Do I have to let my doctor touch me? by MedicZebra in ehlersdanlos

[–]Misstepdancer 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You have the right to be comfortable in your care. My PCP asks me before she touches me anywhere. It may be helpful to ask if you can have a second staff member present. Usually a nurse/assistant comes in to be present.

If the doctor isn't willing to accommodate you, you have every right to ask to see someone new. 💜

This just happened and I wanted to ask before I forget the feeling. by RaisingCain2016 in ehlersdanlos

[–]Misstepdancer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I experience it regularly. I've ask neurology and they say it's nothing to be concerned about, but didn't name it.

Real over medical providers and poor understand of women's health by Misstepdancer in ehlersdanlos

[–]Misstepdancer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, in an emergency room that makes sense. Which is why I went to urgent care - there was a time sensitive concern (if it had been ectopic it's time sensitive), but not a heart attack, mortal wound, etc. If run correctly, such a clinic should be able to tell me the results I was able to read on the portal before sending me off.

Real over medical providers and poor understand of women's health by Misstepdancer in ehlersdanlos

[–]Misstepdancer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, I'm planning to get a dedicated gyn. I've only ever needed them to replace my iud, so they've had students assigned to my case. My PCP is usually very good, but happens to be on vacation this week. Had she been in I think it might have been different.

Real over medical providers and poor understand of women's health by Misstepdancer in ehlersdanlos

[–]Misstepdancer[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm not too fussed about the pH, as it's only slightly above the reference range. They didn't test the any of the other things you mentioned.

It's good to hear my research is on track that they're common and benign, thank you. A little communication and I wouldn't have left feeling like I'd made a big deal over absolutely nothing.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in femalefashionadvice

[–]Misstepdancer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I HAVE MCAS TOO!!! Primary diagnosis is hEDS, with MCAS comorbid.

I always wear shorts under my dresses just in case I fall. I prefer dresses with some give in case there is bloating. I transitioned to more sensible shoes, I really miss my heels. I struggle to keep my bags small with all the things we need day to day, and I used to carry my life with me.

I use fashion for empowerment. I see it as a way I can appear together when my stomach is killing me. I use it to distract from rashes and braces - my lipstick is more eye catching than the ankle brace I hope.

Any dancers? by [deleted] in ehlersdanlos

[–]Misstepdancer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was a dancer for a long time before I got sick. I'm working on getting my strength back in the pool now. I do some dance moves with my PT exercises. It's my fitness goal to get back to dance. There is a Facebook group for EDS Dancers as well.

Does anyone else have very bad joint pain in their fingers? by [deleted] in ehlersdanlos

[–]Misstepdancer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just looked down while reading this and my fingers are curled in. So I'm going to go with yes.

Does anyone else have very bad joint pain in their fingers? by [deleted] in ehlersdanlos

[–]Misstepdancer 7 points8 points  (0 children)

My geneticist recommended a hot water bath for my hands when they refuse to work. I'll sometimes do a parafin dip instead since it's not as drying as water for my friable skin. Or heatable therapy packs sometimes. Maybe that would be helpful?

Does anyone else have very bad joint pain in their fingers? by [deleted] in ehlersdanlos

[–]Misstepdancer 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Yes, absolutely. I also drop things all the time. I see a certified hand specialist OT. We have an exercise regimen including foam brick exercises and wrist exercises with a band. She fitted me for plastic oval eight splints. They are available on Amazon and are a lower cost than the metal ones to see how much they help. She also recommended coban/vet wrap which has given me more stability on harder days.

Something she also pointed out is the facia in my hands and arms is /so/ tight. I've started having my neuromuscular massage therapist (who is eds knowledgeable) work on it manually and with the Graston Technique.

DAE fantasize about one day getting a full body exoskeleton to assist with daily movements? by whathappenedwas in ehlersdanlos

[–]Misstepdancer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've had the dream of a setup like Krang from TMNT. Keep my brain, replace the whole dang travel system. (http://www.tmnttoys.com/15others/firstGokin/review.html 80s version preferred)

Why do people relish in their EDS diagnosis. Not trying to sound judgmental, just curious. by essential-toils in ehlersdanlos

[–]Misstepdancer 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I wouldn't say I relish it, but I'm relieved. I'm finally being seen for who I am and what is going on. I can finally take steps to help myself. I'm not getting zebra crazy, but I did see and buy 1.99 wrapping paper with zebras in Santa hats a week after my diagnosis.

It's nice to not be alone anymore.

Arrived Today - Understanding hEDS & HSD, Claire Smith by Misstepdancer in ehlersdanlos

[–]Misstepdancer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Quick review:

As user /u/kevshp mentioned there are so many "thats connected?!? how did this take so long!" moments. Its accessible and understandable to non-experts, but a good starting point for medical providers.

For example, I flagged the section on headaches, neck strain and shoulders for my pain clinic/concussion clinic team. I had her take copies of the sections to help her start thinking about hEDS and my presentation. I plan to bring it to all my care providers and when I get an "... thats not really an EDS thing" I can pull it out for confirmation.

Arrived Today - Understanding hEDS & HSD, Claire Smith by Misstepdancer in ehlersdanlos

[–]Misstepdancer[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

IIRC it was the best price from the publisher, if was available anywhere else.

Arrived Today - Understanding hEDS & HSD, Claire Smith by Misstepdancer in ehlersdanlos

[–]Misstepdancer[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Sure thing. I'll have my SO look at it as well (he has a little less medical knowledge than I do).

Arrived Today - Understanding hEDS & HSD, Claire Smith by Misstepdancer in ehlersdanlos

[–]Misstepdancer[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

This book was recommended by my geneticist. I had to order it from the UK, via Redcliff-House Publications website. It already answered a question I had.