TOWN OF TONAWANDA — When most people think of being a young teenager, they imagine things like shopping at the mall, playing sports with friends and going out for school outings.
But for 14-year-old Nicole Schneggenburger, those things can be a bit taxing. Schneggenburger has a rare joint disorder called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome which causes every joint in her body to dislocate.
One of the best treatments for this illness is warm water therapy, but Schneggenburger’s family couldn’t afford it. A gift from Thermospas has changed that, even allowing for some socializing in a comfortable, relief-filled environment.
Schneggenburger talked about her experiences before and after the gift for this week’s Q & A.
•••
QUESTION: How long have you been dealing with EDS symptoms?
ANSWER: The symptoms started when I was 6, but I just got diagnosed a year and a half ago.
•••
Q: What kinds of problems does this condition present?
A: The EDS gives me hypermobile joints, which means they pop out a lot.
•••
Q: What is a typical day like for you?
A: In the morning I have to crack everything back into place that came out while I was asleep. But activity like school or sports makes it worse and causes more pain.
•••
Q: How did you get relief before you got your hot tub?
A: We can only treat the symptoms because there’s no cure for EDS. So I take a lot of Tylenol and anti-inflamatories. Since I was diagnosed they’ve prescribed me prescription strength things now, but it’s pretty much the same.
•••
Q: How long have you had the hot tub?
A: It was delivered on April 2.
•••
Q: How often do you use it?
A: I go in at least once a day when I’m going to school and more on weekends. I try to be in it as much as I can.
•••
Q: How has it helped you?
A: Because my joints are hypermobile, my muscles are overworked and they spasm. The jets help my muscles feel better and the heat does as well.
•••
Q: How long does that relief last?
A: After being in the heat it usually lasts for a couple of hours and I’ll feel good. Then as my muscles cool off the pain starts to return gradually.
•••
Q: So has the tub been fun too?
A: It’s been a lot of fun. I don’t just have to be there all alone like I would at physical therapy. I can invite my friends over so they can be in with me and we can talk, and my family comes in too.
Contact reporter Daniel Pyeat 693-1000, ext. 158.
Local News
Related Photos
-
DAN CAPPELLAZZO/STAFF PHOTOGRAPH
Q&A: Tonawanda girl gets welcome relief
- Local News
-
-
Town cop faces disciplinary action
Assessor chosen; meeting scheduled over Amigone crematory.
-
New York ties safety record
Four fatalities, 26 injured.
-
Senate passes bus legislation
Bills intended to make riding bus safer for students, enhance communication.
-
Lasting legacy
Parks and Recreation chief Foels, longest-tenured city employee, even busier in retirement.
-
NT coach fired for relationship
Superintendent says criminal charges will not be filed.
-
No new vet for Niagara SPCA
Lawyers and board members will meet with state attorney general’s representative later today.
-
A red carpet affair
On Feb. 12, the red carpet will be rolled out, the champagne will flow, the flashbulbs will be popping and, yes, the paparazzi will be swarming.
-
Two arrested after traffic stop
Two women were arrested following a traffic stop and subsequent dispute with City of Tonawanda police early Saturday.
-
DWI suspect hit signs on way to KFC
A Niagara Falls man was arrested for DWI and other traffic charges Friday night after striking two traffic signs on the Twin Cities Memorial Highway on his way to pick up some fried chicken.
-
School Wide Web
Starpoint eighth graders lead Friday special event.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Town cop faces disciplinary action
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Murder Trial for Ex-U.Va. Lacrosse Player Begins
NY Giants Touch Down Victorious
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
