Living in a world where I cannot keep warm seems like a punishment from the devil. Starting at age 9, my body’s ability to bring adequate Blood flow to my hands and feet stopped.
The disease started slow as my hands and feet only turned white on certain occasions. But as I got older, my body got taller and thinner, stretching the already thin and weak blood vessels further. Soon I wasn’t able to stay warm in cold temperatures and extreme temperature differences that occurred within a short period of time.
| Image Credit MayoClinic/Outdoorsnw.com |
My body no longer just requires cold weather to trigger the pain and discoloration of my hands and feet. A sudden cool breeze in the summer and air conditioning can trigger an attack. At first, I ignored the pain. Eventually, I was so numb from the pain that I didn’t notice when the discoloration appeared on my toes.
As time went along, my ability to move was severely altered. Writing with hands that have no blood flow or low oxygen proved impossible. The way I walked changed as I subconsciously moved the alignment of my feet to counteract the increased pain. But this proved to be a big mistake.
Many times I would wear several heavy socks with a hand warmer attached directly to my skin. Because of the pressure from the hand warmer, I started walking strangely.
Even with the added clothing and extra precautions to stay warm, my body wasn’t able to regulate a healthy temperature. As I got older, the symptoms only got worse.
Right after I turned 19, I noticed changes with my right arm and hand. My hand would go numb and my arm would freeze up from the tips of my fingers to my shoulder blade. Shortly after, I lost all mobility and feeling in my right hand and arm. My initial thought was that I was having a heart attack. As the new symptoms continued happening, I went to see a specialist.
After being thrown from one doctor to the next and getting tested on, I was told I had Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. The syndrome was caused by blocked blood vessel and arteries in my right shoulder. I started with physical therapy, but later took my chances with surgery.
| The small scar from the Thoracic outlet surgery |
At 20, I went through Thoracic Surgery where a cardiothoracic surgeon partially removed my first rib in an attempt to unblock nerves and blood vessels going to my right arm. The surgery didn’t work and I have to live with both the pain from the syndrome and the complications from the surgery.
With Raynaud’s phenomenon, the Thoracic Outlet flourished. I have to wear a glove on my right hand because my fingers get so cold that if they touch, piercing pain will shoot up my arm. Eventually, Raynaud’s phenomenon and Thoracic outlet controlled my life. I stopped painting, drawing, exercising, and moving. I was headed nowhere good, fast.
It wasn’t till I got a job at an assistant living home that my outlook on life changed. The clients would look up to me no matter how much I struggled. Once I worked at the assistant living home for six months, I made a New Year’s resolution to change my life.
I knew I had an increased risk of blood clots with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and gangrene with Raynaud’s phenomenon. I took baby steps to improving my life starting with eating a healthier diet. I completely cut out red meat and pre-processed food from my diet and based my meals on fresh and organically grown produce and white meat.
Every day I exercise for twenty minutes. I don't care if I'm tired and exhausted after a long day of work; I do sit-ups, push-ups, and planks every day. And I drink fluids with calories and minerals to help boost my immune system. Slowly but surely, my body became stronger.
Though lifting ten pounds may seem effortless for many, the ability to lift anything with my right arm is an accomplishment. My doctor checkup proved my efforts were working. My blood sugar level dropped significantly for the first time since I was in elementary school. My blood pressure leveled out and got closer to what an adult my age and weight should be. I even gained a few pounds!
| Image Credit Natividad Medical Center/NMCweightloss.com |
If it wasn’t for being diagnosed with Raynaud’s phenomenon and Thoracic outlet syndrome, I couldn’t see myself trying so hard to improve my health. Having a disease isn’t fun, but having a disease may be the one thing that saves your life. The strength I have today wouldn’t exist if I wasn’t forced into a situation where I had to take care of myself.
Some people get motivation from others. Much of my motivation came from the encouragement from my doctors. I told myself that I wasn’t going to let myself fall apart. My strength is what you’re seeing today.
Stormy Eye Design was built in collaboration with my natural talents and struggles in mind. Without the advice from my doctors and specialists, I wouldn’t be where I’m today. Some procedures didn’t go well, but other did and are helping me live a better life. Take a minute to thank your doctor the next time you see them. They really are life savers!
