Introducing Your Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis

I am super excited to share Your Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Tools for Managing Treatment, Side Effects and Pain.  The author, Lene Andersen, is both an awesome gal in the inflammatory arthritis community and an excellent friend.  I have had the pleasure of working with Lene at Health Central and as a fellow board member on Show Us Your Hands! 

While I have known for some time that Lene was writing a book, I wasn't sure what the outcome would be.  All I knew was that she was always crazy busy writing her book. Once I had a chance to read it, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy and comfortable it is to read.  Lene shares some of her personal experiences, but in usual Lene style, backs everything up with research she has done over the many years she has lived with rheumatoid arthritis. This book covers topics that will help people who need guidance in overcoming the shock of being newly diagnosed, making decisions about medications, and a variety of alternative care ideas you can add to your mix.  Most importantly in my opinion, Lene shares tips on how to go about leading a healthy and happy life after being diagnosed with RA. 

Read through the following questions I had for Lene and then look for a little surprise at the end. (Yes, it involves winning something special.)    

1. Lene, welcome to The Life and Adventures of Cateepoo. Before we dive into your book, can you give my readers a short biography of yourself?

Thank you so much for hosting my first stop on the blog tour, Cathy!

I was born and raised in Denmark, hence the funny spelling of my first name. The first symptoms of juvenile arthritis arrived when I was four years old and I was diagnosed at age 9. This was before there were any effective treatments, so I was in a power wheelchair full-time by 16. My family and I moved to Toronto, Canada in the early 1980s. I have a Masters degree in Social Work and have worked in a number of different fields, including counseling and community and policy development. After a massive flare in 2004, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a writer.

2. What drove you to write this book?

I wanted my 40+ years of having RA and learning how to live with and around it to be useful to others. The idea became the Your Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis series. It is designed to help empower people to take back control and find a way to live well with RA, so their life is first and the disease second. The first book, Tools for Managing Treatment, Side Effects and Pain, deals with the first step in the process:of finding ways to push the effects of the disease to the back burner. Once you do that, you can focus on the next steps. The next two books in the series will deal with other aspects of living well with RA.

3. In your opinion, why is medication the first and most important route to take with RA?

I grew up in a time where there were no treatments. At that time, RA meant inevitable disability. This is no longer the case. These days, DMARDs and the Biologics can prevent the damage that causes disability and minimize the impact of the systemic effects of RA, for instance lowering the risk of heart attacks. These medications are the only treatments that have been scientifically proven to suppress the disease and stopping the damage. Unfortunately, we are not yet at a time where they work for everyone, but most will be able to have some effect, slowing down the damage. If you slow down or stop RA, you will be able to have better quality of life and be able to participate in your family, your work, your community.

4. While your book focuses on medication and everything you need to know about them, from types of medication, cost, side effects, and more, you also share several home remedies, such as garlic, hot drinks and cranberry juice. What is your favorite home remedy and how does it help you?

I've always been a bit of a magnet for side effects. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot of different tricks to manage them and I share them in the book. One of my mainstays is related to the upper respiratory infections (a.k.a. sinus infections) that are common when you take immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate and Biologics. I used to get a lot of really bad sinus infections and had to be on antibiotics every couple of months. That’s just not good for you. After a couple of years of that madness, I discovered a simple regimen to keep sinus infections at bay. You need three things: a lot of water, a lot of pineapple juice and a lot of garlic. The water dilutes the crap — that ought to be a medical term — in your sinuses and pineapple juice has an anti-inflammatory enzyme that allows the crap to drain. The garlic has antibacterial qualities, helping to prevent infection (and also tastes really yummy). Thanks to this regimen, I haven't taken antibiotics for sinus infections in almost 5 years! Whenever I feel a sinus infection coming on, I increase the amount of water, pineapple juice and garlic and am able to beat them back.

5. In chapters 33-37 you describe many types of alternative care to add to your mix. I like that. Everything from acupuncture to saying "no" were discussed. Can you share a couple of others with us?

Although I am unashamedly pro-medication, I believe alternative medicine is a really important tool in improving your general health and managing your RA symptoms. In my experience, integrating allopathic (Western) and alternative medicines can help you feel better than either of the two separately. I'm a big fan of acupuncture — it's been part of my health care since I was 12. Shiatsu massage has also been tremendously helpful for me. Another favorite is meditation, which is very helpful in dealing with pain and the stress of having a chronic illness. My favorite Toronto pain specialist, Dr. Jan Carstoniu, is quoted in the book with a terrific meditation technique: Sit down. Don't move. Shut up. Do that for 20 minutes a day and you'll feel better!

6. I was pleasantly surprised to see you had devoted a section of your book to "sex." Why was this a necessary part of the book?

You're going to be even happier with Book 3 — it'll include a much more detailed discussion of sex! Sex is an important part of being a whole human being. Unfortunately, it's often put on the shelf when you have RA. This can be because of stress, body image issues or because you or your partner is afraid it'll make you hurt more. Being physically intimate pulls you out of the place of stress, worry and pain that is so often part of RA. Sex can help you feel better about your body and as an extra benefit, the endorphins released during orgasm are really excellent painkillers! There are things you have to be careful of, but overall, there's no reason why RA should prevent you from expressing your sexuality.

7. Where else can we find your work?

In addition to the Your Life with RA website and blog, I write a personal blog called The Seated View. I am also the Community Leader for HealthCentral.com's RA site.

Thanks so much for having me as a guest on your blog!

Your Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Tools for Managing Treatment, Side Effects and Pain is available from Amazon for the Kindle. If you do not have a Kindle you can download a free app for computer, tablet and smartphone here.

Now for the surprise!  Lene is giving away a Kindle version of her book to two randomly chosen winners.  To enter the drawing, answer the following question in the comments section or on my Life and Adventures of Cateepoo Facebook page:

What kinds of alternative medicine have you tried?"

