affirmation

I've heard an expression that suggests that people don't need a good talking to, but rather a good listening to. I wholeheartedly agree and think that someone actively listening to one's problems, concerns or sorrows can do a great deal to relieve them.

The Dr at North York Hospital, who happens to be the same Dr Cory saw in 2008 for genetic testing for breast cancer, asked questions, listened, took family and personal histories, and confirmed that Paula and Erin have Ehlers Danlos syndrome, and that I likely do as well. It doesn't change the fact that there is very little that can be done about it, but we are affirmed for the reality that, until now, Dr after Dr had no answers for. Just knowing that there is a reason for everything that's happening makes it easier to deal with. She is also passing along a program of suggested activities to reduce the impact of the illness. These include harm prevention, building muscle to support the joints, getting enough rest, and pain reduction/treatment. I'm super excited that the things she suggested are things that I have been doing already, to some degree. I look forward to seeing the suggestions to fine tune the things I have implemented. It's also affirming that my instincts about what I needed to do to care for myself are right on.

It was an emotional day, but also quite fun at times. We really didn't mean to laugh at Erin's hiccups, but Cory couldn't seem to help herself. Honestly, after 3 months straight, day and night, I'm surprised she hasn't killed someone; I'm pretty sure Cory or I would have by now. I enjoyed the time with the three of them, and traffic on the way home was much better than on the way there. We took our own food too, so it was no pressure about what, when or where we would eat!

"Knowledge is two-fold, and consists not only in an affirmation of what is true, but in the negation of that which is false." Charles Caleb Colton

...and I like the challenge in this one...
"Practice rather than preach. Make of your life an affirmation, defined by your ideals, not the negation of others. Dare to the level of your capability then go beyond to a higher level." Alexander Haig

Love, elly