Just a "zebra" trying my best to live life to the fullest with EDS and POTS...and loving the ride.

Posts Tagged ‘Dr. Lavallee’

Riding the Roller Coaster

Written by Katie. Posted in Challenges

Let me just say that I am realizing that Ehlers Danlos and POTS are such weird disorders.  There is so much inconsistency with how they affect me day to day.  Last week was such a better week for me.  I didn’t need my cervical collar as much, it felt like my meds were really doing a good job controlling the POTS, and I was able to rehab with much more stamina. Then Sunday and Monday came and POTS and EDS decided to hit me like a ton of bricks.  My joints felt so loose and I had to use my wheelchair again.  Sigh.

I keep saying I just don’t understand these disorders.  I have kept journal after journal trying to pinpoint patterns so I can try and predict good days and not so good days.  So far these are a few of the patterns I have been able to find…

Five For Friday 1/28/11

Written by Katie. Posted in Five For Friday

Overall, it has been a better week. I feel like I have been a rehab’n machine, which is good since my health is my job these days.

1.  Medical Stuff:

  • Had 2 sessions of PT. Had to wear my new shirt to PT on Wednesday:
  • Saw the GI doc at U of M on Tuesday, and was prescribed Domperidone for stomach flares.
  • Saw my new PCP on Wednesday.  He was very willing to learn with me.   I think he will be a good fit.
  • Saw the high risk pregnancy doctor on Thursday.  I learned quite a bit…Brad and I have a lot to think about.
  • Started Florinef and the Testosterone cream. So far so good.  No chest hair yet.
  • Did a lot of home rehab exercises including these…
 I have such a love-HATE relationship with these superwoman’s.
I feel like such a weakling but I gotta keep at it…Plus I’m taking Testosterone 🙂

Ehlers Danlos in South Bend

Written by Katie. Posted in Ehlers-Danlos Appointments

After seeing Dr. Cantieri, we headed to South Bend.


My next appointment was with Dr. Lavallee, who is a sports medicine doctor, who also specializes in Ehlers Danlos.  He actually has Ehlers Danlos; the classical type, meaning it affects his skin and he also has the extreme joint hypermobility.  I had no idea what to expect from this appointment, except I was pretty excited to talk to a doctor who actually lives with what I am living with.