*Drawing will be Monday, March 4, 2013.

 

The Best Thing That Can Happen To Me Is Happening Right Now

Deepak Chopra says, “The best thing that can happen to me is happening right now." Now that my rheumatoid arthritis inflammation has calmed down and my body is able to do so much, it is easy to believe in this philosophy.  When I feel good my whole relationship with life is different than when I am in the midst of a flare.   But as I took a long walk with my border collie Izzy the other morning, it occurred to me that all those years I have spent dealing with one flare after another was actually the best thing that could have happened to me. It was the best thing that could have happened to me because it was preparing me for where I am today.

I like where I am today.  I feel happy with who I have become over the years.  I like rejoicing in the small everyday events of my life that I didn’t focus on as much before rheumatoid arthritis slowed me down.  I like that rheumatoid arthritis forced me to stop and think about the time and energy I spent doing “things”.  I can now look at my day and decide what is really important to me and let everything else go.  Rheumatoid arthritis has helped me to focus on my goals in life and to let people and things that are filling voids in my life go so that I have room to give to those who are filling me to the brim with love, worthwhile experiences, and fun.    I have learned that it is okay to ask for help and that people actually want to be there for me.  I have built stronger relationships.  I have learned to eat in a way that is not only providing my rheumatoid arthritis some relief but also the stomach issues I have dealt with since I was a young girl.  I have discovered passions that revolve around food choices and health choices.  I have learned that everyone has a very unique path they need to follow and even though it may be quite different than my path, it doesn’t mean it is wrong. 

Although I don’t like the pain that rheumatoid arthritis has brought to my life and those around me, I know it was where I needed to be.  Rheumatoid arthritis needed to be a part of who I am.(And still does)  All the awful days I spent in flares forced me to take a deep look at who I am and what I really want out of life.  I needed to have those days in my past to get to where I am today.  Each day I have experienced  with pain, swelling, and tears and each day I have spent without any of those were exactly where I needed to be each day.  Each day is a chance to learn and to grow.  As I write this post and reflect on my day, I know “The best thing that can happen to me is happening right now."  

The Foods We Eat DO Make a Difference

"Gorillas Going Green" -  In an effort to help captive gorillas suffering from heart disease, researchers took the gorillas off a processed diet and instead gave them natural foods like romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, endives, alfalfa, green beans, flax seeds, and even tree branches which they strip of bark and leaves.  Not only did the gorillas lose 65 pounds each, it also changed their behaviors.  Hmmm...I wonder what a diet free of processed foods would do for humans? 

My favorite quote from the article is "And, we're just recognizing that surviving on a diet and being healthy on a diet are different. We've raised our standards and are asking, are they in the best condition to not only survive but to thrive?"

I think we can learn much from this video and article.

Speaking of good foods, check out my friend Kate's new blog KateAlice Cookbook.   Kate shares some similiarities with me:  1) We both have autoimmune diseases.  2)  We both believe that diet has a lot to do with the inflammation in our bodies.   3) Although our overall diets are different, we both follow a "grain free" diet and have found wonderful benefits by eliminating this food group.  No matter what your diet choices, I think you will love the photos, writing, and recipe ideas she has to offer.  Since she is new to the blogging community, you might also want to leave a comment and welcome her!

The foods we eat DO make a difference.

Loving With Chronic Illness: Spotlight on ME!

The year 2010 brought a very sweet addition to my life when I became friends with Maya from Loving With Chronic Illness.  Although we have not yet met in person, the smile she shares on her blog along with the  positive energy that oozes out of her in personal emails has been a much needed addition to my list of friends and support.  She is definitely one special gal to have in your life. 

Today I am honored to be a part of her "Spotlight on Chronic Illness."  Please check out the wonderfully nice things she has to say about me here as well as other amazing people she has shared in her spotlights.  Also, if experiencing any chronic illness, you will want to read other posts by Maya where she shares some of the ups and downs of living with Spondylitis as well as some of her poetry. 

Thanks Maya for sharing me in such a positive light and for being such an awesome person. 

Living Simply Brings Happiness

One morning early last week I was walking Izzy when I realized that with each step I took, there was a little hop.  I felt almost like I was as light as a feather hoping along our walking path with a great big smile that came from nowhere.  The next day it was the same.  The day after the same again.  This wonderful  feeling stayed with me all day as I traveled to work, to the grocery store, as I cooked, as I cleaned the house, to homeschool group, and back to work. Even at the end of the day I realized I was still smiling.  What I was experiencing  was a feeling of complete happiness.

My schedule has been busier the last month than ever before.  When I get home at night, I can't wait to jump into bed and fall asleep.  Yet, I feel happier than I can ever remember.  Why?  My guess is that even though  my hands are extremely full right now, I have simplified my life to include the things that really mean the very most to me. 

