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Saturday, December 17, 2016

Lucky with Rheumatoid Arthritis

One of my personal strengths is the ability to find the positive in almost any situation. But when it comes to my rheumatoid arthritis, I don't feel like I have to look too hard. I am lucky! Sure, I have had hard years where I wondered if I would wake up in the morning unable to move or have wondered if my driving days were coming to an end when both hands were required to put the car in drive. I have experienced more meltdowns than I like to think about and I have driven myself crazy with worry about what my future holds. But when I look around my community, I know I am lucky. Unlike many, I found instant success on the first biologic I tried and remain on it six years later along with Leflunomide, Meloxicam, and an occasional dose of Tylenol. I have come to terms with the fact that my energy levels are often low and have planned my life accordingly. Luckily, I am not someone who feels they have to be Super Woman so I am okay saying "no" if I feel it will use more spoons than I want to share. I know my limits and respect them (most of the time). While I still have a small amount of pain most days and more on a few other days, I can do almost anything I choose to put my energy into doing and in our chronic illness world, that is pretty amazing. I feel lucky! I hope that for all my friends still searching for the right mix or if you are newly diagnosed, this gives you hope. I read your posts and it breaks my heart that you are still struggling. I want to wrap you up in a big warm hug and let you know a day will come when you too will experience better days.

3 comments:

  1. Cathy, I also feel very fortunate. I mostly do what I want and I mostly get along well. When it comes to having RA, I too have seen how much worse I cold have it.

    I also few fortunate just to have RA. I never planned to be around this long so every day is a bonus. Sometimes I have to stop and remind myself just how fortunate I am. I hope that I can always remember my good fortune, but especially I want to remember it when I forgot just how bad RA could be.

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  2. Rick, we are lucky also that we can see how fortunate we are. :)

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  3. Of all the people I've known over the years, I must say that you are the most loving and compassionate person I've ever met. Your concern for others is amazing. You are one of the blessings in my life. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season.

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