Humility. God sometimes humbles us not because we are living in pride but to be a source of comfort, hope and testimony to those around us. Paul was humbled by some trial in his life (some thing it was medical) and yet look at the books of the Bible he wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the trips he traveled visiting the churches and the persecutions he endured. His testimony was clear. “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” (II Corinthians 12:7) God chose to allow me to have a thorn in my flesh but through it all I am learning how to live more closely to Him and how to choose joy. What is my thorn? A genetic disorder called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Ehlers-Danlos has some interesting features that I’ve been finding out more and more. I don’t like to talk about it a lot because I don’t want to be perceived as complaining and yet sometimes it’s good to learn. EDS is as different as fingerprints for people. Symptoms are so wide-ranging and it affects each person in a myriad of different ways. The one pictures above is something that always almost amuses me because I can be walking a straight line on a walkway that is smooth as glass and I can sprain my ankle by just taking a step. Sometimes I can be brushing my hair and my thumb gets sprained. It makes for fun times.
How do we detect EDS? The joint syndrome (hypermobility) is only detectable by these types of tests. So when we see the doctor we bend and flex and show them our talents. The UK seems to be ahead of the USA on information and detection for EDS. You can check out one of their websites here.
I found this interesting because it is showing me why I can or cannot get things done some days. This chart isn’t just for children but adults have these issues, too.
I hope to help someone who is suffering discover why they are suffering. There is no cure but knowing is half the battle as we live day by day dealing with one thing at a time. It really isn’t so bad because my blessings far outweigh my pain. When needing distractions from the pain, check out a book I wrote (with my grandfather posthumously) here.
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