Arthritis

I don't know how many of you knew I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or RA about 4 years ago.

It started in October when I noticed both my ankles were swollen, red and painful. I was gardening at the time and tripped so I thought I had twisted both ankles.

It showed up in my knees next then traveled to my hips.

My wrists, elbows and shoulders were next and still I didn't think of going to a doctor!

I finally called the doctor when I couldn't open my mouth to eat.

He diagnosed me with RA and sent me to a rheumatologist. 

My blood tests came back negative but all my signs and symptoms showed RA.

The rheumatologist diagnosed me with RA also and I cried all the way home. 

 

I researched everything I could find on RA.

I called my friend who was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at 15 years old and she talked me through some hard times.

RA changes a lot of things.  

My wedding ring no longer fit over my big knuckle so I had it resized.  

All my shoes hurt so I started looking for more slip-on shoes.  

I took longer to sit down and stand up.  Sometimes I had to balance before I stood completely up.

All chairs were too hard and I found I had to leave class and walk. 

I was more tired.

I was stiff in the  mornings and had to try and get up earlier because it took longer to limber up. 

 I slept mostly on my back because my stiff, painful shoulders woke me up 3-4 times a night if I slept on them at all.

Sometimes I had to get up and shake the red hot pain out of my arms and shoulders.

I was taking 2-3 pills that helped the pain and swelling.

I had a baby under 1 years old as well.  He didn't get held or picked up a lot because of the pain and loss of strength; I was afraid I'd drop him.  I sat on the floor with him.  And while I was on the floor, I picked up garbage and toys and books because I couldn't bend over very well.

And onn top of everything, I got carpal tunnel.  I was tested and diagnosed within a week.  The doctor looked at my tests and stated, "You've had carpal tunnel about 12 years."  I said no way. I have never felt this pain before.  He looked at me in disbelief.  I asked if arthritis could bring it on.  Yes, he said.  So I had carpal tunnel surgery.

It was an interesting year!

Then the miracle: my arthritis started to heal!  It got better and better and I started weaning myself off the meds (according to dr. instructions).  I still hurt but I was better.

The rheumatologist asked me at my first visit if I had been sick before my symptoms showed up.  I thought I might have had a small cold.  Apparently, there is a virus that acts like RA.  And I must have gotten it.  

So I don't have RA.  But now I watch older folks (like me) or others who have a hard time getting up or walking and I try and help.  I know what they are feeling and going through.  I know longer get annoyed when I get behind someone slow.  I know what it feels like to sit too long on hard chairs.  Or trying to climb stairs.  Or bend down to pick something up.  

I feel very blessed to be on the road to better health.  

Unfortunately, my joints will never be the same.  They are weaker and still hurt occasionally but they are a reminder of compassion for others.

PS My wedding ring is too big now!