(no subject)

[holly_evolving]

So it's probably not Lupus...but I have been diagnosed with joint hyper-mobility syndrome. This means that the connective tissues (tendons and ligaments) in the affected joints are less dense than they are supposed to be, which causes slippage of the joints. Essentially, I hyperextend those joints all the time without knowing it. As long as I keep the muscles flexible, it shouldn't progress beyond soreness, although there are cases of HMS turning into something more severe (I can't remember the name) but it's rare and there's no warning, so why worry? There are no outward symptoms to HMS, so it usally gets written off as some sort of non-specific pain disorder. Doesn't help that it's pretty rare and little research has been done. Which joints, do you ask? With the exception of my ribs, I clear the 95th percentile for hyper-mobility at EVERY JOINT IN MY BODY. Wrists, knees, elbows, neck, the works. Hence I'm so sore everywhere all the time. Right now, the only known treatment is to keep my muscles flexible (to avoid tearing when the joints dislocate) and take anti-inflammatories as needed.

My dad has cancer. Specifically, he had malignant tumors on his colon, which spread to his liver, but they've already been removed and he's on chemo. This in the space of two weeks. I haven't really had the time to react to any of it, since I just found out a couple of hours ago. My head is spinning and I'm completely overwhelmed. He's at Beth Israel of Boston under the care of Dr. Goldstein, and since my godfather has made a number of generous contributions to the hospital, my dad gets what he needs the second he needs it. So he'll be fine...hell, he's fine now. But it's cancer. He's on an epidural till the worst of the pain is over, and my godmother says he's in a great mood...how I feel changes by the second.

Comments

[unkyjar.livejournal.com]

Damn. When it rains it pours. I'm sorry to hear about the abuses that life is throwing you. I wish your dad luck.

As for you, have you considered regular physical therapy treatments and/or trigger point injections to help alleviate the pain? I mean, it may not be cureable, but the discomfort should be treatable.

[crazyman1108.livejournal.com]

dealing with cancer is never easy, trust me, I know. Best we can all do is have support for them when they need us. So far, with the progress in cancer medicine now than 5 years ago, he should have a better chance of surviving it.

Loretta, I'll be here if ya ever need any support.

[cosmic-hiccup.livejournal.com]

Remember, I've got the fairy hookup. Let me know.

[galenide14.livejournal.com]

Honestly, with all that's happening in your life, I can't think of anything I should say that's appropriate. It's been a while since I've seen you, and the LJ is the only way we've kept in touch. Just so you know, I'm thinking of you despite being so far away. I'm sure that you won't let this get to you, and that you're willing to adjust to maximize your level of happiness.

BTW, did George ever give you the gift I bought you from Japan?

[liliane.livejournal.com]

:hugs: I don't know what else to say, except remember to breathe. Hope everything turns out ok...

I wish I could say something appropriate..

[arxacies.livejournal.com]

But I'm afraid I'm at a loss for words. I'll just say that I'll remember you in my meditations and prayers before work this very night. It isn't much, I know, but it is all I can offer.

[shushanna.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. I hope everything turns out alright. I'm glad he's getting such good care.

The joint thing really sucks. How long have you been affected by it?

[aiden803.livejournal.com]

good to hear that your dad is doing ok. i hope everything turns out ok with you. oh, i sent an invite to you a while ago for the marklandcircle lj group. don't know if you got it.

[demethos.livejournal.com]

That's a lot to take in over two weeks..I hope things get better for you.

[phaelen1971.livejournal.com]

Hi there. I just wanted to say that I am sorry to hear that your father is ill. I know all too well how that is probably making you feel. But with hope, everything will turn out just fine. Take care of yourself too though, ok?