A hard day’s reminder to better respect my limitations
Even a little volleyball can be too much of a good thing when living with EDS
“Ms. D! Ms. D! Will you come play volleyball with us?”
I heard this call on a recent Friday afternoon, when our school’s internet was down and I was supervising kids who were enjoying a little free gym time before heading home for the weekend. If I played, the game would be three on three, so I said sure. After all, kids always enjoy it when their teachers participate, and this game was hardly hard-core; we weren’t keeping score and were only playing to the 10-foot line of the court. What could I possibly do to myself?
See, just by asking that question, I should’ve known I was in trouble. I’m not sure if it’s because of my Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) or because I’m not a teenager anymore and haven’t played volleyball in over 20 years, but within about two minutes I’d mildly pulled my quad muscle. Me being me, I ignored it and kept on playing.
I used to be a halfway-decent setter, but after playing a set or two, I realized that my hands and fingers weren’t used to the unusual motion anymore and didn’t have the same strength they once had, particularly for a motion I otherwise never do. After hyperextending both my thumbs, I decided that maybe I’d stick to passing and spiking instead.
Here come the consequences
Passing felt fine. But spiking reminded me why I hadn’t played volleyball in over 20 years: My badly damaged shoulder simply couldn’t handle it. I played high school volleyball, but even then the game was immensely painful. I had barely 30% range of motion in my right arm between the ages of about 15 and 25, after a major injury dislocated my shoulder, broke my collarbone, and damaged nearly every supporting structure.
While I struggled to deliberately move my arm outside of my small range, I found I could move it a bit more when I was reacting, which is how I managed to play volleyball and soccer (as a goalkeeper!) despite the limitations of my range of motion. Granted, I’m sure that playing these sports made the damage to my shoulder much worse, but without any medical declaration of that damage, I kept playing anyway. What kid wants to sit on the sidelines?
As an adult, however, I’ve decided to use at least a small amount of good sense; any playing I do now is limited. Those of you who’ve been reading my columns for a while won’t be surprised that my stubbornness hasn’t allowed me to bow out completely, but I’m trying to be better about respecting my limits.
The kids and I played for about 20 more minutes, and I kept my role to passes and encouragement, for the most part.
But I felt the physical repercussions of that half-hour of volleyball for a solid week. My quad was sore, and I spent several days walking oddly, which made my back sore and started to flare up my plantar fasciitis just a little bit. Thankfully, putting kinesiology tape on my foot calmed it down right away.
My aching quad, angry shoulder, and tight back reminded me that I have EDS and that diving into an athletic game when I’m not in shape for it probably isn’t the best idea. I also remembered that I’m no longer a teenager, and my body definitely told me that, too!
Note: Ehlers-Danlos News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Ehlers-Danlos News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Ehlers-Danlos.
About the Author
Carol Wong
My question is how do we find a doctor who knows about Ehlers Danlos.
Deborah Thompson
Thank you for your story. I wasn't diagnosed until in my late 50's and am 64 now. Every time I try to do more than my body will allow anymore, I pay for it for days afterwards. I'm glad you're still able to do some of your activities.
M
I have had EDS for 76 years. Doctors still don't understand a thing about it. In my younger days I was a gymnast and contortionist. Now I certainly pay the price. Non stop rears in tendons and ligaments. Nothing to remove the pain 24/7. Level 7 to 10 or more daily. Bracing only stops movement. Doesn't stop pain. However I recently discovered that a ver hot tub of water relaxes me to the point no pain. But right back when I get out. I always did hot showers. Not the same. God bless yall that have this. I'm classic 1 and 3. Hyper mobile. Be gentle to your body. The sooner the better.
Jane Willoughby Woods
I'm 66, have hEDS, was a house painter, mostly interior and murals. I've had sooo many dislocations and hyperextensions and also suffer chronic pain as a senior. My diagnosis came in my 50's, but given " loose jointed" as a toddler. Very few Dr.s have advice, other than braces. Now that I am older, I have "instability" in my joints, which means have have to be hyper vigilant when walking, moving. I think keeping physical as a young person helped me. Not so much now. I can't seem to build muscle. That's worrisome. We need to share info with one another. Hot bath with Epsom Salts helps, especially at night. Feel lucky to have this site. Thank you
Christina
My PT says "no explosive movements" but that went out the window recently when we bought a basketball hoop for my daughter. Same deal here. I just can't resist the occasional dribbles and shooting, but omg...the next days are painful! Doesn't it feel good to be alive though? Hope you are well.