18 did not treat me too kindly. One year ago today, on my 18th birthday, I was incapable of sitting upright due to severe symptoms and debilitating pain. My day was spent horizontal in my hospital bed with Covid, recovering from surgery and a recent admission. Actually, about a third of my 18th year was spent in the hospital.
There were multiple terrifying times when I didn’t think I would live to be 19 years old, but here I am, doing better than I have in a very long time. Yes, I still require a walker/wheelchair, port, and a feeding tube, but my quality of life has improved drastically. EDS is a syndrome that affects each person uniquely and can fluctuate in severity over time.
Gratefully, I seem to be moving in the right direction and I am choosing to make the most of it because the future can’t be predicted, especially for me (for better or worse). So, living in the moment and finding joy wherever I can is my choice.
Today, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for simply being alive and surrounded by an amazing support system. Cautiously optimistic, I am hopeful that 19 will be a much better year. Thank you all for encouraging me during the lows and celebrating with me during the highs.
Long story short being 18 was a bad time. Long story short I survived.
