Hello Everyone!<br>Reponding to the Roll-Call: My
name is Carol Torp. I'm married with two children
(Kirsten, 6 and Jared 2, almost 3). I live in Cincinnati,
OH, but I grew up in Orlando, FL. I have Vascular
Ehlers-Danlos. I was diagnosed after my aorta dissected when I
was 28 weeks pregnant with Jared. It was a pretty
scary ordeal. Jared was delivered at 30 weeks, but he's
doing just fine. <br><br>I don't feel like there's
anything wrong with me. I have had hypermobile hands, feet
and knees all my life. My blood pressure is on the
rise as is my weight (my mother suddenly passed away
in November at 62 and I'm feeding my grief), but I
think we have the blood pressure under control with
Toprol. I take a diuretic called Zestoretic and 2 grams
of Vitamin C everyday. Supposedly the Vitamin C
strengthens arterial walls, but there's no scientific
evidence to support that (it's all anecdotal). I can tell
that I am losing the padding on my feet and hands. I
wear orthotics for my feet and can barely walk without
them. The varicose veins in my legs are really bad and
get worse by the day. I'm not looking forward to the
swimsuit season, but I'll do it for my kids. They love the
water. I have asked repeatedly if there is any treatment
for the veins and my geneticist continually tells me
no.<br><br>In addition to these problems, I am losing my
hearing in my left ear. I'm considering surgery to fix
it, but he only gives me a 50% chance that it will
improve. His office help says his success rate is much
higher, but he doesn't like to over-commit. My geneticist
doesn't see a problem with me having the
surgery.<br><br>That's about it for me. I hope that everyone is feeling
well. JoAnna - I think about you often and hope and
pray it all goes well. One thing I've learned over the
past few years is that we have to put our trust in
God. He's the only one who can ease our pain and take
our worries away. I always thought that when my
mother was gone that I would fall apart, but God has
lifted me up and I truly believe that I will see her
again. When it comes my time for surgery to fix my
aorta, I'll be ready, because I know that I will either
wake up here with my family or I'll wake up there with
my mom. I miss her terribly (I think that's why I'm
eating), but I know she's in a better place. OK, I didn't
mean to go off on that tangent, so I'll sign off
now!<br><br>Carol<br><br>Carol