tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7719452176286774578.post7137625882047400194..comments2023-03-22T07:06:56.967-06:00Comments on Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome-Deal With It: Awareness MonthBubbleGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932935674980101062noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7719452176286774578.post-87257292151359445282012-05-08T13:08:48.554-06:002012-05-08T13:08:48.554-06:00The best advice I've received (and often ignor...The best advice I've received (and often ignored) is to REALLY listen to your body, and allow yourself to rest as often as you need it. <br /><br />If that means you take 2-3 times as long to do the dishes, so be it.<br /><br />Each of us responds differently to any type of pain medication. Some people find releif from over-the-counter medications, but most of us need prescription-grade pain killers to ease the pain. If you find that after a week or two of using a medication, it hasn't helped at all, go back to the doctor, and tell them what's going on, and see if they'll give you something else to try. Sometimes "different" is better than "stronger" when it comes to pain medication, so don't just assume more of the same will be better. <br /><br />Some people find an anti-depressant is a great way to reduce pain, as well as improve your mood -though I've not had any success myself with those. <br /><br />Heat and/or cold can be helpful for fresh injuries. Also, getting your dislocated joints back where they belong as quickly as possible will reduce the amount of swelling and discomfort.<br /><br />For the mental/emotional side of it, I would recommend talking to someone in greif counselling. I know this sounds strange, but a diagnosis of a life-long ailment feels like you've lost your health, and it needs to be mourned. <br /><br />There are also groups and forums all over the internet where EDS patients go to find other EDS patients for advice, and even just to find someone who can say "I've been there" because sometimes that's enough.<br /><br />If you have any specific questions, feel free to e-mail me or comment again. Here are some great resources for when you're starting out:<br /><br />Facebook Groups "Ehlers Danlos Syndrome" or "EDS Today"<br /><br />www.ednf.org<br /><br />www.prettyill.com<br /><br />www.ehlers-danlos.org<br /><br />drbradtinkle.comBubbleGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00932935674980101062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7719452176286774578.post-45146124609616280352012-05-08T09:38:00.431-06:002012-05-08T09:38:00.431-06:00Hi just found your site. Recent diagnosis in my 30...Hi just found your site. Recent diagnosis in my 30's. Having lots of pain and problems. Really struggling physically and mentally, any advice would be great.<br /><br />Am based in Scotland UK.<br /><br />Thanks <br /><br />JoJohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16845050456629255798noreply@blogger.com