Day 10: Mental Health. Living with chronic symptoms is exhausting but these things keep me grounded. 1) My faith 2) My family & friends 3)Activity 4) My medications I try to be open about my mental health because I want others to know it's okay to talk about it! #myedschallenge

"Some people simply go into denial: Their bodies register the threat, but their conscious minds go on as if nothing has happened.. the physical effects on the organs go on unabated until they demand notice when they are expressed as illness." -Van Der Kolk in The Body Keeps Score

Day 12 & 13: I have been to many appts and seen many doctors. I am still looking for answers but have learned to fight for my health. Rare diseases exist, TOS is a real thing, and surgery can be successful! I'm 5 months s/p and have much-improved quality of life. #myedschallenge

Day 16: Coping. To me coping means finding a lifestyle that lets me live my best life. For me this includes having a great support system of friends and family, eating gluten and dairy free, exercising, and getting 8 hours of sleep. #MyEDSChallenge

Say yes to a few things that make you uncomfortable... you will be amazed at the opportunities that start to present! #involvement #professionalgrowth

I’ve submitted all my paperwork and documentation for my license but the Indiana government is being slow and is making me super nervous. Plus I call to try to talk with someone and they never answer. Don’t they know I need them to approve before I schedule my NPTE... #sendhelp

Who knew waiting for all the approvals for the NPTE would be the most stressful part of my PT school experience 🙃 shouldn’t this be the easy part?!

It’s so reassuring having a rheumatologist who understands and values physical therapy. #movementismedicine #EDS #hypermobility

NPTE is scheduled! Let’s goooo!

Since she’s been home for 3 weeks, it’s time for her to get a proper Twitter introduction. Meet Sprout 🌱 #mynewbestfriend #AdoptDontShop #StrayRescueSTL

I’m so excited to serve as an adjunct lab professor for my athletic training alma mater! I may not enjoy on-field coverage but I’m glad I can give back to a program & profession that taught me! Plus I’ll get to spend more time exploring the intricacies of the body in the lab!

Advice, tips/tricks, encouragement, words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated as preparing for the NPTE is so demeaning and motivation is dwindling...

Wild that this is coming out now. I had pericarditis of unknown cause back in February after my second vaccine! It has resolved and I would still recommend for those who are unvaccinated to get vaccinated to help our herd immunity grow!!

Starbucks knew that I needed a strong brew and strong beats today. Loving the 90s rap as it's quite a change from my typical study playlists of classical music and mellow beat. #throwback #icedespresso #NPTEcountdown

Treated my first patient independently as a doctor of physical therapy and orthopedic resident today! #itsthelittlethings

After over 2 weeks, I am still waiting for NPTE results and it is killing me....

Big week for me professionally as I passed my boards, got my PT license, and officially became an adjunct professor at UE in the Athletic Training Dept! #celebration #hardworkpaysoff

"APTA IN is establishing initiatives to promote a more inclusive environment for all members and patients we serve. It’s great to know that the APTA National is leading by example!" Dr. Jeremy Houser, DPT, Ph.D. APTA IN DEI Taskforce – Chair