Strength Within

Of course, everyone has their strengths, weaknesses, and struggles.  It's not surprising when we find out that we aren't the only ones in the world with problems and challenges.  What still surprises me, though, is how good people are with hiding the struggles and challenges they face daily and frequently.  Through these struggles and challenges, we don't become stronger, but we learn how much strength is within us.  We all have the strength within us to overcome everything that comes our way; however, the question is whether or not you will find and properly label that strength used to overcome challenges.
I have been given many chances to find and understand the strength within me.  I was able to find this strength through battling depression, anxiety, separation anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, being bullied, and surviving being sexually assaulted.  After all the challenges I have already fought through, now I have another challenge.  This challenge, "the collagen problem", will likely be with me for the rest of my life.  The technical term for this new challenge is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type 3- Hypermobility Type or EDS-3.  I officially am diagnosed with Hypermobility Syndrome and will likely be diagnosed with EDS 3 soon, by the Medical Genetic Doctor at University of Michigan.  With this challenge, I am faced with horrible pain globally throughout my body.  EDS-3 is an inherited connective tissue disorder that affects the collagen in the body.  It can be quite common to have joint dislocations with EDS-3, which cause an immense amount of pain.  I can also manipulate my joints in ways that isn't normal, just as my knees and elbows can straighten past the normal degrees, and I can bend joints past the regular points.  Even though it is something that is possible, I try to avoid doing crazy things with my joints if I can, because it tends to cause excess pain sometimes.
Basically, this blog is to document my journey with learning about Hypermobility Syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type 3, share my story and what I learn with everyone, and to inform those who have never heard of or fully understood this disorder.
Sending gentle hugs to you all!
Carley