One thing I forgot to mention, mostly because it is not the first thing I think of when I think of expressing who I am or where my life's journey is taking me. I don't want to be defined by my chronic autoimmune disease, so I don't usually like to bring it up. However, it does have a daily effect in my life, and it is better to put it out there and let my readers know about it, so they can understand some of my frame of reference.
I have rheumatoid arthritis. I have had it for going on 9 years now, and it most likely will not be going away. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is not like Osteoarthritis (OA). While there is some similarity, in that both forms of arthritis affect the joints, that is about where the similarity ends. OA is usually age or joint wear and tear related, RA can start at any age, even in children as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) but most often hits women in their 40s. OA causes pain and swelling in joints only, usually. RA causes pain, swelling, inflammation and systemic flu like symptoms (aches, fever, fatigue) in joints and all areas of the body, it can even affect the heart, eyes, digestive system, and much more. OA is localized to affected joints, RA is an autoimmune disorder in which one's autoimmune system (white blood cells) attack normal tissues in joints and other areas of the body in an effort to eradicate mycoplasmic bacteria. RA does not go away, depending on who you read or talk to, RA is generally considered incurable, and progressive, although it can sometimes go into remission. OA can sometimes be repaired by surgery, or rest and good self care, these things are important for RA patients as well. For me, nutrition is paramount, and rest.
Currently, I have about 4 to 8 productive hours a day, the other hours of the day I must rest. Normal for me was about 12-16 productive hours a day before RA. I was type A, with a capital "A!" I am, and have always been, a "get it done" person, so my natural way of being is to be active and get things done. Learning that my body needs way more rest than that of a person without RA, has been a difficult, though needed, lesson to absorb and I'm still working on it. I like activities where my body is moving, not sitting for the most part, so learning to sit has been one thing I have struggled with. Learning to sit productively is part of why I started this blog.
RA has been both a thorn in my side and a blessing for which I am grateful. It has driven me crazy and into depression (a side effect of RA). RA has also blessed me with lessons in patience, caring, and being more able to walk in other people's shoes, i.e. learning more compassion, both for myself and others. RA has also taught me lessons in nutrition, which I will probably get into in another post. Trying to keep things short and sweet at this point.
Everyone, I have learned, has a struggle, has pain. It is how we grow. I like to be real about what is going on with me, however, I would rather stay on the positive side of looking at life and my pain, rather than live in the painful part of my life. Yes, pain is a daily part of my life, but it is not who I am.
Thanks for taking the time to read and share the journey!
Kathe
