So I just found out today that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. This will be my one and only post about it, and after this, I am going to hold my head up and stop complaining.
It all started back in May. My feet and knees began aching, and I thought it was an injury from running. I stopped running for a few weeks, hoping it would heal itself up. After it spread to my shoulders, elbows, hips, neck and hands, I decided it was time to see a doctor. He ran several tests, but was unable to find anything. I was referred to a Rheumatoid Specialist, but had to wait five months to see him. My pain has been so intense, I am unable to walk without my tennis shoes on. Some nights, I even sleep in them. It has been especially frustrating for me not to be able to do anything..... run (I was almost ready to run my first half marathon), get on the floor and play with my kids, and even take Kate out of her crib. I'm just not content sitting around.
I saw the doctor last week, and just got my results back today. I'm really not sure why I am so disappointed, because this was the result that I have been expecting. Luckily, there is some help available. I have been taking steroids to help with the pain and swelling, but the side effects are a KILLER. They make me a little moody (OK... a LOT moody), so I take them at night, but when I take them at night, I can't sleep. It's really a no win situation. When I'm irritable, the kids don't hesitate to tell me that my steroids are working ;) I will start Methotrexate (a drug used for Chemotherapy) and Folic Acid (to minimize the side effects of the Chemo drug) tomorrow.
On the bright side... the doctor is really optimistic. He thinks that we will be able to get this under control and that I will be able to run and play soccer again.
Here's hoping..........
6 comments:
That is a bummer. Getting old sucks! Good Luck! I hope everything works out for you. (If your kids need a break from their "moody mom", just send them my way, they will want to go back to you, QUICK!!)
I'm sorry! It will all work out :D. And don't worry, I am a moody mom without steroids! We are sending prayers your way.
Keep your positive attitude, we love you!
oh, so sorry steff. really. that is such bad news. chronic pain really just takes everything out of you, i can't imagine. hang in there. i hope they find a treatment that works.
I'm sorry to hear that it was confirmed. Thank goodness for modern medicine, hopefully you'll be running with us in May!
Wow...you have such a positive attitude! Hang on to it. And don't be afraid to post again about your good and bad days. Friends are here to help! You know how badly I wan't to kidnap Gavin, so don't be afraid to call when you need a break...however I may not bring him back.
I've never really understood why bad things have to happen to good people. I do know, from personal experience, that there is a purpose that you may not be able to see today - but - somehow it will build some character strength within you as time goes by and you try to cope with it as best you can.
You have a lot of inner strength. I noticed that when I saw you play an indoor soccer game.
It almost sounds like you have a choice of taking the bad with the worse.
Dennis
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