Spoonflower Medical Professions Design Challenge

Initially, I wasn't even going to enter the Spoonflower design challenge this week. I couldn't think of any photos that I had that I could make work for the theme of "Medical Professional". Then the idea came to me as I was having an ultrasound done on my elbow. I have all kinds of images that I can use! I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and have had to have all kinds of imaging done over the years. I'm also an RA Ambassador and love to show the world how I'm #RedefiningRA!

Here, I'll show you my elbow. I no longer recall why these x-rays were taken. Most likely due to some persistent pain that was unrelenting. But I can tell you from these, that it was my right elbow - which also happens to be the elbow I just had an ultrasound done on. The ultrasound revealed that I have 6 lipomas around my elbow and I'll be seeing an orthopedic specialist soon to figure out what to do about them.

Here is my head. I have so many images of my head. And they have been taken for many reasons. I have chronic sinusitis and have had 3 sinus related surgeries. These two images below were from a CT Scan.

My RA has also done some weird things to me - such as attack my optic nerves causing them to swell. The two images below are from an MRI of my head to check that I did not have a brain tumor - the most common cause for papilledema (optic nerve swelling).

RA has also caused nodules and cysts to form in my kidneys. The image below shows a nodule in my left kidney.

RA has also caused nodules to form in my lungs. I'm not sure if these were from a regular nodule checkup or from a bout with a respiratory infection.

RA has also done a number of things to my other internal organs. I have nodules in my liver and have other gastrointestinal issues that require constant attention.

So I took some of the images that I have and came up with a collage with them. I've named it "Trapped in my Body". This is the body I was given and it's up to me to love it and care for it, even when it feels as though it wants to betray me and destroy me.

I'm thankful to all the medical professionals in my life. They have helped me keep this body going so that I can do all the things that I love. Voting for the Medical Profession Design Challenge begins July 12 and ends on July 17 at 3pm EDT. See all the designs and vote HERE.

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