Re: Christmas day injuries

[Guest guest]

Hi Holli,

If I remember correctly you have Ehlers Danlos plus CMT right? It is the double

whammy, and from what I can tell it works like this (my own observations from my

own ED/CMT combo inserted):

1. ED gives loose ligaments

2. CMT means slow signals to muscles meaning they respond slower and

weaker (esp weaker as CMT progresses)

3. When tired, the CMT kicks in and the nerves kind of take longer

4. Meaning the muscles are slower to engage

5. Muscle engagement is what holds joints together, along with

ligaments

6. As the ligaments are loose anyway, when tired the muscles engage slower,

meaning that the joints are indeed more unstable

7. So when we are tired we can injure our joints easier

I always have problems with hyperextension when I am tired, and it is

important for me to realise that, and when I dislocated my elbow it was after an

overnight flight and a physio stretch out, so I think I just did not respond

well to a fall and bang, an accident.

The thing about arms (elbow and shoulders) is that the ulnar nerve transits

through the shoulder region and elbow to the hand. If your fingers are number,

it is likely that you jarred the nerve with the dislocation. My doctor for my

elbow asked me if I had a fizz in my fingers following the dislocation from the

nerve being jarred. Keep an eye on the numbness as you could have done

something to the nerve.

I am starting serious arm strengthening in the new year, to help keep my joints

stable and to keep my reconstructed elbow strong (surgery in mid October). If I

pick up any tips I will let you know.

Best wishes for the new year,

Donna from London