I always find it hard to figure out who should know about my rheumatoid arthritis. I think the biggest problem is that it is hard to determine who needs to know when you operate disclosure on a need-to-know basis.
Month: March 2010
Blaaah
One of the hardest things to deal with, no matter what chronic illness you have, is the effect it has on you emotionally. There are a lot of feelings of inferiority, especially if/when your body isn’t working properly at all.
Healthcare
“neither illness or accident”
My family has been changed terribly several times by illnesses and accidents. Did we have insurance each time? Almost without exclusion, no we did not. We cannot afford health insurance for any member of our family.
Adaptation
In recent posts, I’ve talked about how difficult it is to remember a time before RA. As a four-year-old, I was super active. I loved to run around and dance. I was certain that I would grow up and be a dancer and/or actress. A few months later, I would get sick. I’d spend hours scratching rashes, leaving my skin raw. I’d even sleep for more than 24 hours a few times. Worst of all – my energy level declined and I was constantly fatigued.
Who would you be?
I missed the memo about the latest Patients For A Moment series. The topic is something really important to me though – who would you be? Who would I be without RA? What could I do?
RA Blues
I try to be a pretty happy person most of the time and not let RA get me down. A couple of weeks ago, I had a spell where I was pretty upset about the fact that I never really have had a “normal” life. I don’t remember what it was like to run without pain, to wake up in the morning for more than just a two-week stretch without feeling like I need six more hours of sleep.
Rheumy Appointment #1
- Got there perfectly on time and the nurse was ready to take me back before I was even fully checked in
- Found out I lost like two pounds, haha
- Kicked a dude out of the examination room we were going into
- Went over medical history with doctor’s assistant and then the doctor, which took forever
- Changed into a medical gown for the first time since I was like 7
- Physical exam – not invasive at all, DR was really nice
- Pee test!
- Blood drawing for complete lab work – they took TEN vials
- Cranberry juice!
- Hospital pants and robe
- X-rays – 3 on each hand and foot, and two on each knee