I find myself constantly trying to figure out which of Bugs medical issues is the root problem, and which ones are fallout from that. Currently we are dealing with headaches and sore throats again, which could be from the following:

Acid Reflux. Burns the throat and can cause headaches in some people. On meds, but maybe they aren't working?
Allergies. Boogers. Goo. Drainage. Yum... But wait! She's already on meds and nasal spray... Hummmm....
Sinus Infection. Same as above, but she just finished antibiotics for it, so is it still there or is this something different????
Virus. Can mimic colds and sinus infections and what not.
Something else. I'm sure there are more options out there - but let's hope we don't need to look at them.

Maybe this doesn't seem like a big deal, but the fact of the matter is that Bug has had headaches and sore throats (and fatigue) off and on for a couple of months now. The first time it was also with a cough and stomach ache, and she was diagnosed with laryngitis and bronchitis. She took antibiotics, felt better, then got sick again about 10 days after finishing the meds. She had almost identical symptoms this time around. (note to self, her voice never sounded affected, just sore throat and neck soreness on the outside too) About 15 days after finishing that round of antibiotics she wasn't feeling well again. This time it was headaches, seeing "spots" (she says she sees these on a regular basis - need to ask again when she's feeling well), and sore throat. New DX - a sinus infection. More antibiotics. Now only 1 day after stopping them she's complaining again.

Who has the answer? What is the answer? Is she just having bad luck this year? Are her meds for the reflux or allergies no longer working? How is it all tied together? It is even tied together? Oh, and then there is the fatigue. She's been really worn down. Is it from this stuff, or is it from starting back to recess/PE?

I call this the Chicken and the Egg Syndrome. In my mind when I think of not knowing which came first I always hear the background music to "which came first, the chicken or the egg" from Sesame Street. So, tonight while I was sitting here pondering how to handle my daughter's ailments, I decided to see if I could find that song online. I did! So, for your enjoyment, I present the really old grainy Sesame Street clip of the chicken and the egg. I hope you enjoy it some too - and maybe next time you can't figure out which of your child's symptoms is the most important or the cause of another one, you too will think of this silly tune!

While this isn't directly related to EDS in ways it is. You see, one of the things I worry about is my daughter's dreams. Will she be able to accomplish whatever it is she dreams of doing? I know other parents with Ehlers-Danlos Children wonder the same thing.

When I saw this video today, I actually started crying. It's from the British show "Britains Got Talent". It's a clip of a 47 year old woman who goes up and starts talking about how shes always dreamed of being a singer, and when asked why she isn't one she says she's never had a chance until now. You can see on everyone's face how they don't expect much out of her, but then she opens her mouth and begins to sing "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables. You have to listen to the entire clip - I did three times so far.



It's not like I haven't heard this song before; Les Mis was the first musical I ever saw and it continues to be my favorite 20 years later. We've seen it many times and the music is on our iPods. Bug has even been learning "Castle on a Cloud" at her vocal lessons. What makes this so magical for me is the raw, undiscovered talent that has been hiding in this woman for so many years, just waiting for the right time to come out. She didn't give-up on her dreams, she wasn't afraid to take a risk, and to top it all of the song choice was just perfect for both her vocally and the lyrics were so fitting too.

She was a wonderful reminder that my Bug's dreams might take longer to acheive, and they might need adjusted, but she can still have them and accomplish them if she waits for the right time and place.

Rock on Susan Boyle!