1. Medical Stuff:

• 1 Day of PT. Had a breakdown since my ribs felt like they were on fire. My therapist did tons of gentle OMM, and it helped quite a bit. I left moving and breathing better.
• 2 Days of Home Rehab.
• My gastroparesis is still flaring. Time to cut out certain foods until it calms down.

1. Medical Stuff:

• 1 Day of HARD PT. Bill likes the tough love when it comes to strengthening. I’m not complaining…
• 2 Days of Home Rehab.
• I saw Larry on Tuesday. We discussed my unintentional weight loss, and that it’s time to call Dr. Grubb and see if it’s a) because of POTS and b) if so, if I need a Beta Blocker med adjustment. Larry also did his usual (magical) OMM on my ribs, upper back and neck.

May! Which means Vasculitis awareness month, Ehlers-Danlos awareness month, and so many more…

1. Medical Stuff:

• 1 Day of PT. I did my strengthening and cardio work, and then we focused a lot on my thoracic junction and lower ribs. Every once in a while, this area flares up and it’s a matter of heat, Biofreeze, OMM, and just riding it out until it passes. Hopefully this will happen sooner than later!
• On a more positive note, I had a glorious week of sleep. Knock on wood that this stretch continues…
• 2 Days of Home Rehab. I had to modify my exercises a bit because of my thoracic pain, but I got both days in!

For documentation sake, the following are Allie and my speeches from Life as a Zebra Foundation’s third annual, “An Evening With Tony Lucca and Chris Trapper to Benefit Invisible Illness Awareness & Research” held at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center on April 12, 2014.

1. Medical Stuff:

• 1 Day of PT. That session was no joke. I was feeling well so I asked to be pushed. After the elliptical, we worked my neck, upper back, and core. I was so sore the next day. (The good kind of “sore”).
• 2 Days of Home Rehab. Treadmill, balance work, light weights, abs, scap and glute fires.
• I saw Larry for my April appointment. He spent a lot of time doing cranial OMM, and putting my ribs back into place. We also talked about using spray and stretch at therapy to help my neck.
• I saw my shrink on Thursday for an hour. After 15 years, I love that I still have him to talk to, and clear my head with. Like really, really love it. It’s about maintaining clarity and perspective.