Snap, Crackle, and Pop... My Joints

Hey Zebras and my wonderful family and friends!
I posted this picture on my Facebook after it made me laugh pretty hard. In case anyone doesn't get it, I wanted to explain a little. Part of this painful syndrome is dislocations and subluxations. To dislocate something, it has to completely be popped out of place. I have had my left knee completely dislocate twice in my life and have had my elbow and shoulder dislocate. A subluxation is when something gives out or feels like it's going to dislocate, but doesn't. Both are really scary. I have had subluxations numerous times in my life. It's pretty frequent and very frustrating.
Another thing quite common is joints popping and cracking. Alot of times, for me, if I don't crack or pop a joint, I continue to have pain and sometimes it increases. Popping and cracking joints helps with pain. It also helps because joints slip out of place so much. 

Life Changing Diagnosis

Yesterday, I received the life changing diagnosis that will impact my life greatly.  I'm actually excited to have this diagnosis because now, the search for an answer to the big picture is complete. Now, I don't have to wonder what's wrong, now I wonder,  what is the best way to treat it.
So, are you ready? The official diagnosis, by a geneticist at University of Michigan, is I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type. The good thing about this type is is not going to alter my life span, like some of the other types do. A really good link to understand more about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type is EDNF.org. it's really important to understand that each type of EDS has different genetic makeup and, with a diagnosis of one, I don't have to worry about it progressing to a different type. It can get worse, the pain, dislocations, and subluxations can get worse and more frequent though. It's not the best diagnosis to have. There are alot of struggles and pain ahead of me, but with my family, friends, and most importantly, God with me, there is nothing I can't get through. I love you all! Please email me at carley.cook1@gmail.com or contact me through whatever avenue you can if you have questions or comments. Keep in mind though, I'm learning too!
I love you guys!
Gentle hugs!


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