• Work:  I am working a lot of hours (for me anyhow).  But I love my two jobs!  Both jobs are as adjunct faculty teaching adult English as a Second Language and although I get paid for my job, I leave each class feeling like I have given something to my students and they have given something to me.  They each leave class saying, "Thank you Teacher."  One day we had about ten minutes left of class time so I stood at the door and asked each one of them a different question as they left.  The next day they wanted it again.  Teaching makes me feel creative and dramatic.  Getting up in front of a classroom of limited English speakers requires me to come outside of my usual quiet personality into a personality of drama and fun.  I love being this other person!    
• Food:  I am eating very simply.  I am purchasing my meat (beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and eggs) from a farmer that has been providing for us for eight years now.  We have seen his family go through some ups and downs, but they have always been there for us.  I like having this relationship with the people that provide the foods I eat.  We are eating veggies that are organic (and local if possible).    That's about it. We add some good fats to our foods and the kids eat some fruits. Very simple, yet delicious.  My body is responding well to these foods.  It doesn't overeat because without the grains (even gluten free) my body knows when it is full and it listens.  
• Sleep: I am not getting as much sleep as I have in the past, but I make it a priority to get to bed as early as I can.  My body likes that I am caring for it this way.  Sleep is so important in healing.
• Responsibilities:  I took a close look at the list of things I am responsible for and got rid of the ones that weren't nourishing my family and me anymore.  I am so proud of myself!  People have taken over and done such an amazing job!  It is nice to think we have to do it all ourselves, but really, we don't.  We just have to give up the control and realize things will go in the direction they were meant to go.  I am also saying "no" to things that add stress to my life, even if it means disappointing people.
• Exercise:  I am exercising more than I have in years.  Each morning I get up with Steve and we work out together.  This time is probably the one thing that has made a huge difference in how I feel.  I love having time together in the morning to see each other grow stronger, to laugh, and to give little hugs during breaks. When schedules get busy it is very easy for couples to slip into conversations that focus only on the necessary day to day things.  I am glad we have carved this time out together.  Afterwards, I take Izzy for a walk where I get to experience the gifts that nature gives each day: cold, rain, wind, and heat.  It sets the stage for the rest of the day physically and mentally.
• Family:  Even though my schedule has been really busy, I have found new pockets of time to spend individually with each member of my family that wasn't planned.  With me being away from home more, they each need that one on one time with me to reconnect.  I need it too.
• Friends:  I have been connecting with a few friends that I have known for many years on a whole new level.  I like knowing more about them and that I get to share me with them.   
• Rheumatoid arthritis:  RA is taking a backseat in my life right now.  It sneaks in every week with a new nodule in the wrist, swollen wrist and fingers, or a limp caused by swelling in the knee.  But, overall, it is allowing me this time to experience true happiness.  Thanks RA! 

There have been times when life brings events that get me down and at my worst with rheumatoid arthritis I have felt some depression, but overall I am usually happy.  What I am experiencing now is a whole new level of happiness. I feel it radiating from me. I have focused on the simplest things that give us nourishment and energy: food, sleep, exercise and family/community.  I have llet the other things go to the sidelines. I have been searching for many years for new "alternative" types of medicine, but what makes me feel the happiest and most content is just the very simple things in life. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.  I am so thankful that you read my thoughts here on my blog and that many of you share comments with me.  I love reading them.    

RA (and my daughter) Always Teaching Me New Things

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present. ~Babatunde Olatunji

It has taken me six years but I think I have finally learned a few very beneficial lessons for me regarding rheumatoid arthritis.

1. Rather than always looking for a way out of this disease, I have come to realize in the last month that what works for me right now is to eat healthy the majority of the time and not feel guilty when I don't, take my supplements and meds as prescribed and most importantly, RELAX about this disease. I put a lot of pressure on myself to always be on the lookout for new ideas on how to get myself out of this disease. I have finally come to the point that I am okay relaxing and letting things be. (This may be a temporary, but I hope it lasts a while.) When I started feeling good a little over a month ago, it was when I stopped worrying about everything and felt a sense of peace with where I am.

2. After a month long break (mostly) from RA symptoms, I started having some downhill days again. They aren't as bad as a few months ago and are very unpredictable (changing throughout the day) but they have slowed me down a little. My wise daughter Sophia said, "Well, at least you had a whole month." She said this sentence as if I should be proud of myself! This made me think about my actions during my "whole month". Rather than focusing on when the next bad day would come or feeling depressed that the streak might end, I focused on each and every day that was good and felt appreciation for little things like walking the dog, reaching a set of bowls, or the extra smiles I was able to give. I appreciated my good days 100% as they were happening and didn't worry about tomorrow. As some rough days sneak back into my days, I am realizing that I can use the day as a day to pamper myself with TV shows I enjoy, long naps, reading, cuddling, take out food, laying in the sun, etc. In the past I might have felt guilty or frustrated with my body for this kind of leisure time but now as I plan ahead for these days, I almost feel excited. It's like planning for a mini vacation. On Tuesday I asked a friend who usually picks my kids up for homeschool group (I meet them after work) to also bring the kids home. I left work and came straight home and took a long nap. Although I am sure I was missed (smile), everyone seemed fine with me taking the time off and I was able to give so much more of myself to my family that night. (Thanks Dee!)

This new way of thinking as taken a lot of pressure off of me and in reality made my symptoms relax also. I have always said that Sophia is the one in our family that helps us "live in the moment". I have spent too much of my RA life worrying that I have lost my life from before or worrying about what will happen in the future. This last month and a half I have spent just enjoying my good days as they are happening and being good to myself on the rough days. I am proud of myself and proud that Sophia brings out that feeling inside me. The present truly is a gift that needs to be treasured. It is a lesson that is long overdue for me, but like everything in life, comes when it is ready.

Busy! Busy! Busy!

This year I was able to spend Mother's Day with my own momma. The sad thing is all of us forgot it was even Mother's Day until Sunday morning when we thought about going out to eat. We were so busy focusing on Sophia's play. But, I enjoyed having my mom here celebrating in Sophia's special days. That in itself is a huge gift.


On Tuesday night we had 11 teens over to celebrate Alexander's 14th birthday. Let me just say that teens get a bad rap. These kids were so respectful and fun. They spent almost the entire time (4PM-1:30am and then again in the morning) sitting on our living room floor playing games. I am so thankful that my kids have these friends.

The rain did stop long enough we could go outside and make smores. Yummy!




Wednesday night Steve and I attended an ESL graduation for two of my favorite students/friends. Salvador and Kanya meet me every month for coffee. I just realized that we have been meeting for a year now. I have really enjoyed getting to know these two people outside of the classroom. They are both amazing.

