Just one Debbie-Downer post...

Most of you already know that I have a connective tissue disorder. But what does that really mean?? I've had tons of broken bones, torn ligaments and tendons and so many surgeries that I lost count a long time ago!

I spent most of my high school and college years in and out of the operating room and sported hundreds of very sparkly and brightly colored casts and splints. I wasn't able to play sports and I missed so many days of school that my classmates probably didn't know the real me. I won't ever be able to do push-ups (not that I really want to! HE HE) or play many sports. I pray every single day that Kalvin won't have this genetic disorder as well!

Today I was very disappointed when my hand surgeon's appointment office called and cancelled my appointment for Wednesday. This appointment had been scheduled since January and now he's completely booked up until the end of July... I try not to complain too much about hurting. No one wants to hear that and I definitely don't want people treating me differently. Because I was pregnant and now I'm still nursing, I haven't been able to do any 'regular maintenance' on my hands. No surgeries or cortisone shots... Carrying around a 20 pound baby has definitely taken a toll of them! My thumbs are just waiting patiently (or not so patiently!) for the day I can have my joint replacement surgeries done! Hopefully in the fall...

My hands are like road maps with all the scars. I also don't remember how many screws are in there anymore! I don't like wearing bracelets or watches because they rub on my scars.

I dread shaking hands with people because I fear they are going to hurt my hands even worse...

Pink is my favorite color for a cast...especially when they add sparkles! I have a special wardrobe for after surgeries that includes shirts with one sleeve cut off, fluffy down vests instead of coats and anything with very stretchy sleeves...

My mom has been at every single surgery, come along to 99.9% of my appointments and helped me out with all the recoveries. She's washed my hair, wiped my butt, and dressed me countless times :) What would we do without moms??

I enjoy matching my cast colors with the holidays or planning outfits around what color my cast is.

I often wonder...Why me?? Why am I the one who has to go through all this?? I just need to remember that there are so many people in the world suffering and those people would gladly take my problems over theirs! I am truly blessed with a wonderful family, a great husband, and the most smiley little boy ever!