Life with RA

RA is so cruel...I hate it!!!! At first it was very difficult for me to cope with the idea that I had a disease. A disease that would eventually make me feel pain like never before...and I have given birth twice, so I know what I'm talking about! A pain that doesn't simply go away, a pain that can hop from one joint to the next, from one muscle to a tendon, etc. I've been crippled one day (or several months straight) to looking normal and walking on my own on another day. Each day I wake up, I do a thorough check to see what hurts for that given day. I get happy if it's only ONE flare in a specific place rather than a whole body flare (which is complete torture). Some of you know exactly what I'm talking about.

I used to be an avid runner when I was in my 20s. I would wake up at 6am and do my 4 mile jog each morning. In my 30s, I became a mommy and would get up around 8am to clean/cook and take care of my babies. I would always be up and doing something and going somewhere. I was always active and loving life. I was diagnosed with RA at age 39. My world stopped turning, but rather seemed like a downward spiral with health issues. There was NO getting out of bed on many days. I was stuck at home.

I had seen about 8 different doctors until I was diagnosed with RA. WHAT?! Me? I was hoping it was a temporary issue. But no...here I am 4 years later. FIGHTING.

I'm glad to say that I feel better but that's only with "maintenance". I try to eat well but I'm human and slip at times. I end up paying for it with pain. I also gave in to getting infusions about 6 months ago and it has helped me a lot. Since I was diagnosed, I managed to lose about 30 pounds. I did this mainly to ease the weight on my pained knees and ankles. No, I didn't exercise but just ate every 2 hours, ate lean meats and greens every day (this naturally speeds up your metabolism). I made sure to count carbs and NO solid food after 7pm (just shakes and water for me). Lots and lots of water everyday! I have 25 more pounds to go, and at this point I will have to start light exercise for the remainder of my weight loss routine, but like I said....slowly. I didn't expect to rid of RA by doing this....but it did cut the "flare time" in half. As an added bonus, I am no longer pre-diabetic and my cholesterol was lowered. Two less things to worry about!

The combination of eating better and getting infusions...has made a difference in my life. I go out at least 3 times a week. That's a huge deal for me. I even bought a bike and have been cycling on trails! And I wore high heels a couple times! HUGE deal since I haven't done that in 4 years. Any woman will appreciate that ability.

So how do I feel about living with RA right now? I feel like I'm in this boxing ring of life. Never knowing when the opponent will do an undercut or throw a left hook. I always have to be on alert. I fight back with PRAYER, body cleansing foods and rest. God has definitely comforted me throughout this entire experience. I do my best not to be a hermit anymore. I get out on less painful days. I decided to LIVE. Everyday is a blessing and I'm going to enjoy my family and friends whenever I can. Living with RA is not a death sentence, it's something to overcome. RA will make you trip and fall....but always get back up. Keep marching soldier. Life is beautiful.