On Thursday we completed this quad of classes with food and conversation. This class has been a lot of fun for two reasons. 1) I knew so many of these students from previous classes that our comfort level with each other was immediate. 2) This class was all women except for Juan. Our conversations definitely were different than with a mixed class. Summer classes start in a few weeks.

We have a busy weekend of A Little Princess shows. My niece is coming in tonight to see the show and sleeping over and then there are two shows tomorrow plus a cast party. Busy! Busy! Busy!

Exhausting, Yet Fulfilling Week

Our week has been full of dress rehearsals, volunteering, visiting family and five shows. I am exhausted, but so happy inside. My body came through for me and I was able to enjoy every moment of this week.

Alexander, who has been saving for an iPAD, realized he had enough money when Grandma Jo gave him cash for his birthday. (Thanks Grandma!) Below, Steve and Alexander getting ready to go into the Apple store to purchase his iPad.

Poor guy. We were so busy the last few days that he bought the iPAD and then didn't have any time to play around with it. Alexander put in a lot of hours selling refreshments, serving lunches to the actors and helping with clean up.



Show Time!
It has been fun watching the transformation of makeup application this week. Sophia has never worn any makeup before so as they week went on, her skills greatly improved.

My brother Mike was in town for a business meeting and was able to attend!

My mom came in especially for this and my nephew from the city came in also.

Sophia's friends that came for the Saturday night show with Steve.

Sophia on stage.

"Hot Mommas" - Me with two of my wonderful friends, Leanne and Helen.


Sophia and Sara holding Alana, a good friend who has been doing shows for years and had a main part in this show. She was fabulous. So fun to see her progression over the years.

No more shows until next Friday. Today we enjoy the last few hours of my mom's visit and then tomorrow we are busy getting ready for Alexander's birthday party on Tuesday. This is a fun time in our life!

Much to Be Thankful For

On this Sunday morning I have much to be thankful for:

~Alexander will be 14 on Saturday. When I look at him, I am so impressed and amazed that I had a part in creating him.

~Since going off Arava on Wednesday, the pressure in my ribs has disappeared.

~In two short weeks Sophia's performances of "A Little Princess" begin. Her part in the play is small but the experiences she has gained already are huge!

~My amazingly creative sister Sherry is back to reading lots of books and sharing ideas with me.

~Steve has a gig tonight. I LOVE watching him perform.

~In two weeks my mom will be in Chicago for a short visit. She is flying in to see Sophia's play and because she loves us. Also, my brother Mike has a meeting in Chicago and will be able to see Sophia's show.

~In a little over a month I will be married for 22 years. I can't imagine my life without Steve. He makes me smile everyday and even on my worst RA days makes me feel like the most beautiful woman alive.

~Alexander and I watched Food, Inc. last week. Watching the film sent chills through my body but also gave me a greater appreciation for the food coop we belong to where we are able to buy free range meat and eggs from farmers we trust. Unfortunately, due to overwhelming harassment by the FDA, this coop can no longer provide fresh dairy to its members which makes me very sad.

~I have a job that I really like and works around the needs of my family.

~My dad used to sing to us when he woke us up in the morning. I do the same thing with my kids. I think of my dad every time I start singing my corny made-up songs.

~Alexander is teaching me about the Cuban Missile Crisis as he learns about it. Learning is so fun when you are taught by your children.

~Sophia often has strangers tell her that she has a beautiful smile. It is true. Like Alexander, I look at her and feel amazed that I helped create her.

~In July my sister Stacey and her boys are coming for a week long visit. I can't wait!

Some days are tough for me but each day I have these amazing things to wake up to. It is great being me!

Note: Once you start listing things that you are "thankful" for, the list becomes longer and longer. Give it a try. Leave a comment of something you are thankful for today.

Thank you to Helen at Pens and Needles for the Sugar Doll Award. What a fun way to concentrate on something other than RA! Plus, it is a nice way to learn something new about each other. I like that - community building. I have enjoyed reading new things about my RA blogger friends.

Part of accepting the award is to share ten things about myself and then nominate five other people. Here are 10 things about me.

1. CRAP is about the worst word that comes out of my mouth. I have just never been one to use profanity. It doesn't bother me that others use it, but is just isn't me. My kids refer to "crap" as the "K word" because when they were younger they thought it started with a "k".

2. I am seriously jealous of the birthday party Sophia recently attended. She and three other girls, along with the birthday girl's mom and dad of course, stayed at the Four Seasons in Chicago. They ordered room service, went on a carriage ride through Chicago, swimming and much more.

3. My grammar/spelling skills are weak but somehow I still managed to minor in English and currently teach English. I often feel that I am learning as I teach. My only problem is that if it isn't meaningful to me, I forget it and have to relearn it.

4. I love watching marathons of sitcoms with the kids. Right now my favorites are That 70's Show and Seinfield. Two of our favorites from the past are The Dick Van Dyke Show and Mary Tyler Moore.

5. My daughter Sophia recently asked me what was on my bucket list. I don't have a bucket list but as I listened to hers, I was motivated to make my own. It was a great way to really think about what I would like to do in my lifetime and came up with three things that could actually all be done together: learn Spanish fluently, travel through South American countries and do a really big hike in the mountains.

6. When I was a little girl, teenager and young adult my neck would break out in hives when I was nervous. It only occasionally happens now.

7. When I was a kid in school, I was always in the lowest reading groups. Two years in a row I was pulled out for extra services. It was great! We got to use the typewriter, knit, play games and spend time in small groups with the math/reading aid. It was one of my favorite times during elementary school.

8. I have flat, thin nails. I keep them short because they break really easy and tend to curve as they grow.

9. In my future I want to be a massage therapist or something similar. I would really like to work on elderly people that aren't touched often and people with chronic pain. I am not sure how this is going to work with my stiff and swollen fingers, but for now that is my goal.

