Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms Don't Rule My Aud Life

Tha last time I officially worked outside my house, was in 1997. For the fist time in over 10 years, I went to work at the office yesterday, by 9:30 last night I was thinking I was nuts! I’m the mother of 2 busy girls, coordinator & cook of a bustling household, living with rheumatoid arthritis and now going to work.

I’ve been working from home off and on for the past few years and have found it to be a little hard to get a lot accomplished while in my house. The phone was ringing, laundry was calling me from the hamper, the dog wanted a walk, all the finicky, time consuming things seemed to be getting in the way and I was frustrated. I made the decision in August that I would move into my husband’s downtown office once the girls were back in school.

The office is a pretty relaxed atmosphere, casual and maybe a little too much fun; some of our johncow.com commercials are a little out there! We’re having a good time.

I’m hoping that it will be a good decision, my husband’s office is separate and we’re not on each other’s nerves, and I’m able to have 5 hours where I can focus on work and not have the phone ringing, doors knocking, cat and dog clamoring for attention and housework making me feel guilty! Being the procrastinator that I am, I’ll deal with it later!

The blessing of it is that when arthritis comes creeping I’m able to take the time that I need to rest and recuperate. Not a lot of arthritis people in the workplace can do that, either they need to grin and deal with it, or they need to find another job.

At the moment my RA isn’t in the way of my job, but how is it with you? Is your arthritis getting in the way of your career? How have you adapted? I’m all ears!

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One way to get my mind off the troubles of arthritis is leaving home and going on vacation, which is just what I’m doing right now. I’m sitting in my cousin’s living room down in beautiful Ridgeway, Ontario just minutes away from Niagara Falls. It’s a lovely, soft evening outside and we’ve just returned from a fun packed day at the Falls.

We decided last week to take a quick trip down to visit family who have a son that our girls have a blast with. Wandering down through Michigan took a bit of Friday afternoon, and we stopped off for the evening outside of Flint where I knew a Red Lobster could be found. It’s been a year since my last crab leg meal and I was ready for another - even though shell fish cause flare ups. I had brought my Tylenol 3’s and dug in with my shell cracker and melted butter. It was so worth it!!

Within 20 minutes I could feel my wrists and elbows start, by the time we returned to the hotel, my knees were yelping, but I wasn’t going to say a word. I promised myself I wouldn’t make a peep and I didn’t! Fortunately it wasn’t too bad, I guess I over estimated the pain  (and that rarely happens).

On the road again the next morning after we found a Tim Horton’s (and in Michigan at that!) With my ‘large with milk’ and my husband’s ‘large with a double’ (that’s Canadian for 2 large coffees, one with milk and one with two creams), it was back to the Ontario border and into heavy traffic.

Today was fabulous! I got to take a long 5 mile walk through the quaint town of Ridgeway this morning. It was perfect, the air was sweet and warm, it was peaceful with birds singing and the occasional passerby saying, “Good Morning!”

The kids were scooped up and it was off to see one of the world’s wonders. They were very impressed and had almost as much fun as us  adults in the wax museums, arcades and other tourist magnets.

I’m having too much fun to been too concerned about the aches and pains. A vacation is a pretty effective Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment for me!

Tomorrow it’s Marine Land, I might even pet a beluga! How cool is that?!

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My husband’s family just celebrated the second annual family reunion this past weekend and what a blast! It was wonderful to see people we haven’t seen in years and some I had never met. Around 100 family members gathered just a few miles north of our hometown at a camp ground and a good time was had by all, from the 7 month old babies to our 92 year old matriarch.

The year before, I ventured to host it at our house; feeding and entertaining 60 people left me exhausted and set me back health wise. This year  I was happy to allow others to plan and take it on! I absolutely love my husband’s family and we are very close, but because of my rheumatoid arthritis, I felt that I could not throw them the party they deserve.

They are a very affectionate, easy going bunch and a constant warm atmosphere seems to over flow when they all get together.  There were races and games for the kids, young and old alike. I don’t know who had more laughs, the gamers or the on lookers; tumbles and spills, trips and sprawls were hilarious and nobody walked away without a cool prize to take home, whether their team finished first or choked in the field.

When it comes to satisfying the stomach, our family is not stingy. Food and drink flowed like Niagara Falls, you name it- it was there and in surplus. Conversation was at record heights, and it didn’t matter how long it had been since you had seen a person, warm embraces erased and shrank the lost time.

It was remarkable to watch my daughters get swept up within minutes by their cousins whom they hadn’t seen since last year. They were a large band of roving, fun seeking boys and girls the entire weekend. Not a peep of discord was heard, and heartfelt sad good byes were given when the weekend was over, along with promises of continued contact.

