Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis...Continued

A few months ago I wrote about my rheumatoid arthritis. I've had 28 years and 6 months of my 30 years of life. For the most part life has been peachy and I haven't had any problems, now for some reason RA is rearing its ugly head, again.

I have been having more frequent and awful flare ups lately, to the point that I know I'm past due for an appointment with a rheumatologist. New joints are hurting and it's stressing me out, which in turn makes my symptoms worse, which then stresses me out some more. It's truly a vicious cycle.

I hurt and it's awful, but what sucks the most is that I have to hide the pain from my kids. I don't want them to see me like this and not able to do the things they want to do. How do you explain to two 5-year-olds that Mommy's bones hurt to the point that she can't do that activity with you?

A few people have mentioned they are surprised I run with this and have questioned if that is harming me in some way. Surprisingly, jogging is actually encouraged, as long as your joints can handle the pressure. It helps with my mood and usually I do not feel a heavy impact from it. Today, I just couldn't run. I blamed the rain (which was a valid excuse), but really I hurt too much.

RA sucks and I just thank God that neither of my kids are experiencing this and I pray that they never do.

1 comment:

cat said...

Oh Amanda, so sorry yo have to live with this. My mom has lived with it for 37 years - diagnosed when she was 40 and for the most part, apart from pain she has been ok with all the other horrors that come with it. Good luck, and see that specialist - they are key to you living a long and good life with RA. Lots of love

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