10. I wish I could find a swimsuit that really fit and didn't ride up my butt.

Now, for the five people I would like to nominate for this award:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy - I know you all know him and love him but I just want to say he has been a great friend.

2. Hope Floats - Melissa is one blogger friend I have been fortunate enough to meet in person. She is a great gal. You will find many amusing things on her blog.

3. Joanne at Reasons to Be Cheerful cracks me up. I love reading about her life. She has had a lot of down times the last year but always keeps a great attitude.

4. Ra is Wild - Judy is taking on her RA through a raw diet. She provides lots of great looking recipes.

5. Dual Sport Life - Terry writes about his adventures with RA and motorcycle riding. Lots of good reading.

*RA Guy and Terry, I hope you don't mind being a Sugar Doll for a day. :)

Each of these people are part of our rheumatoid arthritis community. I am not sure who started this award but it has been a great way for us to learn about each other in a new way.

The Law of Giving and Receiving

The Law of Giving and Receiving: The universe operates through dynamic exchange – giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe. And in our willingness to give that which we seek, we keep the abundance of the universe circulating in our lives. ~ Seven Spiritual Laws by Deepak Chopra

I believe that the things we think and the words we use become our truth. I consciously try to create feelings and beliefs that work towards healing and happiness rather than negativity because I want that to be my truth. After falling asleep around 4:30am and sleeping in until 8:00am, I woke up feeling like I had left a post on my blog that didn't feel right to me. I reflected on Deepak Chopra's daily inspirational guidance for today which says, "Today I will gratefully receive all the gifts that life has to offer me. I will receive the gifts of nature: sunlight and the sound of birds singing, or spring showers or the first snow of winter. I will also be open to receiving from others, whether it be in the form of a material gift, money, a compliment or a prayer." My previous post feels very self centered. Rather than accepting this gift of words my friend has chosen to give me, I have turned it into a negative that focuses on my pity party that has lasted the last few weeks and needs to move on so that I can get back to thinking positive things and accepting the positive that comes from others.

Not everyone can understand each of the challenges we face in our lives. I am reminded of this today as a friend is mourning what would have been her son's birthday. I can't truly understand exactly how she feels today or even have the right words to say to her, but I do know that throughout the day today I will be sending her extra healing thoughts because I know today is hard for her. I know in my heart that my friends do the same for me. Each of my friends is different which is what I love about them and because of their differences from each other and me, they are going to communicate to me in a way that works for them. I have been given a gift with my friend's words to look outside of how I am feeling and see that deep inside my friends still see the beauty in me that has nothing to do with rheumatoid arthritis. It is just about them loving me for who I am. What a wonderful gift.

Plus, after getting up and getting myself ready I looked in the mirror and realized that I do "look" good. I am eating healthy, I am walking when I can, my weight is down, my skin looks healthy, and I am happy with my life. No wonder my friend keeps telling me, "You look so good." It's true.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I saw this on someones Facebook post today: "Lots to do today--choosing Joy is at the top of my list." Wow. That is something to think about.

"You Look So Good"

My body has a window of time that it feels its best each day. Between about noon and five o'clock I am at whatever best I am going to be for the day. This is also the time frame when I see all of my friends, which is good. I would rather sit and talk during my good time than during my worst. Every week when I see a friend of mine she says, "You look so good." I 100% believe she is telling me the truth and want to believe that I look good even though I may be sitting and laughing while feeling like crap. What I don't think my friend really understands is that my window of time looking and feeling good together is very limited.

My mornings are always rough (the only exception to this was recently when I was on prednisone only. It was glorious to wake up and jump out of bed. Since starting the Arava, the prednisone is not working at all.) Yesterday morning my shoulders and hands hurt so bad that it took both hands to lift my tea cup. I went to get a haircut at 10:30 and the hairdresser had to wait while I maneuvered out of my chair when my cut was finished. That's a little embarrassing! I then came home and put on a little makeup since the boys and I were going out. I no longer use an eyeliner that requires sharpening because in the morning my fingers just can't do it. About fifty percent of the mornings I have my kids spray hairspray on because I either can't lift my shoulders high enough to reach my hair or most likely my fingers are too stiff to push the lever up and down. I have been so thankful lately for the warm weather so I can slip into a dress or skirt and not have to worry about dealing with pulling pants up or buttoning them. I know I could let some of this go - stop wearing makeup all together and get a cut that doesn't require any hairspray. Maybe even go to elastic pants. (Okay, seriously, help me if I get to that point!) But, these things are still a part of me and even though they are a workout, they are a part of who I like being and I am not ready to give them up. So, hopefully the pay off is that I "look" good.

As much as I just want to accept this complement, something about it always eats at me. When people say "you look so good" does that mean they think I am making up my symptoms? Because really, how do you look good but not feel good? I always feel prettier when I feel good so maybe I don't think of myself as "looking good" when I don't feel good. Maybe I am feeling sensitive lately about how people perceive this disease after sharing with two different friends on different occasions that I have been diagnosed with "severe rheumatoid arthritis." They both seemed surprised that I could be managing day to day without even a cane or crutches and still be considered "severe". I understand that this disease can be misleading and unless you sleep over at my house, you don't get the full effect of how rheumatoid arthritis affects my life because most people only see me during my "good" hours.

I am awake right now, in the middle of the night, because my shoulders hurt so bad I have to wake up and think about rolling over. Most mornings I take one step at a time down the stairs and often have to lean against the wall for added support. Many jobs around our house are completed by the kids. My mornings vary in what I can accomplish which is generally why on my days off work I am at the computer. It is one place I generally feel comfortable. Once my window of time arrives I am able to accomplish whatever my body allows for that day. Then around five o'clock when I sit down for dinner, the circle of events unravels itself again and I begin the struggle to get out of my chair and my shoulders, hips and knees start tightening up again. After this point, I feel physically useless.