The children weren’t the only ones bummed out to have to say farewell to each other. We adults felt the pangs as we hugged and reaffirmed our connections and the bonds we share. I adore this family, truly and deeply; even though I’m exhausted, stiff, sore and a little swollen- I’ve got the days counted down until next year!

How about you? What are some traditions, memories and special times you’ve shared with your family?  Our family’s always open to some tips and new ideas, and I’d love to hear them!

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Along with Rheumatoid Arthritis, there are other syndrome’s and conditions that I live with. In 2000, doctors discovered that my sister and I shared a condition called ‘congenital protein C deficiency’; which is caused by a lack of the protein C  in the fluid portion of blood. Proteins C and S are natural substances that prevent blood clots (anticoagulants) and my sister and I are deficient in protein C.

It wasn’t until clots formed (right lung in my sister, and right side of the brain in myself) that the doctors discovered this. I suffered 3 strokes due to the initial forming of the clot and the movement of it. Since then, and for the remainder of our lives, we’ll need to be on high doses of warfarin daily.

The blood thinners are the biggest road block when it comes to treating my Rheumatoid Arthritis. I’m unable to take Ibuprofen and Aspirin because of the negative interactions, and most anti-inflammatory medications are off limits to me as well. When major inflammation occurs, I form large lumps (especially on my knees) which turn into large, ugly bruises. In the beginning of my diagnosis, my Dr. performed a biopsy on one and came to the conclusion that during a flare up, my joint will bruise like a jelly donut inside and the inflammation will squish it out! Mmmm….donuts!

At the same time I was diagnosed with RA, it was also discovered I had Marfan Syndrome which is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue. People with Marfan’s are typically tall, with long limbs and long thin fingers. I am 5′11, with a 6′1” arm span!

The most serious complication is defects of the heart valves and aorta. It may also affect the lungs, eyes, dural sac surrounding the spinal cord, skeleton and hard palate.

Fortunately, my symptoms are mild; a heart murmur, joint hyper-mobility, stretchy skin, slight problems with my eyes and ears, and of course the long, slender arms, legs, fingers and toes.

Since Marfan’s is a connective tissue disease that affects my heart, and that Rheumatoid Arthritis can also have serious affects on the heart, I need to take extra care in my health. Keeping my RA under control is a very important factor and I need to be on top of that.

Do you or some one you know suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis and other conditions as well? I’d love to hear your story. Drop me a line!

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1. I Have no idea what Diet Really Works?

Finding out what foods trigger arthritis flare ups by doing a cleansing diet and a introduction of separate foods is a great way to start. Eliminating the foods that cause problems is easier than dealing with the pain they cause.

2. But It Tastes So Good!

Yes it does! But is it worth it later on? Food reactions and weight gain contribute to pain and joint damage!

3. We are very social and restaurants make it hard.

Being choosy about your food won’t cut into your social life. Most restaurants are more than happy and willing to adjust to your specifications; more and more are putting healthier choices items on their menus.

4. Healthy food is expensive

It’s not much more expensive than unhealthy food. The better you feel, the less you’ll mind, the less you’ll spend on pain relief and medical bills!

5. My family gives me no support

Unfortunately there will be family members who won’t share in your desire to change your eating habits, but don’t let that get you down. If you prepare the meals, prepare them to what you need, if they don’t like it, they’ll have to prepare their own food. Arthritis is a disease that affects more than the patient, your health is important to you and your family.

6. I need someone to hold me accountable

Finding an accountability partner isn’t has hard as you think. There are lots of people who would be willing to aide you in this struggle. Some suggestions are a co-worker, close friend, spouse, or other relative. There are many forums where you may be able to find an accountability partner. An important thing to make sure is that this person is dependable, honest, and has your best interest in mind.

7. I am too busy

You’re also too busy to have an arthritis flare up! Maintaining a healthy weight and diet is crucial in this battle; no one’s too busy to be healthy.

8. Dieting is too restrictive

You may find that you may only need to restrict a few foods. Eliminate the foods that cause flare ups, find new recipes, try foods you’ve never tried! Many people have new delicious, healthy favorites this way!

9. I suffer enough with the pain, do not take this away from me

Certain foods become a person’s comfort; but when they cause inflammation and damage, are they a comfort anymore? It is difficult to go through a cleansing diet process, but the results are worth it, more than the comfort foods. You’ll feel better, with more energy and less pain- and who knows, some of those old comforts may be allowed to stick around!

10. It takes too long to see results

Depends on what results you want to see. Sometimes pain and energy results are seen within 2 to 6 weeks. Each individual is different, and your progress is unique to you. Set short term and long term goals, you’ll not only physically feel better when you attain them, but you will have that added, “I am the CHAMPION!” to your credit!

So what’s your favorite excuse you want to add

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