Got An Answer: My Rheumatoid Diagnosis

Back in the spring when I started having what I can only describe as the worst pain ever, I didn't know how things would pan out for me. I've been through some really dark times (even for me .. *titter* ) I went from full pelt Half Marathon Training (my last run being just over 10 miles) to hobbling out of bed and struggling with the stairs.

I was going to run for Plan International

The worst thing for me was aside from my obviously painful swollen ankles, I looked the same. It didn't seem like my whole body was on fire. The crippling fatigue & worst still the shroud of hopelessness that engulfed me.

I didn't miss one day of work even though some days i'd rather be knocked out than endure one second of the day. I still did the parent thing. The partner thing. The business owner thing.
I now know better because yet again, I pushed through and would end up crashing at weekends.

It all started with a mass in my breast. I wrote about it here & explored more here.

To catch up, read the posts between then and now, I kinda had to journal the experience. Not as much as I thought to be honest.

I had 6 weeks of Prednisolone... That shit is legit. It gave me such a new lease of life. I cannot stress the difference enough. Tapered down and the pains returned so the rheumatologist has seen that its an inflammatory arthritis.

What is Rheumatoid Disease though?

For an in depth definition see here

Here are clues though, although Rheumatoid Disease is more than just about the joints. It affects your entire immune system & organs. There's Fatigue & a sense of a loss of self (if you let it take you)

Difference between Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid - NRAS

Symptoms of RA

Why am I writing this? I wanted to share my story in case it helps someone else. I seem to collect invisible illnesses so my second reason is to share so people around me get a glimpse into why I've changed my lifestyle/trying to change my lifestyle.

Where Am I Now?

I've started my DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drug) Therapy . I'm hoping that I do well on this particular drug. It's slow acting so I won't know for 12 weeks if it's working. For now, I'm managing the pain, Trying to turn my brain off crisis mode & trying to get back to exercising & smashing my goals.

Ps feel free to ask me questions if you have any!

Helpful Links

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society

Arthritis Research UK

BLOGS I LIKE

RA Warrior

Comments

What to put in your Hospital Bag for a Mastectomy

I have scrawled across the internet , read lots of blogs and watched lots of videos. Most of which were of an American slant. I have come to the conclusion that the American hospital system is very different to our good old NHS. I asked lots of people who have been through this too. I also used information from the booklet entitled "Planned Admissions" which I was given when I went in for my Wide Excision back in March. Putting all the above to use, here is what I have packed in my hospital bag . Most British hospitals do not have vast amount of space so you are advised to bring a soft bag not a suitcase. I chose my favourite Cath Kidston X Disney Peter Pan Tote. It's not a big bag either. George Post Surgery PJs (with internal drain management pockets. George Post Surgery Dressing Gown (also with Drain Management) My trusty bedroom boots Fleece Blanket Spare underwear Toiletry bag containing Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Face cream Naty Baby Eco Wipes

IRL: Crafty Catch Up 2017

Well what can I say? My first ever planner meet up was all I thought it would be! I had an absolute ball. I had wanted to come to the last one but being an islander meant it was just too far for me to consider however things changed when this date was announced. 22nd July was only a few days away from our wedding anniversary. We'd planned to spend it at Disneyland Paris so it made perfect sense to do the crafty catch up on the Saturday, and then continue on to France the following day. Serendipity. What I didn't account for was the mania that it would entail. Kids breaking off for summer Friday afternoon, finishing packing, cleaning the house etc , getting the 7am ferry, driving to Kent, etc on the Saturday. As I arrived, I saw the beautifully laid out Lydd Community Hall. In the hallway was the table plan, I was on table 3... I met great people! I was reminded that all kinds of people love crafts, I was inspired by their creativity Specifically the mummy/daugh

Films I'm very Excited to Watch in the Next Few Months (and why you should be too)

If you didn't know this about me, I LOVE the cinema! I go pretty often, and film premiers feature heavily in my planners! So after lockdowns, the cinema industry is struggling to get back on its feet. Cineworld is even teetering on bankruptcy. As an unlimited card holder, this is such sad news, and I hope they can pull through. However, it is not all bad news as the film industry has some corkers coming up! After the D23 Expo , there are a lot of good films coming out of the Disney/Pixar studio. I will not be listing them here, but I've popped a link you can visit to see. I'm incredibly excited about The Little Mermaid coming out in the Spring (2023). Talking about Disney magic, This next film has been 30 years in the making. I'm excited to kick off Halloween 2022 with Hocus Pocus 2! It's being premiered on Disney+ on September 30, 2022. I'm away for work but I will be catching up with my hubby when I get back. I'm scared of the Sanderson sisters 🤣. Ther

Oreos & Gin

Search This Blog