Rheumatoid arthritis is tricky to understand unless you are living with it. The symptoms can come and go. Laughing and enjoying time with your friends can definitely help the symptoms move into the background and seeing my friends during the best time of the day is a bonus. Honestly I am glad I "look" good. I want to look good. I don't want to look like I have rheumatoid arthritis. So, why don't I just accept the complement and leave it at that? Why do I worry about people not understanding? Not everyone gets a weekly complement of looking good, right? Plus, my friends are very supportive which is another plus. I just need to accept the complement and not put any more thought into it.

This afternoon I am meeting Melissa from Hope Floats for lunch. We have met before and I am looking forward to seeing her again. She will see me during my "good" hours when I look and feel my best. However, since Melissa lives with RA also, she will understand without me even having to explain how the symptoms come and go. It is nice to have friends that have no relationship to RA but also nice to talk with someone that totally gets what you are experiencing. I am looking forward to my lunch with Melissa today. I think I am in need of some RA companionship. But, for now, I really need to get some "beauty sleep" as my dad always calls it or I really won't even "look" good.

Enjoy your day!

INHOME Conference 2010 - Conclusion of "Amazing Week"

After many long walks this week reconnecting with both nature and my body, we completed my "amazing week" inside attending an annual homeschooling conference in Illinois known as the INHOME Conference. Since the temperatures dropped from a sunny 65 on Friday to the low 30's with snow on Saturday, being inside sharing good times with friends was the perfect way to end this week.

I think the thing that would most surprise non-homeschoolers is how varied in lifestyles homeschoolers are from each other. We come from many different paths in life. Some homeschoolers are very conservative, while others top the liberal side. Homeschoolers vary on the religious spectrum from one end to the other. Not only do our life experiences vary, but our homeschooling philosophies can also be as different as night and day. But, whatever our philosophies about life, religion or educating our children, I love surrounding myself with other homeschoolers because what we do all have in common is a genuine love for our children and a strong desire to provide a way of life that we believe is the best path for our individual families.

The two days of conferences were devoted to classes and hanging out with friends.

Here Alexander learned how to make a flower out of duct tape.

I was able to get a quick photo of Alexander preparing for a NERF war with other teens.

Sophia and friends after face painting class.

The highlight of the conference for my family was the family dance. After a full day of participating in classes, it was great fun to watch our kids dance together in groups while the parents enjoyed good conversation and a few drinks.

Here the kids finished eating ice cream and were waiting for the teen dance to begin. It ended at midnight. This was my kids first year of attending the teen dance and they LOVED it!

Sophia and her friend Giselle decided to ditch a class on Saturday and go swimming instead. The indoor/outdoor pool was heated so they were swimming outside as the snow was coming down. Perfect!

Meeting up in between classes.

Steve and Alexander getting ready to attend a music workshop. Each child was to bring their instrument and music. The class was a huge success and afterwards the new band performed their song at the talent show. Here Alexander waits for his turn to perform.

I titled last week my "amazing week" and that is exactly what it was. I took full advantage of the gorgeous weather we had in Chicago and full advantage of the prednisone that is living in my body for now. I had a relaxing, fun time hanging out with friends. On Sunday I met with my original naturopath and immediately realized that although she is a drive, she is exactly the person I need to be working with on a regular basis. The energy and truthfullness she gives me is exactly what I need and meeting with her has given me a new sense of comfort.

Today starts a new week for me - an appointment with my primary care physician to discuss the results of my blood work and knee x-ray, plus a new reduced work schedule and a new class. It might not be an "amazing week", but sometimes after an amazing week you look forward to the calmness of the ordinary week. I hope your week is great!

An Amazing Week

I felt optimist going into this week and titled it my "Amazing Week" before the week even started - I just felt that confident in this week. Why you ask?

1. Although the decision to take a two month round of prednisone was hard, I feel very comfortable with my decision. I am happy to report that after one week it is starting to do its work. Honestly, I can't even put into words how much I needed this physical break.
2. This week I am on Spring Break from work and the weather is in the 60's with sun all week.

It is truly amazing how once you title a week "amazing" your mind focuses in on that message and even with a little disappointing news about my knee x-ray and work schedule this week, my mind has stayed in "amazing" mode and so far I have had an absolutely perfect week.

Besides physically feeling well, my "Amazing Week" was kicked off with Sophia participating in her first ever audition on Friday night. She will be performing in "A Little Princess" in May. She has wanted to audition with this theatre group for a year now and I kept saying, "I need to feel better first." I am glad we went ahead with this goal. I am so proud of her.

After Sophia's audition we headed over to a restaurant/pub where we met friends and listened to Steve perform. They asked him to return the next night at a different location and our friends came out again!


My sleep has been "amazing". For months now I have woke up time after time with extreme pain in my knee and shoulders. To wake up in the morning and realize I slept all night is pure joy.

I walked Izzy all by myself on Sunday!!!! Since October I have been unable to walk Izzy except for a few times. She is an energetic girl with lots of energy and strength. We have done tons of training with her, but she still pulls a lot. If you can imagine, this is not easy on ones shoulders and knee that are already in pain. But, I love walking her. It is one of my favorite things to do and it feels great to be back this week. Each morning the kids and I are taking her to a new park or forest preserve. These long walks with my kids and puppy are just what I needed. My cheeks are even red from the sun today. I LOVE it!










My "Amazing Week" is not over. We have another long walk planned for tomorrow and will even be taking Izzy's friend Bella with us. On Friday and Saturday we are attending the INHOME conference and staying in the hotel which is always fun. Sophia also starts rehearsals this weekend. It will be fun hanging out with friends all weekend, learning some new things, and relaxing. More photos of this "Amazing Week" coming.

A New Rheumatoid Arthritis Store

Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy, a great friend and fellow rheumatoid arthritis hero has been sharing his superhero powers with the world for six months now. In my opinion, his most powerful abilities lie in his ability to write about his personal experiences with rheumatoid arthritis and that he has no problem sharing the voices of other RA bloggers on his blog.

