog, know I am praying for you! For whatever journey lies ahead, and whatever journey you have been on already.

"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Genesis 28:15