Recently RA Guy took his superpowers one step further and added a store that is powered by Amazon and has a nice selection of books, cds, videos, and health and personal care items that may help in soothing your RA or other chronic pain. I like that Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy always does a complete research on topics related to RA and keeps an open mind about both traditional and conventional medicine which you will see in his store. So check it out. You might find some ideas to add to your Christmas wish list or gifts you want to give to others.

My personal favorites from his store:
Real Food: What to Eat and Why By Nina Planck - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book. Several years ago I was encouraging all my friends and family to read this book.
Nelson Bach USA - Rescue Remedy Pastille - I always carry Rescue remedy with me and pop one in whenever I am worried or having negative thoughts. (Some days I go through a lot).
Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist - I haven't actually read this one but have seen several interviews about the book online. Michael J. Fox is a true inspiration.
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay - I have read several of Louise Hay's books and blogged often about her daily affirmations. We can all learn from her writings.

Positive Energy from Gifts

When I initially entered the blogger world my own world seemed to be constantly changing and I wanted a place to share those changes without bombarding my family and friends through emails and phone calls. What I never imagined when I started blogging was that I would find unbelievable support and friendship from fellow bloggers. Since blogging I have found several blogger friends that I email with on a regular basis and feel a strong connection with their lives even though we have never personally met.

Recently I received a package from one of those blogger friends. Inside were four beautiful scarves - one for each of my family members and myself as well as a pair of fingerless knitted gloves. My body becomes painfully cold very easily, especially my hands, wrists and feet. Receiving gifts that warm my body are gifts that I cherish and warm my heart each time I put them one on because I know my blogger friend truly understands how cold feels to my body.


We are each enjoying our scarves. Sophia likes hers so much that she has even tried to convince Alexander to give up his so she has another color to add to her wardrobe! My mittens are kept in my purse so I can pull them out on walks, while shopping, when leaving work, on cold mornings at home or whenever I need them. What I really like is that since they are fingerless, I can wear them while shopping since walking in the freezer section can cause pain to my hands and I can even leave them on while paying! Also, if the house is cold I can wear them and type!

Thank you to my blogger friend (not sure if this friend wants to be named) for thinking of my family and me. Each time I put on my scarf (which I have had numerous positive comments) or my mittens, I feel a positive energy!

Body Ecology Diet

I have completed an entire month of the Body Ecology Diet! I read Donna Gates book a few years ago and felt like it was too much for me and returned the book to the library. Over the last few years the diet has come back to me several times and I finally felt like I needed to listen to this message that was coming to me and research it again. When I read through the book this time it made perfect sense to me. The time had come where I felt open minded to trying this diet and seeing what it would do for me.

~In the last month I have learned to ferment and eat fermented vegetables. It isn't as difficult as I imagined. As long as I keep on a regular schedule of preparing the veggies, my one hour investment of chopping will provide several weeks worth of fermented veggies ready to eat! I like knowing that the veggies I am eating are full of probiotics that are working towards repairing my digestive system and creating a new environment balanced out with good bacteria.

~My favorite part of the day is drinking coconut water kefir. Together Alexander and I cut the coconuts, drain the juice and begin the fermentation process of the water. When it is ready to drink I add either unsweetened cranberry juice/black currant juice or lemon juice and a little stevia. Delicious! This drink helps to break down my foods and allow them to digest easier.

~I have made some wonderful soups that I enjoy for breakfast or anytime I need a little snack.

~This is a gluten free diet which I have been following for the last four and half years but this is more restrictive. I am only allowed amarath, millet, quinoa and buckwheat preferably in the whole grain rather than flour. So, I am experimenting with some new recipes. One night I made Buckwheat Croquettes and Alexander LOVED them. Only, he felt bad for eating my food. No problem. I am more than happy to share.

~I making my own salad dressing which uses olive oil, dulce, apple cider vinegar and a little lemon juice - all of which continue the process of breaking down my foods and making them easier to digest.

~Best of all as I prepare my foods I think of how each food is healing my complete body. I have been able to resist temptations because I visualize the tempting food as an invader that is trying to harm my body and must be saved by the foods on my list.

How Am I Feeling?
I would like to say that my joint pain is gone but it is not. In The Body Ecology Diet book Donna Gates reminds us often that healing is a slow process and there are many layers to healing. So, I am not discouraged because I know in my heart that healing is happening and I am seeing it is other areas. Within the first week of the diet a sensitive tooth I have had for the last two years is no longer sensitive. This diet allows for no sugar at all in the beginning phase - including fruit. That could be helping my sensitive tooth. A cyst I have on my wrist has decreased in size and the bloating I have been experiencing for some time is gone. Plus, I have lost about seven pounds. I am not really looking for anymore weight loss but Donna Gates did share that as the toxins are eliminated from our bodies, we will lose weight. In the last few days I have had a small reduction in swelling of my knee. This is great news for me especially since the weather in Chicago has been rainy and cold.

I am seeing changes happen and remind myself often that we are like onions with several layers. It took us years and years to add on the layers that finally contributed to our chronic disease and it will take work to get those layers off. But with each layer we are one step closer to being free of chronic disease and free of future health problems. Thanks to everyone that keeps motivating me each and everyday, especially Steve, Alexander and Sophia who praise my efforts and make adjustments in their own eating habits to help me. Thanks to my sister Stacey who calls every few days just to see how I am doing. She motivates me, listens to me and encourages me more than she will every know. And to one of my best friends, Olif, who receives my daily emails sharing my ups and downs. Also, thanks to each of my blogger friends who daily provide posts that make me laugh or give me new things to think about. I have a lot of support surrounding me and because of this, I feel strong continuing my diet and my journey. I feel very optimistic and very much in control of my own health. I like that feeling.

The Gluten Free 'Dish'

My good friend Debbie at The Gluten Free Dish has been nominated by Dr. Geoffrey W. Rutledge MD, PhD to be a part of Wellshere Health Bloggers Network. Check out her site which is full of great gluten free recipes as well as heart felt information about healthy living. Then, if you like what you see, vote for her at Wellspere Health Bloggers Network.

Also, be sure to check out her Kid Friendly Gluten and Dairy Free Breakfast Casserole. It is made with sweet potatoes and is absolutely delicious. I think this might have been the recipe that created the friendship I have with Debbie who has been a wonderful friend along my rheumatoid arthritis journey this last year. Thanks Debbie. You are a very special person.

Hidden Surprises in Camping Trip

Saturday night our unschooling group hosted a "Not Back To School" camping trip at a nearby forest preserve. I woke up early on Saturday morning and for a moment considered cancelling due to being awake most of the night with an achy knee. But, that moment quickly disappeared when I considered all the fun we would miss out on. My joints would just have to deal with it.

We decided to take Izzy with us and see how she handled camping. We knew we were close enough I could run her home if things got bad and Steve could go home with her after his gig rather than joining us. The only problem was the forest preserve closed their gates at 8:05 PM at which time we became prisoners of the campground. This also meant Steve could not drive back after his gig and join us which I was bummed about. Izzy did great and seemed to adjust well to camping! That is until dark came and all the kids brought out their flashlights. In hindsight I should have thought about the flashlights, but just never did. Like many border collies, Izzy is a little OCD, especially with flashlights. They drive her absolutely nuts and we rarely use them at our house for just that reason. I ended up taking her back to our campsite and sitting alone for the remainder of the night. (Except when my sweet Alexander came to check up on me. I tell you, I don't know how I got so lucky with this guy.) Izzy was calmer at our campsite where the flashlights weren't in her face but still became anxious when anyone walked by with a flashlight. Finally, I decided to lay down for the night and realized that not only were the air and ground wet and cold but my air mattress was losing air. I knew I couldn't make it through the night sleeping in my tent. Instead I set up camp in the back of our car for Izzy and myself. It was actually a comfy situation and as soon as we were in the car, Izzy snuggled up next to me and was fine. I even woke once during the night and thought, "This is kind of cool. I like the feeling of camping out with my dog and having her snuggled up next to me." The kids said they peeked in on us when they returned late from playing with friends and said we looked quite comfy.

The best part of my solo evening was talking to Steve on the phone. As I lay snuggled up next to Izzy in the car, I talked with Steve late into the evening. I felt like a teenager up late talking to her boyfriend. It was fun. In the morning, my "boyfriend" arrived early with a hot cup of tea from Starbucks for me. It was just what I needed. (How did I get so lucky with this guy too?)

After walking Izzy we headed over to the main meeting area where Izzy stole food from a couple of unsuspecting children but overall did well. My knee however wasn't. Each time she pulled away from me I feared the tears would stream. The kids and I are always the caregivers/disciplinarians for Izzy and Steve is her playmate. But that day he took her leash so that I could have a break. He just always knows what to do for me.

During the daylight hours I had a great time hanging out with my friends and during the evening I had a great time hanging out with my puppy and on the phone with my hubby. Looking at this photo will always remind me that life turns out just fine and might even have a few hidden surprises for us.

"I Can't Wait." - Blossoming and Finding Your Place

There is a lot of excitement at our house today. Sophia is going to a birthday slumber party tonight at a hotel for swimming and other fun AND Halo ODST for XBOX has its midnight release on September 22 so Alexander is making plans with his friends. He is planning to pick the game up with Steve and then the two of them will join three of his other friends online to play. Alexander and his friends discussed having a sleepover for the release night but the details were getting messy so they will probably play together online from 1am to whenever and then get together the next day. So much fun!

I find it enjoyable to watch my kids excited about getting together with their friends for many reasons. One, as homeschoolers we aren't supposed to have friends. (He-he) The number one question we get when we tell people we homeschool is, "So, do they socialize with other kids?" If people only knew that we have to limit the socialization so mom can have a few days at home. Two, I was never a very social person as a child. I always considered myself "shy" but now when I look back I wasn't really shy, I was more of a "loner". I enjoyed having friends but they weren't necessary for me either. I was always quite content being home with my family and/or spending time alone. I never looked forward to sleepovers but instead preferred parties that had a time schedule so I knew when I would go home. I used to think something was wrong with me because I was this way, but I have learned to appreciate that it is just who I am. Nothing wrong with it. In fact, I seem to bring balance to many of my friends that are social creatures, just as they do for me. So, it works out. We all have the personalities we were meant to have.

As I watch my kids enter their teen years excited about get togethers with friends, planning get togethers with friends, and counting down days until big get togethers with friends, I find it fun and intriguing. What makes some people thrive on socializing with others while it drains others. Even today I LOVE having lots of friends and am thankful each day that I have the friends I do in my life, but I also find it exhausting sometimes. I need lots of time alone and when I don't get it, I don't handle life as well.

My children seem to thrive on time with their friends so I do whatever I can to make it happen. Luckily for me I have been able to establish friendships with other moms that don't expect me to be anyone other than myself. This group of friends embrace the fact that we are all different and have our own unique characteristics. It definitely helps me break out of my "loner" shell at a level that is comfortable for me.

Through my children I find my own personality blossoming. I find lots of joy in their excitement and when we host their friends over here, I love to be in the background listening to their giggles and conversations but also look forward to hanging out with my mom friends as they drop off and pick up their kids or decide to hang out at our house with me. My children's social personalities show me a way I have never known, but our lifestyle allows me to stay in the comfort of my own "loner" self. Life with children makes you feel like you "can't wait" for the next fun thing or development in your personality to happen.